Since 2014, Chuck Podhorsky has served as principal of La Jolla High School in San Diego. A lifetime member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society, Chuck Podhorsky holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of California at San Diego and San Diego State University, respectively. He later continued his studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned a doctorate in educational leadership.

Launched in 1993, UCLA’s Educational Leadership Program (ELP) prepares educators for leadership positions at all levels of education. Since its founding, over 450 educators have graduated from the program. ELP alumni have gone on to serve as public and independent school principals, college and university administrators, and public policy thought leaders.

A three-year doctorate program, the ELP consists of 19 courses and a capstone leadership seminar. The program includes courses in educational management, research methods and design, writing and inquiry, and school culture and structure. Students are also required to complete directed field experience and a dissertation.

To be accepted into UCLA’s ELP program, applicants must be currently employed in education and possess a minimum of five years of full-time professional experience. Applicants must also demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills and meet program requirements related to previous GPA and GRE scores.