Natalie Cohen, Principal, Lexington High School, Lexington, MA
(ncohen@sch.ci.lexington.ma.us)
On a daily basis I find myself applying my experiences in EDCO’s Educator’s Leadership Institute. The focused dialogues with talented, motivated peers; the timely and valuable readings; and the many opportunities to think deeply and write analytically have provided me with a strong foundation for the work I do every day. My planning is more thorough and my decision-making more deliberate than would have been possible without my ELI training. I unreservedly recommend this program to educators who are serious about becoming learning leaders.

Dari Donovan, Principal, Lowell Elementary, Watertown, MA (ddonovan@watertown.k12.ma.us)
The program was a pivotal experience for me professionally. Its content and design created the opportunity to explore all aspects of instructional leadership. ELI defines and develops the critical skills in its participants that are needed to support school communities in reaching for better student results. Ultimately, I am in this position because ELI encouraged me to believe that I can make a difference.

Joshua Frank, Principal, Wellesley Middle School, Wellesley, MA (joshua_frank@wellesley.k12.ma.us)
The ELI program helped me to forge an identity as an educational leader and to develop a supportive network of colleagues. ELI instructors provided me with concrete tools that a principal needs. Just as important, they encouraged me down a path of continual self-development, which is invaluable in meeting the challenges of the principalship.

Adam Goldberg, Assistant Principal, Westford Academy, Westford, MA
(adamgoldberg@westford.k12.ma.us)
My experience in EDCO's Educator's Leadership Institute was the most valuable educational experience I have ever had. Through meaningful dialogue with peers, faculty, and guest speakers, and a plethora of relevant readings, my perspective on school leadership has been forever changed. The program fully prepared me to enter the administrative arena, and I confidently believe it has made me a stronger educator. The opportunity to progress through courses with a cohort allowed me to develop meaningful relationships, connections and friendships and truly enhanced the quality of the program. The classes were relevant, hands-on, and covered the spectrum of issues that any school leader would face during the course of a year. Overall, ELI was an outstanding experience that I would highly recommend to anyone who was contemplating becoming a school administrator.

Joseph Hehn, Concord Carlisle, Concord, MA
(jhehn@colonial.net)
The ELI program provided a comprehensive education in all aspects of what an effective administrator needs to know. In looking into other programs, there are certainly less expensive and less intensive programs out there, but I am glad to have taken ELI as I feel confident in being able to step into an administrative position knowing that I have been exposed to all aspects of what a high school administrator has to face. Having filled in as an assistant principal during the last part of my ELI program made me realize how well prepared I was for dealing with parents, students, teachers, curriculum, discipline issues, and legal challenges while staying focused on the bottom line of student achievement.

A.J. Loprete, Assistant Principal, Littleton High, Littleton, MA
(ajloprete@yahoo.com)
The ELI licensure program was by far the most stretching and rewarding graduate coursework I have participated in. The courses are relevant, the workload challenging, the instructors professional, and the satisfaction unmatched. I am confident as I enter the next phase of my professional career that ELI has fully prepared me for a pivotal role in strong school leadership.

Sharon MacDonald, Principal, Farley Elementary School, Hudson, MA
(sbmacdonald@hudson.k12.ma.us)
The EDCO ELI Program helped prepare me for the principalship in ways I am still discovering. The rigorous coursework, talented and compassionate educators, knowledgeable and helpful cohort were all part of an education that was invigorating and thought provoking. I enjoyed every part of this program, and it helped me hit the ground running as a first year principal.

Michael McAllister, Director of Social Studies, Belmont, Belmont, MA
(MMcAllister@belmont.k12.ma.us)
Without ELI I am certain of two things: that I would not have been offered a job in my district and that I would not have succeeded at that job. Because of ELI I was able to speak knowledgeably and passionately about the work of an educational leader, and then when given the chance, I was able to actually do it. I owe my job and success in that job to ELI, plain and simple.
I have degrees from top schools in the nation but the learning I did in ELI was more challenging, of higher quality, and required more of me than most of the work I did as an undergrad or grad student. As a teacher, I try to inspire my students to do the best. The ELI instructors inspired me more than any other professors I have had and as a result, I believe I did some of the best work I have ever done.
It was amazing to see how much time the ELI instructors had for everyone out of class. During each break and after each class you could bank on someone needing some time and always getting more attention than they could have asked for.

