Earlier this afternoon, the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) voted to approve the initial administrative licensure (IAL) and continuing administrative licensure (CAL) programs proposed by COSA and its partner, Concordia University of Chicago (CUC). 

The first COSA-CUC cohort is expected to begin in the fall.  CUC will also offer doctoral and masters options for licensure candidates.  COSA will be sending out much more information about the program in the coming days and weeks.

The process that resulted in COSA-CUC program approval by TSPC today began last June, when the COSA Board set a goal of launching a COSA administrative licensure program.  COSA staff conducted a nation-wide search that culminated in the partnership with CUC. 

COSA chose CUC for a number of reasons, according to COSA Director of Programs Colin Cameron.  Among them are: 1) CUC is ranked in the top two percent of education leadership programs nationally, 2) CUC has a strong history of partnering with administrator associations, 3) CUC has a tried-and-true online course delivery system that will help to limit time and travel expenses, especially for candidates in rural parts of Oregon, 4) CUC offers a rigorous and relevant program, with coursework and during the practicum year, and 5) CUC trains and certifies program instructors, supervisors and mentors to ensure program quality.

Together, COSA and CUC plan to work with Oregon school leaders to recruit outstanding candidates, promote equity and support our candidates; to work together to recruit, hire and train Oregon-based instructors and personnel; and to provide a statewide professional learning community, including face-to-face cohort sessions, at COSA workshops, conferences and trainings throughout the year.  "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with CUC to offer a true continuum of education and support for Oregon school leaders throughout their careers," Cameron says.