Fred Rogers Institute Certificate in Values-Based Leadership at Saint Vincent College
The Fred Rogers Institute (FRI) Certificate in Values-Based Leadership at Saint Vincent College equips professionals in child- and youth-serving fields to grow their leadership and ground their work in their values. With a focus on the leadership example of Fred Rogers and application of research-based principles in leadership and personal development, the Certificate focuses on developing leaders who prioritize service, empathy, and ethical leadership in their organizations and communities. It integrates Fred Rogers’ philosophy of compassionate leadership, emotional intelligence, and relational trust with traditional servant leadership principles.
Who Should Apply?
- Professionals with a Bachelor's Degree or higher who wish to advance their professional learning
- Individuals in child-, youth- and family-serving fields who wish to grow as leaders in their careers
- Professionals who already have an advanced degree and wish to pursue a Certificate
- Students pursuing a Masters in Education at Saint Vincent College and want to advance their learning with the addition of a Certificate
The Certificate in Values-Based Leadership is available as a stand-alone course of study or as an extension of masters level programs offered through the Education Department. It is a 15-credit graduate level program, offered entirely virtually. The courses are paced to be compatible with professionals in full-time employment.
Courses to complete the Certificate in Values-Based Leadership:
Offered in the Summer
3 Credits
This course explores the principles and evolving practices of educational leadership and professional development in schools and workplaces. Emphasizing leadership as both relational and reflective, it prepares educators to create inclusive, nurturing, and transformative environments. Grounded in Fred Rogers’ philosophy of empathy, intentionality, and respect, the course examines the power of relationships, emotional intelligence, and ethical leadership in fostering meaningful growth. Students will engage with research-based leadership frameworks, develop strategies for building collaborative professional cultures, and design professional development initiatives that support continuous learning and school and organizational Improvement.
Offered in the Fall
3 Credits
Alongside author Barry Head, Fred Rogers envisioned six fundamentals that impact and guide the ways in which children grow and learn (sense of self-worth, sense of trust, curiosity, the capacity to look and listen carefully, the capacity to play, and solitude). This course focuses on the exploration of these fundamentals in association to the contexts and experiences of educators. Influenced by Fred Rogers archival resources, students will be able to reflect on their practices and consider the ways they encounter these fundamentals in their personal and professional lives. This course will utilize multiple assessments to demonstrate understanding and reflection.
Offered in the Fall
3 Credits
This course offers students an introduction to inclusive environments and services. Students learn the techniques and skills needed to address current inclusive classroom management issues as well as how to develop effective teaching strategies for an inclusive classroom. This course involves practical application and discussion. Particular consideration will be given to Fred Rogers’ approaches to inclusion in his television show as a means for considering what inclusion can look like in non-traditional education environments.
Offered in the Spring
3 Credits
Using resources from the Fred Rogers Archive as a guide, this course supports educators in understanding the fundamentals of leadership and in developing their personal leadership style and goals. Readings will explore essential values of leadership, and course activities and assignments will guide students through strengthening their leadership values and how to bring those values to the daily work of serving as a leader in an educational or service-oriented setting. By the end of the course, students will develop a personal leadership portfolio to take with them into their roles.
Offered in the Summer
3 Credits
Students will work directly with Fred Rogers Institute staff, particularly the Fred Rogers Archivist, to define an area of inquiry related to their work and practice as educators. After clearly establishing a research question, students will read from materials in the Fred Rogers Archive, interview practitioners and experts in the field, and ultimately produce a presentation and research paper.
To learn more about Saint Vincent College’s general certificate requirements and to access the application, click the button below:
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