Master of Education in Teacher Leadership

Columbus State University
Degree Level Masters
Total Credit Hours 36

Program Description

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in Teacher Leadership is designed for certified educators who want to remain in classroom teaching while, at the same time, extend their influence beyond the walls of their own classrooms. The program is designed to help teachers improve their knowledge and skills in teaching their own content areas as well as in leadership where they develop expertise in leading other educators to improve teaching and learning across all subject areas and grade levels. The Teacher Leadership program addresses the expanded roles and responsibilities of teachers in schools, including data-driven assessment and decision making for school improvement, leading professional learning communities, applying research to practice, improving teaching and learning, and collaborating with families and the community.

The 36-semester hour program includes six hours in foundations courses, twelve hours in teacher leadership courses, twelve hours in content area pedagogy courses, and six hours in an internship. Candidates complete the internship in their own classrooms during the final two semesters of coursework where they gain experience as teacher leaders under the supervision of P-12 and university coaches and mentors.

The program integrates theoretical frameworks with practical and performance based experiences by combining academic content with field experiences and internships. The program model also provides candidates access to graduate-level instruction from faculty in multiple disciplines which allows them the opportunity to broaden their understandings of the total school community and expose them to a wide variety of P-12 educational processes.

There are three start dates for the M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership degree. Students may begin at the start of Fall, Spring, or Summer semester.

Educator Preparation at Columbus State University is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly NCATE.

Admissions Information

"Complete requirements for a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field of study.

A cumulative 2.75 (4.0 scale) grade point average or higher on all undergraduate work for regular admission and a cumulative 2.50 (4.0 scale) for provisional admission. A cumulative 3.0 (4.0 scale) grade point average on any transfer graduate work.

A clear, renewable level 4 or higher professional teaching, service, or leadership certificate in the field of study for which the applicant will specialize.

A minimum of three years teaching experience in the field in which the applicant will specialize.

A personal statement of purpose not to exceed 400 words, which identifies the applicant’s interest in the program and reason for pursuing graduate study.

Two letters of recommendation, with one being from the candidate’s school system administrator (superintendent) or designee."