New York State is changing how school administrators get certified; Here’s how CITE Grads can help your colleagues.

Dear CITE Alum,

You trained here. You know what CITE means for a career in school leadership. And right now, we (and your colleagues) need your help.

New York State is changing how school administrators get certified. Beginning in 2025, NYSED began phasing out the School Building Leader (SBL) and School District Leader (SDL) certification programs. Many teachers, counselors, and school staff are hearing about these changes and wondering whether they should enroll now or wait. The answer is clear: now is the time to act.

Here is the most important thing your colleagues need to know: anyone who completes their SBL or SDL certification before the 2030 deadline will hold a fully valid credential — recognized by New York State regardless of the new certification structure. Completing now does not mean settling for a temporary or transitional certificate. It means locking in a lifetime credential on a clear, proven path, before the process changes.

If you have colleagues, teachers, or staff members who have been thinking about moving into school leadership, please share the flyer below with them. It explains exactly what the certification changes mean, why enrolling now is the right move, and why CITE remains the best choice.

CITE — Why CITE? Why Now? — Page 1: NYSED 2030 SBL/SDL deadline, certification timeline, and key program facts — *Why CITE? Why Now? — Page 1: the timeline, why CITE, and what it costs.*

CITE — Why CITE? Why Now? — Page 2: NYC metro SBL/SDL cost comparison vs CUNY, Hofstra/St. John's, Fordham/Columbia TC; CITE is the lowest-cost option — *Why CITE? Why Now? — Page 2: NYC-metro cost comparison and what’s at stake when the window closes.*

Here is why CITE stands out:

Most affordable — $12,750 total, less than CUNY and every private competitor in New York
Most convenient — Saturday or Sunday hybrid classes available across NYC, Long Island, and Westchester, plus a fully online option
Complete certification — SBL and SDL covered in a single program, completable in as little as 19 months
Proven track record — CITE has trained 25% of all NYC principals over more than 30 years

The window to earn SBL and SDL certification is open — but it will not stay open forever. Please pass this along to anyone on your staff who is ready to answer the leadership call.

Click www.citeadmin.com for more information or to apply!

Thank you for your continued support. #CITEProud

With Gratitude,
Donald James, Ed.D.
Executive Director, CITE

New York State is changing how school administrators get certified; Here's how CITE Grads can help your colleagues.