button linking to pdf of this brochure

 

 

I LEAD Logo

Indian Leadership
Education & Development

Horizontal Rule

Superintendent Certification

A collaborative project of:

Little Big Horn College and the Educational Leadership Program at Montana State University Dept. of Education
The purpose of the I LEAD project is to recruit, educate, and place American Indian educators into administrative positions at schools with high populations of Native American students. Candidates in the Education Specialist (Ed.S) program will participate in four blocks of instruction spanning a timeframe of about 12 months. This instruction meets OPI’s academic requirement for Class III Administrator/Superintendent Licensure. Walter Fleming with Tribal Flags at Montana Hall
Benefits Requirements Application Materials
  • Educational Specialist’s degree in Educational Leadership
  • Qualification for state certification as school superintendent
  • Tuition and fees paid including all admissions fees
  • Books and all necessary course materials and supplies will be provided to each candidate
  • Summer stipends to offset the costs of attending sessions conducted at the Bozeman Campus
  • Be a member of a federal or state recognized tribe or have a parent or grandparent that was a tribal member
  • At least one year of experience as a licensed school administrator
  • Be admitted to Montana State University’s Educational Specialist program.

 
  • Graduate Application Form
  • GPA Calculation Form
  • Minimum undergrad/graduate GPA of 3.0
  • Resume/Vitae
  • Self-Nomination Letter
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Proof of Tribal Affiliation

APPLY TO MSU Graduate School
Schedule Frequently Asked Questions

Spring 2026
EDLD 591 Indigenous Leadership

Summer 2026
EDLD 620 School Superintendent
EDLD 655 MT Legal & Policy Studies

Fall 2026
EDLD 610 Leadership and Organization
EDLD 574 Field Experience

Spring 2027
EDLD 630 Advanced Instructional Leadership
EDLD 643 Leading Social Justice

Summer 2027
EDLD 645 School Personnel & Collective Bargaining
EDLD 650 MT Finance & Facilities
EDLD 575 Professional Paper

 

**Students who complete coursework will earn an Education Specialist degree and meet the academic requirements for Superintendent Licensure

What would happen if I decided not to apply for an administrative position after completing the program?

This I LEAD project requires a payback of one year of service as an administrator at a school serving Native American students for every year of participation or a payback of the funds spent for your participation in I LEAD structured as a student loan.

Do I have to take all the courses at the times specified by cohort?

Although you will have to take all of the courses, you could develop an alternative schedule allowing you to accelerate graduation or slow the pace. Keep in mind, that all course work must be completed by summer of 2030

Can I participate in the MSU classes offered through the I LEAD program, if I am not Native American, but work with Native American students?

The I LEAD program is for those educators that are tribal members themselves or those with parents or grandparents who are tribal members. You may apply to the Ed.S. program offered to I LEAD participants, but have to self-fund your own cost of attendance.

Horizontal Rule

For more information:    Dr. Jason Cummins
jason.cummins1@montana.edu
406-994-4142		 Learn more about the I LEAD Program

 

M S U Department of Education Logo