Curriculum

Program Rationale:

The master's degree in Teacher Leadership is a 30-credit program designed to prepare educational leaders who are capable of implementing innovative instructional approaches and enhancing the effectiveness of their organizations. The program is primarily focused on PK-12 settings, but is applicable to a diversity of other private and non-profit sector organizations. Students may select from three strands of specialization. 

1.     Teacher leadership: Development of skills in promoting teacher collaboration, instructional coaching and curriculum development for diverse learners across the PK-12 spectrum.

2.     Secondary education: Developing leadership capacity for instructional strategies and innovative practices for adolescent learners.

3.     Educational policy studies: Exploration of the social, political, philosophical, and ethical dimensions of educational policy and practice.

All students take 9 credits of common core courses and a common 6 credit capstone experience. Each strand then has its own unique content of 9 credits as well as 6 credits of electives. Electives of relevance to each student’s program are chosen in consultation with an advisor.  The common 6-credit capstone course sequence offers degree candidates the opportunity to explore advanced applications of program content through completing a field-based research project.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Graduates of the program are expected to be able to:

1. Develop and facilitate learning environments and programs that are responsive to personal, cultural, linguistic, and learning differences.
2. Design, implement, and evaluate instructional programs to promote student learning.
3. Design, implement, and evaluate professional development activities that promote teacher learning.
4. Use evidence-based decision-making to improve student learning.
5. Demonstrate growth in professional self-knowledge by engaging in reflective practice.
6. Apply social, cultural, political, and historical perspectives to critically analyze and assess policy and school practices.
7. Understand, interpret, critique, and apply educational research.

Admissions Requirements:

To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 point scale (where A is 4.00), or a 2.70 GPA, or its equivalent, and good standing (3.00 GPA) in all post-baccalaureate course work. Applicants to the Teacher Leadership and Secondary Education strands must hold, or be eligible for, a valid teaching certificate.

Applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms. The graduate application, application fee, and official transcripts are to be submitted to the Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Office.

Contact: 860-832-2130

Course and Capstone Requirements

Total Credit Hours: 30

Non-matriculated students:

While students may take some courses as non-matriculated students, they must be accepted into the program before taking a fourth 500-level course. 500-level courses beyond the third course will not count toward program completion.