Research-informed leadership
Scientific evidence guides leadership practice, policy improvement, curriculum development, and teaching innovation — at national and international levels.
Department news
All news30 October 2026
Visiting Scholar invitation: Monash UniversityDr. Chi Che, Head of Educational Leadership at Payap International College, has been formally invited to join the Faculty of Education at Monash University, Australia, as a Visiting Scholar. A member of Australia’s Group of Eight, Monash is recognized for research excellence. The visit will strengthen Payap EL’s international academic engagement, research collaboration, and Australia–Asia connections in educational leadership.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Lead educational change through research, ethics, and practice.
The M.A. and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership (International Program) at Payap University’s International College prepare educators and administrators for research-informed leadership in schools, universities, and education systems.
M.A.
2 years · 36 credits
Ph.D.
3 years · 48 credits
EN / 中文
International language tracks
Chiang Mai
Mae Khao Campus
ELer Highlights
From classroom theory to school-based leadership practice
Listen to Payap ELers on the M.A. and Ph.D.: not only what they study, but where they practice it. Field study with school communities — presenting together, observing leadership where it happens, and growing through shared dialogue. Observe. Engage. Reflect. Lead.
Student activitiesDepartment of Educational Leadership
A graduate home for educational leaders
The M.A. in Educational Leadership is designed for educators and education professionals who seek to strengthen research-informed leadership, educational innovation, and evidence-based practice in diverse institutional and cross-cultural contexts. The Ph.D. is designed for experienced educators, administrators, and education professionals who seek to lead educational change through research, policy, and strategic leadership.
Both programs received approval from the University Board of Trustees at meeting 46/2025 on 14 June 2025.
Ethical and transformative practice
Core study includes ethical leadership, innovation for educational excellence, and administration for global excellence.
Field-based learning
Graduate students visit schools and international campuses to observe leadership, culture, governance, and community-based learning firsthand.
Global academic networks
The department is expanding partnerships for academic exchange, joint research, faculty and student development, and scholarly dialogue.
Graduate programs
International Program · 2 years · 36 credits
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
For teachers, coordinators, and emerging educational leaders. Thesis track or professional independent-study track. Language of instruction: English or Chinese.
International Program · 3 years · 48 credits
Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership
For experienced educators and administrators. Plan 1.1 research-intensive dissertation, or Plan 2.1 coursework plus dissertation.
Global connections, local impact
International collaboration
Partnerships connecting Payap EL with universities in the United States, Hungary, India, and China.
Official opening of the DTMS Lab — UCIS
On 26 October 2026, Educational Leadership officially opened the Design Thinking for Meta-Skills Development (DTMS) Lab at Payap International College. UCIS partners Ms. Suphani Phumi Dilig (School Director), Superintendent John Arunski, and Principal John Conger, M.Ed., joined Dr. Chi Che to sign project proposals and watch the official announcement. The lab is a step toward design thinking, meta-skills development, and research-informed educational leadership.
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From Chiang Mai to Budapest — Óbuda University
Dr. Chi Che, Head of Payap Educational Leadership, The International College, Payap University, visited Óbuda University and met with Dr. Marcel Pop, Director General for International Relations, to explore Erasmus+ mobility, guest lectures, joint workshops, research, and future institutional cooperation.
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Budapest — ELTE Faculty of Education and Psychology
Payap EL of The International College, Payap University in Budapest: Dr. Chi Che met with Dr. Zoltán Rónay of ELTE’s Faculty of Education and Psychology to advance department-level academic engagement for leadership innovation.
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Budapest — Budapest Metropolitan University
Payap EL of The International College, Payap University in Budapest: Dr. Chi Che met with Dr. István Vilmos Kovács, Director for Learning and Teaching at Budapest Metropolitan University, to discuss educational leadership, learning innovation, the proposed Meta-Skills Development Lab, joint workshops, and future Hungary–Thailand academic collaboration.
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Ohio University — Memorandum of Understanding
Payap University announced the formal establishment of academic collaboration with Ohio University through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partnership is described as an important milestone for the Educational Leadership (EL) Program, Payap International College, creating pathways for international academic exchange, joint research and scholarly dialogue, faculty and student development, and global perspectives in educational leadership and academic management.
EL-Payap
From Facebook
Recent posts from the Educational Leadership Facebook page — field visits, new ELers, and department life in Chiang Mai.
EL-Payap
7 October 2026
Master ELers field trip to Thasala School
Payap EL Master’s students joined a field trip to Thasala School, Chiang Mai, on 7 October 2026, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Nongnaphat Phanphonlakrit. The visit connected educational leadership theory with authentic school practice through observation, dialogue, and field engagement.
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EL-Payap
5 October 2026
Seminar highlights: Teacherpreneurship in K–12 international schooling
EL 701 Week 9 special seminar dialogue at Payap International College. Dr. Chi Che and Mr. John Conger, PreK–12 Grade 2 Principal at Unity Concord International School, explored teacherpreneurship, service learning, teacher empowerment, sustainability, and global citizenship.
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EL-Payap
30 September 2026
Teacherpreneurship as a meta-skill for transformational leadership
Proud to share EL’s latest publication by Dr. Chi Che: “Teacherpreneurship as a Meta-Skill for Transformational Leadership: Conceptualization and Validation” in the Journal of Education and Innovation, 28(3). TCI Tier 2. Grateful to contribute to educational leadership, innovation, and transformational scholarship.
