CASTL's Principal Network Overview

Overview of CASTL's Principal Network

CASTL's Principal Network is a preeminent leadership program devoted to
the personal and professional development of school leaders. We believe that certain dispositions are essential to ethical and effective principals who can
balance instructional leadership with systems thinking, meet the management responsibilities of an educational landscape shaped by the relentless growth of standards-based accountability systems, and who are committed to thinking deeply, reflecting critically, and acting with integrity in their professional practice.

CASTL's Principal Network deftly combines on campus, onsite, and online learning in an innovative approach that actively engages candidates in an articulated series
of authentic learning experiences that are inquiry-based, data-driven, and learning-centered. Each leadership experience is designed and delivered by a premier faculty that comprises members of the Duquesne University School of Education faculty, active and retired principals, curriculum directors, educational researchers, budget directors, online learning environment designers, and experts in school law.

Preceded by a proud history of leadership and driven by its mission, CASTL's
Principal Network embodies the research and proven track records of two
renowned Duquesne University Programs: The Program for Educational Administration and Supervision and the Center for Advancing the Study of
Teaching and Learning (CASTL).

CASTL's Principal Network cohort forms yearly in June, and applications
for new candidates are accepted throughout the year.

Faculty

The faculty in CASTL's Principal Network brings significant educational expertise
and experience from a variety of educational contexts. Members of the faculty represent university-based educators and researchers as well as practicing and retired school administrators and personnel.

The role of the faculty in the Principal Network is unique. They are members of
and active participants in your learning throughout the program. Unlike traditional programs where each faculty member delivers content in his or her area of expertise and then disappears from sight, you will have access to a faculty who function as colleagues and mentors throughout your graduate studies. CASTL's strong commitment to establishing a community of learners helps prepare educational leaders who can lead with integrity while considering the the dynamic complexities of today's schools, families, and communities. The faculty for CASTL's Principal Network includes:

Dr. Mary Ann Battaglia
Curriculum Coordinator, Peters Township School District
Instructor: Curriculum and Advanced Curriculum

Dr. Robert Furman
Program Director, Duquesne University
Instructor: Orientation, Supervision, Middle School

Mrs. Rosalie Furman
Instructor, Duquesne University;
Former IST Coordinator
Instructor: Curriculum and Advanced Curriculum

John Gido
Site Visitor
Instructor: Practicum

David C. Goldbach
Associate Director, CASTL Online Learning Environment

Dr. Andrew Julius
Director of Instruction, Montour School District
Instructor: Pupil Personnel

Dr. Gibbs Konyango
Assistant Professor, Foundations and Leadership
Instructor: Research

Carl Lindstrom
Site Visitor
Instructor: Practicum

Dr. Cathy Luke
Adjunct Faculty
Retired Deputy Superintendent, Upper St. Clair School District
Site Visitor
Instructor: School Finance, Curriculum, Advanced Curriculum

Mr. Jake McElligott, Esq.
Director of Career Services and Alumni Affairs for
the School of Education, Duquesne University
Member of PILES Panel
Instructor: School Law

Dr. Peter Miller
Assistant Professor, Foundations and Leadership
Instructor: Pupil Personnel

Dr. Connie Moss
Associate Professor, Duquesne University
Director, CASTL

Mrs. Jane Thompson
Director of Business and Finance, Upper St. Clair School District
Instructor: Finance

Mission:

We are committed to preparing educational leaders who exhibit behavior that demonstrates a belief that systematic and intentional inquiry and reflection can improve educational practice to create excellent and equitable learning environments where all individuals can develop, learn, and make positive contributions to society.

The Program for Educational Administration and Supervision

Granting principal certification since 1952
Delivering a program that meets or exceeds the standards of
the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA)
Delivering a program that meets state and national standards
(i.e., ISLLC, ELCC)
Producing an impressive 100% pass rate on the state licensure exam
Delivering problem-based, data-driven learning
Incorporating standards-based performance assessment

Center for Advancing the Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL)

Researching and developing professional online learning
environments for more than eight years
Advancing the research on cognition and adult learning
Promoting problem-based learning, collaborative inquiry and
systematic reflection to create scholarly communities of practice
Integrating online learning programs with dedicated technical support
Earning the reputation of "leading edge" from the Association for
Educational Communication and Technology and Oxford University