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 What is the mission of the Klingenstein Center?
Where is the Klingenstein Center located?
What is the Esther A. and Joseph Klingenstein Fund?
What are independent schools?
Who is the Director of the Klingenstein Center?
What programs does the Klingenstein Center offer?
How do Klingenstein programs differ from other graduate school programs in education?
What will I be studying?
Why is there an emphasis on teamwork?
How does the learning extend beyond the classroom?
What professional advantages does the Klingenstein Center offer to independent school educators?
Are Klingenstein programs only useful to educators who want to become administrators?
Which Klingenstein programs lead to graduate degrees?
Who is eligible to apply for Klingenstein Programs?
How do I apply?
When are the application deadlines for Klingenstein Programs?
What's the difference between the full-year and summer formats for the Master's Degree in Education Leadership with a Focus in Private School leadership?
What is the relationship between Teachers College and the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Education?
How long does it take to complete a degree?
Is financial aid available?
Is housing available?
What if I have a family?
What should I know about being a graduate student in New York City?
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What is the mission of the Klingenstein Center?
The mission of the Klingenstein Center is to improve the quality of independent school education by developing and strengthening leadership among teachers and administrators who work in and with independent schools.
Carefully crafted programs, drawing on the resources of Teachers College and the other graduate schools of Columbia University, are designed to provide the knowledge, skill, and understanding necessary for informed and effective practice. In an age in which independent school educators are called upon to understand both the business of management and the moral purpose of educating youth, the Klingenstein Center stands alone in its capacity to develop leaders.
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Where is the Klingenstein Center located?
The Klingenstein Center is located in 204 Zankel Hall, Teachers College, Columbia University. Teachers College is the graduate faculty of education, psychology, and health professionals of Columbia University, and is located on West 120th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue in the Morningside Heights section of Manhattan.
Most classes are held at Teachers College, and draw on the surrounding "Academic Acropolis on the Hudson," comprised of Columbia College, Barnard College, and the thirteen graduate schools of Columbia University. Detailed contact information is available here.
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What is the Esther A. and Joseph Klingenstein Fund?
The Klingenstein Fund was established in 1946 as a vehicle for expressing the personal philanthropic interests of its founders, Esther A. and Joseph Klingenstein. Under the leadership of its current president, John Klingenstein, the Fund has made independent education a major programmatic interest. The Klingenstein Center is supported by the generosity of the Klingenstein Fund and acknowledges the Fund's deep respect for the quality of education in independent schools, and particularly the teachers and administrators who work in those schools.
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What are independent schools?
Often thought of as "private" or "non-public" schools, independent schools exhibit a wide diversity of attributes. They range in size from one-room schoolhouses to schools of thousands. They include boarding schools and day schools, single sex schools and co-educational schools, religiously oriented schools and non-sectarian programs. Some identify themselves as traditional in philosophy, while others are progressive or alternative. Some include kindergarten through twelfth grade, while some operate exclusively as elementary, middle, or secondary schools.
Among this diversity six characteristics remain constant. Independent schools are united by their: self-governance, self-support, self-defined curriculum, self-selected students, self-selected faculty, and small size (Kane, 1991).
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Who is the Director of the Klingenstein Center?
Professor Pearl Rock Kane Ed.D., has been the Center's
Director since 1978. She is an alumna of the first Klingenstein
Fellows group, as well as a former public and independent
school teacher. A brief biography of Professor Kane
can be found here.
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What programs does the Klingenstein Center offer?
The Center offers five programs:
- Summer Institute for Early Career Teachers
- Heads of Schools Program
- Master’s Degree Program for Independent School Leadership (Full Year)
- Master’s Degree Program for Independent School Leadership (Two Summers)
More detailed program descriptions can be found here
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How do Klingenstein programs differ from other graduate school programs in education?
The Klingenstein programs have been designed to meet the challenges specific to independent schools. This fact distinguishes the Klingenstein center from other graduate programs throughout the country, which tend to focus on public schools. While all educators share some common goals, the public and independent environments are also quite different, requiring different skills and knowledge in order to succeed. (Many of the requirements for public school educators, for example, are framed by state laws.)
In addition to following the core curriculum, students work in cohorts that create an atmosphere of camaraderie, collegiality, and inquiry among participants. Many graduates point to the cohort as one of the most significant attributes of the program. Both professional and personal bonds develop, creating networks of friendship and support that last throughout careers.
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What will I be studying?
Each Klingenstein program has a unique curriculum that fits with the program goals. All programs emphasize: the cultivation of moral purpose, the development of leadership capacity, and pedagogical approaches that call upon participants to actively engage and work together in teams.
