About the Center for Educational Leadership

We envision vibrant, equitable schools where adults and children have what they need to engage in ongoing learning, change, reflection, and growth. 

By supporting educational leaders, we enable schools and districts to work toward improved student outcomes with greater efficacy and stability.

Fill the Support Gap

Fewer than 25% of elementary principals have mentors/coaches or support systems in place. While professional learning for teachers and other educators is often robust, fewer ongoing opportunities exist for leaders. 

Reduce Turnover

Principal turnover affects more than 25% of districts annually. This turnover creates at least $75,000 of annual costs for districts. 

Facilitate Change

Leaders in schools are key to instructional change. Instability and lack of leadership support hinders change efforts and leads to teacher turnover.

Dr. Megin Charner-Laird

• Co-Director, Center for Educational Leadership at Salem State University
• Program Co-Director, Educational Leadership (CAGS & Teacher Leadership)
• Professor of Leadership, Policy, and Instruction, McKeown School of Education, Salem State University

Megin received her master's and doctorate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and her undergraduate degree from Swarthmore. During her time at Harvard, she was the director of the school's undergraduate teacher education program. Prior to her graduate studies, Megin taught elementary school in California's Bay Area. Megin’s research and publications focus on the intersection between leadership, instructional practice, and educational policy. She draws on her research and publications in her teaching and work with educational leaders.

Dr. Jacy Ippolito

• Co-Director, Center for Educational Leadership at Salem State University
• Program Co-Director, Educational Leadership (CAGS & Teacher Leadership)
• Professor of Leadership and Literacy, McKeown School of Education, Salem State University

Jacy received his master's and doctorate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and his undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware's Honors Program. Prior to coming to Salem State, Jacy was a middle school reading specialist, drama teacher, and literacy coach in the Cambridge Public Schools. Jacy's recent books and articles represent his overlapping interests in the roles that teachers, teacher leaders, principals/assistant principals, and instructional coaches play in helping lead and maintain instructional change across grade levels.