Educational Leadership


Chair: Melissa Reed, Ed.D.

The Education Division seeks to promote the preparation of authentic, knowledgeable, and exemplary school professionals by encouraging inquiry, analysis, creativity, and Christian values.  To that end, studies are related to skills, knowledge, values, ethics, and professional standards. The Educational Leadership program is committed to excellence in preparing educational leaders.  The program is an integrated, rigorous preparation of educational leaders who study on a part-time basis.  The courses are designed to support professionals in their efforts to think systematically about practice, learn from experience, seek the advice of others, draw upon educational research and scholarship, and actively seek out opportunities to grow professionally.

Programs of Study

M.A. in Educational Leadership (Administration Track) 30 credits
M.A. in Educational Leadership (Instructional Track) 30 credits
M.A. in Educational Leadership (Instructional Coach Endorsement Track) 30 credits
M.A. in Educational Leadership (Mathematics Coach Endorsement Track) 30 credits
M.A. in Educational Leadership (STEM Endorsement Track) 30 credits
M.A. in Educational Leadership
(Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness Endorsement Track)
31 credits
M.A. in Educational Leadership with Reading Specialist Certification (PK-12) 30 credits
M.A. combined with Principal Certification (PK-12) 36 credits
M.A. combined with Special Education Supervisor Certification (PK-12) 33 credits
M.A. combined with PK-4 certification 42 credits
M.A. combined with PK-12 Special Education Certification 45 credits
M.A. combined with Secondary certification in a content area
42 credits plus any content area specific requirements
M.A. combined with Single Subject Supervisor Certificate 33 credits
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration 54 credits
Ed.D. combined with Letter of Eligibility (PK-12) 63 credits

Certifications*

  • PK-4
  • Secondary (7-12) and Specialists (PK-12)
  • Special Education (PK-12)
  • PK-4 and Special Education (PK-12)
  • Reading Specialist (PK-12)
  • Principal (PK-12)
  • Supervisor, Single Subject Area
  • Supervisor, Curriculum and Instruction (PK-12)
  • Supervisor, Special Education (PK-12)
  • Supervisor, Pupil Personnel Services (PK-12)
  • Letter of Eligibility PK-12 (Superintendent)

Endorsements*

  • Instructional Coaching Endorsement
  • Mathematics Coaching Endorsement
  • STEM Endorsement
  • Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness Endorsement

*All certifications and endorsements (including course requirements) are subject to change to comply with the most current PA Department of Education (PDE) regulations.  Upon a candidate’s admission to any certification or endorsement program, professional experiences and previously completed coursework will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  At the time of application for certification, students must be in compliance with the most current university requirements and PDE regulations.  Students seeking Pennsylvania State certification in any specialization area are required to complete all requirements for certification including state-mandated tests and to submit completed forms to the Certification Office.

Instructional Certifications

The INITIAL instructional certifications offered by Immaculata are:

  1. PK-4
  2. PK-4 with a dual certificate in Special Education (PK-12)
  3. Secondary Education (grades 7-12) and Specialists (PK-12)
  4. Special Education (PK-12)

Add-On Instructional Certification

  • Special Education (PK-12)
  • Reading Specialist (PK-12)

Educational Administration Certifications

Immaculata University’s Educational Administration Certification (Principal, Supervisor and Superintendent) programs are designed to reflect the PA Inspired Leadership Initiative (PIL) Core Standards as follows:

    1. The leader has the knowledge and skills to think and plan strategically, creating an organizational vision around personalized student access.
    2. The leader is grounded in standards-based systems theory and design and is able to transfer that knowledge to his/her job as the architect of standards-based reform in the school.
    3. The leader knows how to access and use appropriate data to inform decision-making at all levels of the system.

The PIL Corollary Standards are also integrated into the programs:

  1. The leader creates a culture of teaching and learning with an emphasis on learning.
  2. The leader manages resources for effective results.
  3. The leader collaborates, communicates, engages, and empowers others inside and outside of the organization to pursue excellence in learning.
  4. The leader operates in a fair and equitable manner with personal and professional dignity.
  5. The leader advocates for children and public education in the larger political, social, economic, legal and cultural context.
  6. The leader supports professional growth of self and others through practice and inquiry.