The Center serves as a microcosm for the kinds of behaviors
that have been proven to promote success and effectiveness
in the workplace. The programs are rigorous. They draw
upon the best that is available in educational and leadership
literature, and they are uniquely practical. Students
expand the base of what they know, and at the same time
their learning is integrated with their experience,
so when they return to the schools, they have the ability
to achieve the results they care about.
More detailed information can be found here
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Why is there an emphasis on teamwork?
In the last decades, more and more organizations have been recognizing the advantages of collaboration. Independent schools are no exception. Research indicates that effective organizations rely as much on how well people work together as upon individual excellence.
By working in teams, our students develop experience in pooling their knowledge, talents, and perspectives with others. They see not only that teamwork can lead to better solutions, but that it leads as well to increased commitment. When stakeholders are involved in decision-making early on, they are far more likely to be invested in the outcome.
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How does learning extend beyond the classroom?
In addition to graduate coursework, students complete integrative projects that call for original research in an area of particular interest. Projects are completed independently or collaboratively in small groups. Recent projects have included studies of charter schools, the attraction and retention of teachers of color to independent schools, and independent school marketing approaches.
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What professional advantages does the Klingenstein Center offer to independent school educators?
The Center's reputation for rigor, its insistence on accepting only highly motivated and qualified applicants, and its twenty-five year history have resulted in a well-deserved reputation for excellence. Independent school leaders understand that educators who have been through "the Klingenstein experience" are motivated, well-educated professionals who understand the unique world of independent schools, as well as the role these schools play within the larger context of education.
The Center also provides students with the opportunity
to join a growing network of independent school educators.
With more than 2,500 graduates since 1977, Klingenstein
alumni enjoy strong professional bonds. Through electronic
mail and annual reunions, graduates continue to tap
the talent, ideas, and support of their colleagues.
More detailed information about alumni can be obtained
by visiting the alumni
information section of the Center's website. |
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Are Klingenstein programs only useful to educators who want to become administrators?
No. The Center's goal is to teach educators how to be effective leaders, regardless of whether they become master teachers or life-long administrators. Leadership is a very different proposition from administration or management, and especially in independent school communities, is not contingent upon titular authority. Many independent schools rely on the effective leadership of their faculty as well as their administration, and the Center strives to provide the knowledge necessary to answer this call.
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Which Klingenstein programs lead to graduate degrees?
The MA in Education Leadership, with a concentration in Private School Leadership is a 32 point (credit) master of arts degree offered by the Department of Organization and Leadership at Teachers College. A 60 point Ed.M. degree with the same concentration is also offered, and students may transfer up to 30 (related) graduate credits completed elsewhere to satisfy degree requirements for the Master of Education. Students may pursue the MA or the Ed.M. either in the Center's full-year program (Private School Leadership) or in its summer program (The Leadership Academy).
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Who is eligible to apply for Klingenstein Programs?
All programs require the minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university to apply. In addition, there are different eligibility requirements for each program:
- Summer Institute for Early Career Teachers: independent school teachers who have two to five years of teaching experience in independent schools are eligible to apply.
- Heads of Schools Program: heads of independent schools are eligible to apply.
- Master’s Degree Program for Independent School Leadership (Full Year): independent school educators with at least three years of teaching experience in independent or charter schools are eligible to apply.
- Master’s Degree Program for Independent School Leadership (Two Summers): administrators and teacher-leaders who secure the endorsement of their school head, and have at least three years of experience in independent or charter schools are eligible to apply.
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How do I apply?
For detailed information on the application process, contact the Klingenstein Center directly, or visit the applications section of the center's web site for instructions.
Candidates who wish to apply for the Master's Degree in Educational Leadership with a Focus in Private School Leadership or to the Leadership Academy must submit an application directly to Teachers College, Columbia University. To request information or apply for admission online, visit the Office of Admissions section of the Teachers College web site.
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When is the application deadline for Klingenstein Programs?
The application deadlines and information for Klingenstein Center programs are detailed on the Apply page of our website.
Click here to Access the To Apply Page.
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What's the difference between the full year and summer formats for the Degree Programs in Education Leadership with a concentration in Private School Leadership?
The core curricula and the degrees awarded are identical. The major difference is timing. The summer format (Leadership Academy) allows teacher-leaders and administrators to engage in intensive academic study and leadership training without taking a leave of absence from their schools. However, there is considerable pressure to work quickly and efficiently in this program because of the condensed timeframe. Students in the academic year program (Private School Leadership) either take a year off from their schools or are in between jobs. The Klingenstein Center connects those students in the latter category with school placement firms as a part of the program. For more information, click here.
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What is the relationship between Teachers College and the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Education?
The Klingenstein Center is one of many small, mission-driven organizations within Teachers College, Columbia University. The Center is part of the College's Department of Organization and Leadership, has the full support of both the College and the Department, and enjoys the full resources of Columbia University.
