Our Mission

NCPEA | ICPEL is dedicated to advancing the study and practice of educational leadership by supporting the professional growth of educational leadership faculty, researchers, and practitioners.

We foster a welcoming, supportive, and collegial community that promotes scholarly exchange, strengthens leadership preparation, connects research with practice, and advances the educational leadership profession.

Through our annual conference, scholarly publications, and professional collaborations, we provide opportunities to share research, exchange innovative ideas, and contribute to the continued development of educational leadership.

Our History

National Roots. Global Reach.

Established in 1947 as the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration (NCPEA), our organization has a longstanding history of serving professors of educational administration and practicing school leaders.

As the field of educational leadership evolved, NCPEA adopted the name International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership (ICPEL) in 2016, reflecting an expanding commitment to scholarly exchange and professional collaboration beyond national boundaries.

Although our name has evolved, our organization and its foundational mission remain the same. We continue the tradition established in 1947 of supporting the profession through research, teaching, service, and meaningful professional relationships.

Today, the NCPEA | ICPEL identity recognizes both our historical foundation and our commitment to engaging educational leadership scholars and practitioners nationally and internationally.

Our Commitments

Building on nearly eight decades of service, NCPEA | ICPEL remains committed to:

  • Professional Growth: Supporting the continued professional development of educational leadership faculty, researchers, and practitioners.

  • Scholarship and Research: Advancing the knowledge base of educational leadership and strengthening the preparation of educational leaders.

  • Research and Practice: Promoting the application of theory and research to the challenges of educational leadership.

  • Ethics and Professionalism: Encouraging ethical leadership, professional responsibility, and high standards within the field.

  • Access and Inclusion: Expanding opportunities for participation and supporting equitable access to educational leadership preparation and professional advancement.

  • Advocacy and Innovation: Addressing critical issues affecting educational leadership and embracing emerging technologies and approaches to leadership preparation.

A Continuing Legacy

Our annual conference provides a longstanding opportunity for scholars and practitioners to share research, exchange effective practices, and develop professional relationships.

Together with our scholarly publications and professional initiatives, these activities reflect our enduring commitment to strengthening educational leadership preparation and practice.

National Roots. Global Reach. Advancing Educational Leadership Since 1947.