Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations (ELC)

Explore interdisciplinary programs in educational leadership, policy, and cultural foundations of education. We prepare educators for faculty and leadership roles in schools, universities, organizations, and communities.

The Department of Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations (ELC) prepares students for faculty, service, and leadership positions across educational and other organizational settings. Programs focus on developing the knowledge and skills needed to lead K-12 schools and districts, teach and administrate in colleges and universities, analyze educational systems, and research and understand the cultural contexts that shape learning.

Become a School Leader

Prepare for school and district leadership roles with licensure-focused programs.

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Advance Your Leadership Career

Build expertise in leadership, systems, and organizational improvement.

  • Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)
  • Post-Bachelor’s Certificate in Community-Engaged School Leadership
Education students in mock scenarios they'll face in the workplace.

Study Education & Society

Explore education through research, policy, and interdisciplinary study.

  • Education Studies Minor
  • Ph.D. in Educational Studies (Cultural Foundations)
  • Post-Master’s Certificate in Cultural Foundations and Social Justice (PMC-SJ)
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Brock’s Critical Conversation Conference

This Conference brings together educators, students, leaders, and community members to engage the urgent socio-political issues shaping the United States. Participants leave with practical tools for meaningful dialogue, teaching, and positive community impact.

students engage with one another in an activity

Rebecca Carver Institute

The Rebecca Carver Institute on Experiential Learning (RCI) is a recurring professional learning event focused on helping participants understand and apply experiential education. The institute honors Dr. Rebecca Carver’s pioneering research and lasting contributions to the field.

Why ELC?

Why Students Choose ELC

  • Attention to leadership, policy, and cultural foundations of education
  • Focus on how schools, communities, and educational systems function and intersect
  • Faculty focus on a student-centered approach to education
  • Programs are grounded in real-world application and research
  • Programs provide pathways for educators to advance into different career roles

Careers That Make an Impact

Graduates of our programs pursue careers in:

  • School principal or assistant principal
  • Instructional leader or district-level administrator
  • Higher education or organizational leader
  • Education policy or research professional
  • Community-based education leader

Explore Our Impact

  • Dr. Charles Perkins wearing a suit and tie in front of a gray background

    Dr. Charles Perkins: Homegrown Education Leader 

    The Rockingham County School System is now being led by one of its own. Born, reared, and educated in Rockingham County, Charles Perkins was sworn…

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What our Students are Saying…

  • Head shot of Diego Mureño to the right of the Department of Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations logo

    Spartan Voices: Diego Mureño

    Diego Mureño is a doctoral student in the Educational Leadership program. The Marion, N.C., graduated this fall.

    Continue Reading…

ELC Research & Publications

  • student sits outside on grass with a laptop in their lap

    Navigating the Ethical Dilemmas of Generative AI

    Dr. Kathy Hytten – Publication Spotlight: Featuring recent faculty research and scholarly impact.

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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND CULTURAL FOUNDATIONS (ELC)

elc@uncg.edu

336.334.3490


Location: School of Education Building, Room 366

Mailing Address: 1300 Spring Garden St.
Greensboro, NC 27412

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