About UMKC PLUS

Who We Are

UMKC is an urban-serving public research university that fosters equity, diversity, and inclusion.

UMKC Pathway to Leadership in Urban Schools (UMKC PLUS) is a two-year principal certification and graduate degree program for talented educators who want to become transformational school leaders. By studying concrete skills and practicing them in an actual school setting, our residents learn to create supportive learning environments where all students can thrive.

We believe transformational leadership skills are required to transform our schools into environments of academic, social, and emotional care. We also believe that instructional leadership is the key to creating academically challenging learning environments that prepare all students for college and beyond. Our residents are committed to helping students become their personal best, providing culturally proficient leadership, and overcoming the barriers created by health, economic, and social disparities that impede the development of our Kansas City community.

The UMKC PLUS program helps ensure equal opportunity to higher education for all Kansas City students. PLUS provides a pipeline of PK-12 public school leaders who know how to bring excellence to scale by applying the research-based practices of transformational and instructional leadership!