Master of Education in School...

Master of Education in School Leadership and Administration

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Learn to lead schools effectively

The Master of Education in School Leadership and Administration is designed to prepare future school administrators for the complexities of the position within the dynamics of a rapidly changing society. The program is designed to meet Massachusetts Department of Education Initial Licensure requirements for principals / assistant principals.

In classes taught by expert faculty you will gain a thorough understanding of the 4 state-mandated standards for school administrators: instructional leadership, family and community engagement, professional culture, and management and operations. You will then translate theory into practice through hands-on practicum experiences under the personalized guidance of an experienced school administrator in one of the region’s public schools. Your studies culminate in a semester-long, 200-hour practicum that ties together all 4 standards and includes a site-based research project, for which you will identify and address a need relevant to your assigned school.

As you progress through our program, you will record your accomplishments in a portfolio of work that not only demonstrates your successful completion of all program competencies but also helps you to advance your career. Graduates of Worcester State’s leadership and administration program go on to rewarding careers in public school systems across the state.

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Admission requirements

Applicants for admission to the Master of Education in School Leadership and Administration program must have completed a baccalaureate degree program at a regionally accredited institution. To be considered for admission, applicants must possess an initial or professional teaching license in an area other than administration and have been teaching for at least 2 years.

As an alternate route, students who are not currently teaching but who wish to apply for the school leadership and administration license must demonstrate completion of at least 3 full years of employment in an executive management/leadership role. This option can only be used with the approval of the program coordinator (documentation required).

To apply for consideration, applicants must provide the following:

  • Graduate school application
  • Essay explaining why the applicant is interested in becoming a school administrator, addressing the 4 professional standards for administrative leadership
  • Copy of a Massachusetts initial or professional teaching license
  • Minimum of at least 2 years of teaching experience; at least 3 years of teaching experience is required to earn the license
  • Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts of all college-level work
  • Evidence of passing scores on the Communication and Literacy MTEL exam
  • Three letters of reference from professionals who can speak to the applicant’s promise of becoming an effective school administrator, including a letter of support from a school district administrator.

Candidates for the fully online, non-licensure track must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Applicants must possess a minimum of 2 years of instructional or related work experience in a preK-12 educational setting, and provide 2 professional references.

Explore sample courses in this program.
EA-912 Introduction to Educational Leadership
This course introduces students to best practices and standards for school administrators and the theoretical underpinnings of educational leadership/administration.
3 credits
EA-913 Action Research for School Administrators
The course focuses on qualitative/quantitative research whereby the students learn to carry out action research. Students conduct research addressing educational best practices and standards. How to write case studies is also addressed as a way to do research.
3 credits
EA-915 Economic and Operational Dimensions of Education
This course focuses on blending the skills required for effective resource allocation coupled with the need to make practical and strategic decisions that promote student achievement in a safe/orderly learning environment.
3 credits
EA-918 Family and Community Engagement
Focus is on ways to build strong working relationships and connections between families, community providers, and schools. How to effectively communicate and learn from families from diverse backgrounds and community members in order to promote student learning is emphasized.
3 credits
EA-923 Governance, Ethics, and Law in Education
This course focuses on the myriad legal, ethical, and mandated regulations that must be considered in creating and operating a school system.
3 credits
EA-924 Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Aspiring Leaders
This course seeks to engage aspiring leaders through a constructivist approach to teaching and learning with a focus on curriculum, instruction, and assessment (CIA) that can positively impact the achievement of all students. CIA is examined from a theoretical and practical perspective with a focus on the administrator’s role in driving change that is grounded in research, data, and equity for all.
3 credits
EA-931 Administration of Programs for Children with Special Needs and ELLs
The administration and implications of legislation for administrators who are responsible for implementing special education programs and programs for English language learners.
3 credits
EA-970 Professional Culture
This course focuses on ways to promote success of all students by examining, nurturing, and sustaining a school culture of reflective practice, high expectations, and ethical behavior. The importance of developing a shared vision, strong interpersonal skills, and effective written and oral communication in diverse environments are highlighted.
3 credits
EA-972 Enhancing Teacher and Student Performance
The major focus is on supervision and evaluation practices that promote high standards, reflection, and increasing student achievement. The course provides the participants with the necessary skills to hire and evaluate staff, promote improvement, and dismiss educators when needed.
3 credits
EA-973 Building Capacity for Shared Vision and Educational Change
Participants examine the many variables that contribute towards realizing a school’s vision and influencing student learning. The student identifies and analyzes these variables using school, family, and community data. Planning for implementing change is part of the focus.
3 credits

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