Student Learning Outcomes - The graduate with the Education Specialist (EdS) degree in Educational Leadership will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to promote the success of all students by:
- Developing and implementing a vision for the school to guide the learning of all students and promote continuous school improvement.
- Providing instructional leadership that ensures a viable curriculum, effective instruction, professional learning, a positive school culture, and an equitable learning environment.
- Providing managerial leadership that ensures a safe, functional school environment, effective supervision of personnel, and the equitable and strategic use of school resources.
- Developing positive, supportive relationships with students, staff, parents/guardians, and the community.
- Continuing professional growth, reflective practice, and the ability to apply new knowledge and understanding to drive change and innovations.
The EdS in Educational Leadership program prepares school leaders who are reflective practitioners by requiring candidates to think analytically, practically and creatively about the teaching, learning, and the decision making processes associated with educational leadership.
The degree options available include School Leader: Grades K-12, Advanced School Leader, Special Education Director, and Superintendent. The degree requires a minimum of 30 hours, however, course requirements within the options vary depending upon a student’s master’s degree and/or existing certification.
The EdS candidate must have a minimum overall graduate grade point average of 3.25. Applicants who do not meet the above GPA criteria must 1) submit a summative teacher evaluation or a letter of recommendation from a current school administrator, and 2) achieve a minimum of a 3.50 graduate grade point average during their first 12 hours of graduate study, which must include required degree courses.
Option I, School Leader: Grades K-12, leads to “Initial” administrative certification. Candidates should have a master’s degree in a content area recognized by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Options 2 and 3 are geared toward advanced or additional administrative certification, including students working on Continuous Career certification. Candidates for Options 2 or 3 must have a master’s degree in educational administration or hold an administrative certification in an administrative area recognized by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Initial DESE certification requirements include the completion of a graduate degree in educational leadership; completion of a course in Education of the Exceptional Child; a valid Missouri teaching certificate; a minimum of three years of teaching; and the satisfactory completion of all requirements established by DESE, including passing scores on required assessments. Each administrator certification has specific pre-requisite credentialing and experience regulations applicable to that position. The EdS in Educational Leadership meets the degree requirements for Continuous Career Certification by DESE.
An applicant for an initial School Leader: Grades K-12 or Superintendent administrator certificate must receive a recommendation for DESE certification from the UCM Director of Clinical Services and Certification. Recommendation will be based upon the completion of all requirements established by DESE. Inquiries regarding DESE certification in school administration can be directed to the UCM Director of Clinical Services and Certification at 660-543-8441. For information concerning degree contact the Educational Leadership program coordinator in the School of Professional Education and Leadership.
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