With approximately 2,200 principals and 1,300 assistant principals currently serving in Missouri schools, an estimated 1,100 administrator certificates issued annually and roughly 300 new principals hired each year, the implications for teacher and student success are significant.
“In developing effective school leaders, we can recognize the value of experience and let trial and error serve as the lead instructor, or we can be more intentional. Through the implementation of the Missouri Leadership Development System, we choose to cultivate improved leadership practice by engaging our principals in relevant and meaningful learning over the course of their entire career."
Dr. Margie Vandeven, Commissioner of Education
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
The primary purpose of the Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS) is the development and support of effective school leaders. In the fall 2014, a group of key stakeholders, currently engaged in principal development and support, were convened by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to identify the essential competencies of each of the steps on the MLDS continuum. The MLDS Competencies are aligned to the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL).
On-Demand Learning
- Introductory Infographic
- MLDS Principal Leadership Series
Please click here: MoASSP or here: MAESP to access On-Demand Learning
MLDS Micro-credentials
Individuals interested in upgrading their administrator certificate may complete MLDS micro-credentials instead of completing an education specialist degree or higher. Those interested in utilizing the micro-credentials to upgrade from an initial administrator certificate to a transition administrator certificate will need to complete three (3) department-approved MLDS micro-credentials. Those interested in utilizing the micro-credentials to upgrade from an initial or transition administrator certificate to a career continuous administrator certificate will need to complete fifteen (15) department-approved MLDS micro-credentials. More information regarding upgrading your administrator certificate can be found here.
With a continuous need for excellent leaders in our schools, the MLDS micro-credentials offer principals an opportunity to demonstrate mastery of critical school leader skills. More information on the MLDS micro-credentials can be found at the websites of Missouri’s two principal associations, MAESP and MoASSP.
Meet Melissa Armbruster, Principal at Stone Creek Elementary School in Wentzville Missouri. She is the first Missouri principal to upgrade to earn her career continuous administrator certificate administrator certificate by completing all fifteen (15) DESE approved MLDS micro-credentials. Hear what she has to say about completing the MLDS micro-credentials and how she feels they have contributed to improving her leadership practice.
Formative Reviews of the Missouri Leadership Development System
- Region 12 Comprehensive Center - 2022
- Presentation Slides 2022
- Region 12 Comprehensive Center - 2021
- Presentation Slides 2021
- Region 12 Comprehensive Center - 2020
- Presentation Slides 2020
- Community Training and Assistance Center (CTAC) - 2019
- Presentation Slides 2019
MLDS Unpacking the Domains
- Visionary Leadership
- Instructional Leadership
- Innovative Leadership
- Managerial Leadership
- Relational Leadership
MLDS Competencies
Aspiring Level Participant Guide
Emerging Level Participant Guide
Developing Level Participant Guide
Transformational Level Participant Guide
Mentoring Support
Session 1 (Newly hired mentors)
Session 2 (First day of school)
Session 3 (First Quarter)
Session 4 (Second Quarter)
Session 5 (Third Quarter)
Session 6 (Fourth Quarter)
Those interested in participating in MLDS. Please contact the Leadership Development Specialist at your RPDC for additional program and registration information.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, MLDS Commission and their collaborative partners would like to express their appreciation for the support provided by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) in the development of this statewide leadership initiative. For more information on CCSSO efforts in the area of educational leadership, click here.