Educational Leadership

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSEducational Leadership• Designed to develop general leadership perspectives and specific technical skills for people assuming roles as teacher leaders, principals, special education directors, curriculum coordinators, or superintendents.

• Career Options: recommendation for Maine certification in the following areas may be earned through the Educational Leadership program: • Assistant Principal • Building Administrator • Curriculum Coordinator • Special Education Director • Superintendent

Professional Educator• Designed for educators who want to increase their knowledge, deepen their practice, and develop leadership in curriculum, instruction, and assessment through disciplined graduate study.

• Students take courses that focuse on curriculum, teaching and assessment, and a concentration of their choice. A capstone completes the program.

• Flexible self design concentration allows students to focus on their areas of interest, such as literacy,

School of Education and Human Development

Certificate of Graduate Study in Assistant Principal

(18 credits)

Master of Science in Education in: • Educational Leadership (36 credits) • Professional Educator (30 credits)

Post-Master’s Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational

Leadership (30 credits)

DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

USM’s Educational Leadership program enhances the career paths of education professionals, from classroom teachers who aspire to school leadership to experienced administrators who are pursuing advanced positions at the district level.

Programs are designed to draw on the professional experiences of students and to use the real problems they face in their classrooms, schools, and districts as part of the program.

Students benefit from networking and collaboration with aspiring school leaders in the program.

SPECIAL PROGRAMSSouthern Maine Partnership

A collaboration between USM and more than 30 K-12 school districts in southern Maine to support student learners. The focus is on promoting equity for all learners and preparing them for the future.

Assessment for Teaching and LearningAn annual conference bringing together educators and

experts from throughout Maine and the US to discuss best practices and innovations in education.

2016-xxxP

PROGRAM OPTIONSMaster of Science in EducationProfessional Educator

A 30-credit program designed for educators to enhance and expand their knowledge and skills. A series of core teaching courses is required. Students select a concentration that matches their area of interest, and a final capstone project is designed with assistance from an advisor. Teacher certification is required, unless applicant works in a setting that does not require state certification.

Educational LeadershipA 36-credit program for educators interested in transitioning

to administrator or leadership roles. Coursework focuses on understanding school culture and needs, acting as a supervisor, and the decision making process in an educational setting. Three certifications are available:

• School Principal• Curriculum Coordinator• Director of Special Education

Two years of teaching experience are required prior to admission.

Post-Master’s Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership

Designed to meet the needs of practicing educators who are interested in pursuing advanced academic work in educational change and leadership. Students engage in careful reading of research and scholarship, oral and written presentations, and applied projects. CAS students design their own plan of study in consultation with their CAS advisor.

Certificate of Graduate Study in Assistant PrincipalThe assistant principal certificate program courses are

designed to meet the state requirements for assistant principal certification in Maine and to provide a foundation for graduate work in educational administration. This 15-credit program consists of five courses.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR M.S.ED.

APPLICATION DEADLINERolling with priority deadlines. May 1 for fall matriculation, October 15 for spring matriculation, and March 15 for summer matriculation.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTSMinimum requirements: Applicant must have a bachelor’s degree and have earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in a baccalaureate degree program; Applicants who do not have a 2.5 overall GPA must enclose a letter asking for special consideration, in which they provide evidence of an ability to complete graduate studies successfully. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Professional Educator Track: Proof of teacher certification is required, unless working in a setting that does not require state certification.Educational Leadership Track: Two years of teaching experience required, with the expectation that a third year will be completed during the program.

APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE:• A submitted online graduate admission application.

• The application fee of $65.00.

• Official sealed transcripts for all colleges or universities attended. The Office of Graduate Admissions is able to obtain transcripts of courses completed after 1985 from any University of Maine system campus, so you do not need to request those; however, you do need to list them on your application.

• Three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s knowledge of current scholarship, capacity to connect theory and practice in posing and solving educational problems, achievement of excellence in educational practice, and demonstrated capability and motivation to engage in advanced graduate study. Recommendations are submitted using our online application form.

• Essay (see website).

• Completed Teacher Credential Summary Form.

• Current resume.

• Certification of finances (international students only);

• Submission of official TOEFL or IELTS scores (if English is not first language).

Admission requirements for the Certificate of Graduate Study and Certificate of Advanced Study are found on the Educational Leadership website.

For more information:Educational Leadership (207) 780-5968michael.katz@maine.edu8 Bailey Hall, USM Gorham Campususm.maine.edu/educational-leadership

For assistance with the application process:Office of Admissions(207) 780-4386usmgrad@maine.edu

Committed faculty advisors help students get the most out of their course of study.