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EL-Payap
16 September 2026
EL 602 Field Study | Ban San Sri School
Payap Educational Leadership completed the EL 602 field study visit to Ban San Sri School on 16 September 2026. Through Lanna lantern making, community engagement, and school observation, students explored ethical leadership, equity, inclusion, transformative education, and local wisdom. Observe · Participate · Analyze · Reflect · Lead.
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EL-Payap
14 August 2026
UCIS Discovery Field Visit completed
Educational Leadership at the International College celebrated the Master of Educational Leadership Discovery Field Visit to Unity Concord International School. Observe · Engage · Reflect · Connect · Lead.
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EL-Payap
18 August 2026
Why Payap EL? Because leadership is learned by living it
Our ELers are not simply completing a degree — they are building confidence, sharpening critical thinking, challenging assumptions, and learning how to lead meaningful educational change. Think globally. Lead locally. Transform boldly.
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EL-Payap
August 2026
ELer Learning Notes
“Joining Payap EL is one of my best academic decisions. I am learning not only how to manage education but how to transform it.” — a current ELer, shared on the department Facebook page.
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EL-Payap
August 2026
Design Thinking for Meta-Skills Development Lab
Payap EL officially launched the Design Thinking for Meta-Skills Development Lab — unlocking future-ready leadership through human-centered innovation, with academic engagement connected to Dr. Oliver Crocco and Dr. Brian Perkins, Teachers College, Columbia University.
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EL-Payap
2026
Payap EL welcomes the onsite visit
Payap EL welcomes the onsite visit of the President of Polus International College, Chengdu, China. Together with Dr. Pat and Dr. Chi Che, the International College of Payap warmly welcomes this visit. We care for the wellbeing and thriving of students through leadership, partnership, and community. Leadership · Care · Wellbeing · Thriving.
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EL-Payap
6 August 2026
From classroom theory to school-based leadership practice
Payap Educational Leadership completed the EL Field Study Visit to Ban San Phra Net School. Through observation, professional dialogue, and engagement with the school context, students gained insights into school culture, leadership practice, educational management, and community-based learning. Experiencing · Observing · Reflecting · Growing.
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EL-Payap
11 August 2026
EL Master Family Rally — Semester 1/2026
A new semester begins with the Payap Educational Leadership Master’s family coming together in learning, friendship, and shared purpose. One Family · One Learning Journey · One Purpose · One Payap.
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EL-Payap
10 August 2026
PhD ELers gathered — a fresh research journey
Ph.D. candidates consolidated first research directions: inclusive leadership and ADHD education, teacher retention in Thai international schools, AI-enabled human-centered leadership, and educational equity for rural learners in Myanmar.
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EL-Payap
7 August 2026
Ph.D. Semester 1/2026 class announcement
Regular doctoral classes begin Monday 10 August 2026. Every Monday: EL 701 Comparative and International Education (09:00–12:00) and EL 702 Advanced Research Methodology for Educational Leadership (13:00–16:00), taught by Dr. Chi Che.
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6 August 2026
Welcome to the Payap EL family
Payap University welcomed Nan Moe Thout Pan and Naw Kwee Khu as new candidates in the Master of Educational Leadership (International Program). Both bring a commitment to inclusive leadership, student development, and community engagement in Myanmar and beyond.
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EL-Payap
24 July 2026
Meet our new Ph.D. candidate
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Marcos to the Ph.D. in Educational Leadership (International Program). As an experienced educator, entrepreneur, and teacherpreneur, he brings teaching practice and entrepreneurial vision to Payap EL — where future leaders start from here.
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EL-Payap
22 July 2026
Field Study Visit 2 at Ban Sansai School
Join Payap University’s Educational Leadership Program for Field Study Visit 2 at Ban Sansai School on Friday 24 July, 9:00 a.m. to noon — school leadership, community engagement, and educational practice in an authentic setting.
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EL-Payap
17 July 2026
Field Study | Wat Buak Krok Nuea School
Wat Buak Krok Nuea School, Saraphi District, Chiang Mai — 17 July 2026, 12:30–16:30. Educational Leadership students engaged with local educators, students, and the community through authentic cultural and educational experiences.
View on FacebookEL-Payap
18 June 2026
Welcome, Polus Group
Payap University’s Educational Leadership Program welcomed Polus Integrated Course students to the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership at the International College. Orientation: 6 July 2026, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
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EL-Payap
30 May 2026
Proud moment at ICESML 2026, Chulalongkorn University
Three certificates, one proud Payap EL moment. Congratulations to Dr. Chi Che for winning the Best Poster Presentation Award at ICESML 2026, and to EL scholars Wei Peng and Win Pa Pa Tun for their successful oral presentations at the Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University (29–30 May 2026). Theme: Building Global Education Futures through Intercultural Leadership.
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EL-Payap
30 May 2026
Three certificates, one proud Payap EL moment
Three certificates from ICESML 2026 at the Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University (29–30 May 2026): Best Poster Presentation Award for Dr. Chi Che, and oral-presentation certificates for EL scholars Wei Peng and Win Pa Pa Tun. Theme: Building Global Education Futures through Intercultural Leadership.
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EL-Payap
21–22 May 2026
Payap × CWSSU Future-Ready Educational Leadership Workshop
Payap Educational Leadership partnered with the Department of Education, Captain Williamson Sangma State University (Meghalaya, India) for a two-day online workshop. Dr. Brian Perkins (Teachers College, Columbia University) led Design Thinking for School Improvement in Tribal and Rural Contexts. Dr. Oliver “Ozzie” Crocco (Louisiana State University) led Human Resource Development for School Improvement in Tribal and Rural Contexts.
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