The Master of Education degree in leadership for teaching and learning prepares teachers for roles in basic education as principals, department heads, curriculum directors, supervisors and other leadership positions. The program philosophy is rooted in the literature demonstrating the effectiveness of leaders who facilitate responsible, responsive change through cooperative action. The program utilizes the strengths of cohort groups of students, portfolio assessment, an internship, mentors, technology and case studies. Community relations; respect of the influences of race, class, gender and ethnicity in education; and the liberal arts as a source of knowledge and perspective are acknowledged in the program curriculum.

The Master’s degree program includes 36 semester hours of coursework. Candidates who complete the curriculum and degree requirements, and have five years of teaching experience, are eligible to be recommended for the K-12 Principal’s Certificate and also for the K-12 Curriculum and Instruction Supervisory Certificate. Those who already hold an appropriate master’s degree may apply to pursue only the certificates; a review of their previous coursework will determine what requirements must be satisfied to be eligible for the certificates.

Admissions Requirements

Students who seek admission to the Master of Education degree in leadership for teaching and learning must comply with the University’s established admissions criteria and procedures. Admission to the degree program will be on a cohort basis. Twenty students will be admitted to each cohort group, with a new cohort commencing each fall semester. Courses completed prior to the beginning of a cohort may be considered for inclusion in the program.

The following criteria will be used in determining admission to a cohort:

1. Letters of recommendation
2. Official transcripts
3. Academic and Professional Goals Statement
4. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Teacher’s Certificate, Instructional I. Applicants without Instructional I Certificates must meet with the Graduate Program Coordinator for review and possible acceptance.
5. Structured interview

Assessment

In addition to the normal course requirements and assessment instruments, a portfolio will be utilized as a form of formative and summative assessment. Completion of the program is contingent upon passing the portfolio review and maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Students who fail to maintain the academic scholarship and/or professional standards are subject to dismissal from the program.