Program endorsements

Community partners support NAU’s Department of Educational Leadership

Find out what our community partners say about our students and programs at Northern Arizona University.

Frank Davidson, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Casa Grande Elementary School District
Casa Grande, AZ

As Superintendent of the Casa Grande Elementary School District, it has been my pleasure to work with several graduates of the Educational Leadership program at Northern Arizona University.  It has consistently been my experience that, through this program, graduates acquire the knowledge and skills to successfully step into leadership roles. Their exposure to hands-on experiences, in which they have the opportunity to collaborate with others in addressing real-world scenarios, ensures that they understand and appreciate both the theoretical and practical implications of leading schools.

The challenges of school leadership in the current context are great.  Despite diminishing resources and the prospect of increased accountability, leaders must have the values, knowledge, and skills to improve outcomes for all students.  The Educational Leadership program at NAU is a very reliable source of capable future leaders. In the coming years, I know that I will continue to look to NAU for future leaders.

Nicholas Clement
Superintendent, Flowing Wells Unified School District
Tucson, Arizona

As Superintendent of Flowing Wells Unified School System, I have had the unique opportunity to collaborate with the Northern Arizona University College of Education in the preparation of teachers and administrators.  NAU grads are highly qualified, highly skilled and therefore in high demand.  Principals in our district prefer new teachers prepared by NAU because they demonstrate strong knowledge and skills in critical areas like classroom management, classroom instruction and a willingness to become a member of the school team and culture.

My preference for NAU College of Education Educational Leadership graduates is clearly evident in our numbers.  70% of our leadership team (assistant principals, principals and assistant superintendents) hold their Master’s Degree from NAU and four out of the last five new administrators were NAU grads.

Our district has been recently recognized for our academic achievements including being one of the first Arizona public school districts to recent full accreditation from AdvancED and the prestigious 2013 U.S. News & World Report Best High School Silver Award. I attribute our success directly to the quality of our teachers and administrators.  NAU College of Education is a true partner in our success!

David Woodall
Superintendent, Benson School District
Benson, Arizona

As a rural school superintendent for the past 20 years, I have had the pleasure of observing countless educators that have received their credentials through the College of Education at Northern Arizona University.  Districts actively seek education graduates from Northern Arizona University knowing their training and instruction will allow them to immediately impact students and staff.   Schools across Arizona depend on the excellent teachers and administrators the College of Education at Northern Arizona University has a reputation of consistently producing.