Steve Rattendi, Math Department Chairman, Newton South High, Newton, MA
(steven_rattendi@newton.k12.ma.us)
ELI provided me with the opportunity to grow professionally. The first class teaching staff designed a curriculum that challenged me to confront some of the difficulties faced in educating all of our children today.
The students in the ELI program provided the second critical benefit -- the chance to speak with colleagues in other districts. I know I have formed professional relationships that will last a lifetime.

Sara-Jane Rogers, Literacy Specialist, McAvinnue School, Lowell, MA (sara–janerogers@lowell.k12.ma.us)
The ELI program provided me with the knowledge base and skills that are vital to my new role as a literacy leader in an urban school with a highly diverse student population. The program enabled me to gain new and deeper insights into many essential leadership issues, including the achievement gap, teacher capacity and big picture thinking. My previous experiences as an elementary classroom teacher and Reading Specialist, in conjunction with the Supervisor/Director Licensure I obtained after completing the ELI program, have allowed me to maintain my interest in literacy and pursue a school-based leadership position. The stellar quality of the instructors and cohort members created an atmosphere characterized by high expectations, caring, and personal growth. The program exceeded my expectations and prepared me well for my new leadership position.

Matthew C. Stahl, Principal, Washington Elementary School, Lowell, MA (mstahl@lowell.k12.ma.us)
The ELI program is an invaluable resource for classroom teachers seeking to become administrators. In addition to the academic benefits from the program, the ELI program creates a network of support for new administrators. Being an effective administrator or director means being fully cognizant of the stresses involved in classroom teaching as well as the contemporary issues swirling around education, and the ELI program has created a powerful bridge between the classroom and the Principal’s Office that prepares candidates for their new position. The ELI program was absolutely an essential in my becoming a principal. I highly recommend this program to anyone contemplating becoming a principal, administrator or director of a school.

Jennifer Truslow, Assistant to the Principal for Pupil Services, Brown Middle, Newton, MA
(jennifer_truslow@newton.k12.ma.us)
The ELI program was an incredible experience. The program helped me step out of my traditional role as an educator, and started me thinking about my impact on an entire school community. From beginning to end, I was pushed by committed, innovative faculty to examine my own beliefs and my educational philosophy as a future administrator. The skills I learned in the role plays and group work-learning how to listen carefully, cooperate when under stress, modify my own behavior as needed and work with a wide variety of individuals has helped me in my own work as an administrator this year. In addition, I feel I have 25 people I can call at a moment's notice to discuss a situation or idea. The connections I made will last a lifetime.

Carlyn Uyenoyama, K-8 Physical Education Teacher, Lawrence School, Brookline, MA
(carlyn_uyenoyama@brookline.k12.ma.us)
ELI is a program that challenges you academically and supports you both personally and professionally. They had great flexibility with my unique situation. A health issue occurred in the middle of my internship, and ELI worked with me to make sure I finished the program. I felt incredibly supported. They wanted me to succeed. I liked the cohort approach and feel part of an even bigger family. The professors, director and my cohort peers were the main reason I was able to complete the program. I'm not sure you could find the same kind of genuine support in another program.

Lynna Williams, Lead Guidance Counselor, Arlington High, Arlington, MA
(lwilliams@arlington.k12.ma.us)
ELI has opened my eyes to the variety of tasks an administrator needs to balance on a day to day basis. During the past 18 months, I was forced to explore areas outside of my comfort zone as a guidance counselor as well as take risks I would not have done otherwise without the support from the ELI program. Without a doubt, I believe ELI has helped me in my current position as Lead Counselor for the College and Transition planning as well as my future position as Guidance Director.

Bill Cole, Dean, Lexington High School, Lexington, MA
(wcole@sch.ci.lexington.ma.us)
The Cohort was a tremendous success, and you should be proud of the learning that you fostered and the opportunities being offered to the grads. I have taken many courses in my life, but the ELI program was one of the most profound learning experiences I have ever had. I got as much value from it as I did from my MBA - and at a significantly lower cost. Thanks again.

Deidre Durling Cooke, Special Education Teacher, Charlestown High School, Boston, MA
(deidredurling@gmail.com)
The ELI program is a powerful experience for teachers who are interested in growing as professionals. I began the program interested in becoming a Director of Special Education but was so inspired that I now have aspirations of running a school. The courses are very relevant to current issues in education and so practical that I was able to implement ideas immediately at my own school with confidence. The ELI program is able to encompass both urban and suburban school issues with such depth that I feel prepared to step into any school as an administrator and have the tools necessary for success. Working through the ELI program with a cohort fostered many dynamic conversations, excellent connections, and much needed collegial support. I highly recommend this program to anyone considering a career in administration.