Approximately 5,000 students are currently enrolled
at the College in programs leading to both Master's
and doctoral degrees in fields ranging from clinical
and organizational psychology to curriculum and teaching.
Nearly 130 full-time faculty members teach and conduct
research in the nearby schools, as well as around the
nation and the world.
Teachers College ranks consistently in the top three graduate schools of education in the nation by US News and World Report. For more information about Teachers College, Columbia University, visit the College's web site.
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How long does it take to complete a degree?
Students enrolled in the Full Year program usually complete the degree during the academic year.
The Summer degree program’s 18-month curriculum fulfills
the requirements for an MA in Education Leadership (on-site
during two summers plus projects/research at the school
site in the intervening year and one semester following
the 2nd summer).
Students who currently hold a master's degree in a field related to education may complete the Ed.M. in either a year of full-time study, or by completing the two summers program. Without transfer credits, students may earn an Ed.M. through coursework equal to 28 points beyond the requirements of the master's degree and the completion of an additional project.
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Is financial aid available?
Klingenstein programs are supported or supplemented through a generous grant from the Esther A. and Joseph Klingenstein Fund. The Fund has also provided Private School Leadership scholarship aid based on need or merit. Additional aid has come from Teachers College and generous supporters of Klingenstein programs such as the Barnes and Altman Foundations. Students who are interested in these opportunities should inquire directly to the Klingenstein Center. Visit Financing Your Degree for more information.
For additional financial aid information including loans, students should contact the Office of Student Aid at 212.678.3714.
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Is housing available?
Yes. Housing is available for full-time graduate students through the Department of Residence Life, Teachers College, Columbia University. The College maintains both single student housing and family housing in the form of single rooms, suites, studios, one bedroom, two bedroom, and three bedroom apartments (limited availability) in five different residence halls, four of which are next to Teachers College. In 2006-2007, the housing rate for a semester for these various options ranged from $3100 to $8000, which is reasonable relative to the New York City housing market. Pets are allowed in the family housing units of Teachers College.
Summer Program student housing is offered through
the program for those students who do not need apartments
and do not wish to make their own living arrangements.
The weekly fee for Summer 2007 housing was $260.
It is important to note that affordable housing is a
precious commodity in New York City. Housing assignments
at Teachers College are awarded on a "first-come, first
served" basis, and housing applications should be completed
as early as possible. This application can be found
in the back of the Teachers College Catalog. For more
detailed information, contact the Department of Residence
Life at 212.678.3253 or visit their website.
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What if I have a family?
Many students have families who relocate with them to New York City and consider it a rich and memorable experience. The Department of Residence Life offers two and three bedroom apartments situated next to Teachers College, Columbia University. Many academic-year students with school-aged children opt to place them in one of several local independent or public schools. Nearby Riverside Park provides ample room for both children and pets, with numerous playgrounds and dog runs.
Many area schools give special consideration to Klingenstein
families; however, it is important to note that the
admissions process and deadlines for New York City independent
schools are separate from the Klingenstein admissions
process, and often require substantial lead time. For
more detailed information about New York City independent
and public schools, contact the Klingenstein Center
directly. |
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What should I know about being a graduate student in New York City?
From the art galleries of Madison Avenue and SoHo, to concerts at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, to the museums of Fifth Avenue, studying in New York City provides an unrivaled opportunity to enjoy some of the most exciting educational, cultural, and social events in the world. Many of these resources, including the Metropolitan Museum and the Museum of Modern Art, can be accessed for free or a reduced rate with a Columbia University I.D. For more information about the University's "Passport to New York," contact the Provost's Office at 212.854.2403.
Morningside Heights, the area around Teachers College,
is a vibrant and safe community. The University takes
special care to ensure the safety of the neighborhood,
with security officers on patrol 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week, including holidays. The neighborhood takes more
than a little of its special character from the educational
and religious institutions housed there, including Columbia
University, Barnard College, the Union Theological Seminary,
the Jewish Theological Seminary, the Manhattan School
of Music, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the
Interchurch Center, and Riverside Church.
The neighborhood also boasts a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Designer clothing stores, banks, gourmet food shops, grocery stores, bakeries, coffeehouses, and moderate to expensive restaurants featuring an international range of cuisines can all be found within a short walk of Teachers College.
New York's mass transit system of subways and buses provide the vital link to explore the world outside of Morningside Heights. A subway stop for the 1 train is located at one of Columbia's gated entrances on 116th Street and Broadway, and the M4, M5, M60, M11, and M104 buses all have stops within two blocks of Teachers College.
It is important to realize that parking a car in Manhattan can be difficult, time consuming, and expensive. We strongly encourage that students relocating to Manhattan leave their cars at home.
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