2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Education Leadership, MEd


Banner Code:  E1-MED-EDLE

This 30-credit master’s degree (24-credit licensure component and 6 additional credits) prepares candidates for leadership and management positions in a variety of educational settings. The program emphasizes an understanding of the complexities of change in schools, communities, and organizations. Participants are expected to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to create and maintain learning environments that value diversity, continual knowledge acquisition, instructional leadership, innovative and ethical decision making, reflective practice, and successful achievement of all school-aged youth.

Participants who are admitted into the MEd in Education Leadership program who already have a master’s degree and three years of teaching experience may complete only the licensure course work (24-credits) for the administration and supervision PK-12 license.

Students may also complete the MEd in Education Leadership with a concentration in one of the following: Mathematics Education Leadership (K-8), Mathematics Specialist Leader (K-8), Science Education Leadership (PK-12), or Special Education Leadership.

Course Work


Internship


The internship is integral to the Education Leadership degree and provides an opportunity to synthesize and apply the knowledge and practice the skills identified in the Educational Leadership Constituency Consortium Standards through substantial, sustained work in educational settings.

Prerequisites


All licensure course work listed above

Total: 30 credits


▲Concentration in Mathematics Education Leadership (K-8) (EDML)


This 33-credit concentration in Mathematics Education Leadership (K-8) prepares individuals for master teacher, lead teacher, or school-wide leadership positions in elementary or middle school mathematics.  Course work includes study or experiences in educational leadership, mathematics teaching and learning, instructional technology, and curriculum development.  Program participants study and use research that has significant positive effects on professional development and teaching and learning mathematics.  Program experiences prepare students to select, develop, and implement school-based curricula and teaching and learning materials, as well as in-service and professional development programs for teachers.  The internship in an individual experience designed and developed in consultation with a faculty advisor or mentor. 

▲ Concentration in Mathematics Specialist Leader (K–8) (MSLR)


This 30-credit Mathematics Specialist Leader (K-8) concentration is designed for working professionals. Students study mathematics content and pedagogy, teaching, curriculum and professional development.  They also explore school-based leadership issues in mathematics education.  The internship is an individual experience designed and developed in consultation with a faculty advisor or mentor. This program includes all course work required for Virginia state licensure as a K-8 mathematics specialist.  Students who apply for this licensure must have three years of successful teaching experience in addition to the MEd degree.

▲Concentration in Science Education Leadership (PK-12) (EDSL)


This 30-credit concentration in Science Education Leadership (PK-12) focuses on education leadership and science teaching and learning. Students study the changing nature of science, science teaching, assessment, curriculum, technology, safety, and meeting the diverse needs of learners.  Students also develop skills in science teaching and learning, data-driven decision making, systematic and continual improvement, and leading dynamic organizations.  Internship experiences include working with a practicing scientist in a research setting and interacting with school leaders at the state and local levels who directly and indirectly influence science education. This program includes all course work required for Virginia licensure in administration and supervision (PK-12). This concentration is designed for those persons who have taught for three years and are seeking a master’s degree. They will receive their Virginia administrative license and MEd in Education Leadership after they have completed the required coursework, and pass the administrative licensure exam that meets Virginia requirements. This is not an initial teacher licensure program.

▲Concentration in Special Education Leadership (SELE)


This 30-credit Special Education Leadership concentration (24-credit licensure component and 6 additional credits) is designed to provide training for educators who administer program implementation efforts for learners with exceptional needs.  It is appropriate for those who have an interest in becoming special education directors, program coordinators, school building administrators, department chairs, or lead teachers; however, opportunities beyond special education also exist.

Participants who are admitted into the MEd in Education Leadership program who already have a master’s degree and three years of teaching experience may complete only the licensure course work (24-credits) for the administration and supervision PK-12 license.