Endorsements

Entry into any endorsement program requirements are below: -

Immaculata University offers Endorsements in the following areas:

  1. Instructional Coaching Endorsement
    To be admitted into an Instructional Coach Endorsement Program, candidates must hold an Instructional I or II certificate and have at least three years of successful teaching experience.
  2. Mathematics Coaching Endorsement
    To be admitted into a Mathematics Coach Endorsement Program, a candidate must have at least three years of successful mathematics teaching experience and Instructional I or II certificate in one or more of the following areas: Elementary Education K-6; PK-4; 4-8; or 7-12 Mathematics.
  3. STEM Endorsement
    To be admitted into a STEM Endorsement Program, candidates must be enrolled in an approved Level I program or hold a Level I or II certificate.
  4. Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness
    Added to existing Level I or Level II certificates. Candidates who have earned a Level I or Level II instructional, supervisory, educational specialist, or an administrative certificate may also complete the endorsement program.

Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership (30 Credits)

Director, Karen Miscavage, Ed.D.

Learning Outcomes

The M.A. degree focuses on the personal and professional development of the student and provides a comprehensive preparation for one who aspires to leadership roles either as classroom teacher or as an educational administrator.  Programs enable educational leaders to contribute to school effectives in their ethical practice and conduct by collaborating with other professionals and parents, by using community resources, and by working as advocates to improve opportunities for student learning.

The Administration Track enables the school administrator to:

  • Express a clear, detailed vision and an explicitly stated philosophy in shaping a coherent curriculum and in fostering an effective school;
  • Demonstrate instructional leadership which provides purpose and direction for student achievement; demonstrates organizational skills to implement school plans of action efficiently and effectively;
  • Make systematic use of information to assess the needs and accomplishments of students, faculty, and staff.

The Instructional Track enables teachers as educational leaders to:

  • Demonstrate the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structure of the specific discipline to be taught;
  • Demonstrate how students learn and develop and plan learning opportunities to support their development through good instructional planning, creation of effective learning environments, use of a variety of teaching strategies and implementation of appropriate assessment tools;
  • Create opportunities that foster achievement of diverse learners in an inclusive classroom by encouraging positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.

The Instructional Coach, Mathematics Coach, STEM, and Social Emotional and Behavioral Wellness Endorsement Tracks Enable certified teachers as educational leaders to:

  • Identify and assist teachers with implementing evidence-based practices that effectively meet the unique academic and behavioral needs of students.
  • Develop and implement instructional strategies to improve academics in specific contact areas.
  • Be well versed in characteristics of learners and processes for successful coaching in the endorsement area.

Course Requirements

REQUIRED CORE CURRICULUM (18 credits)

  Human Development 3
  Methods of Research 3
  Interpersonal Relations 3
  Instructional Needs of English Language Learners 3
  Contemporary Professional Ethics 3
  Curriculum and Instruction 3
  Comprehensive Examination 0

REQUIRED CONCENTRATION (Administration track – 12 credits)

  Administration 3
  Supervision 3
  School Law 3
  School Community Relations 3

REQUIRED CONCENTRATION (Instructional track - 12 credits)

  Introduction to Special Education 3
  Content Area Reading 3
  OR
  Language Arts Methods (PK-4) 3
  OR
  Language Arts Methods (5-12) 3
  Testing and Assessment 3
  OR
  Technology in Education 3
  ELECTIVE Master’s Level EDL Course 3

REQUIRED CONCENTRATION (Instructional Coaching track - 12 credits)

  Instructional Strategies for Standards Aligned Curriculum in Literacy 3
  Literacy in Education 3
  Literacy Assessment and Intervention 3
  Teacher Leaders:  Coaching Principles 3

REQUIRED CONCENTRATION (Mathematics Coaching track - 12 credits)

  Instructional Strategies for Standards Aligned Curriculum in Mathematics 3
  Literacy in Mathematics Education 3
  Literacy Assessment and Intervention 3
  Teacher Leaders:  Coaching Principals 3

REQUIRED CONCENTRATION  (STEM track - 12 credits)

  Foundations of Integrative STEM Education (PK-12) 3
  Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment in STEM Education (PK-12) 3
  ETD & PBL for Early Childhood & Elementary Teachers 3
  OR
  ETD & PBL for Secondary Teachers 3
  STEM Integration & Application in the Classroom 3

REQUIRED CONCENTRATION (Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness PK-12 - 13 Credits)

Prevention and Intervention for At-Risk Youth PK-12 3
Mental Health Literacy to Promote Positive Behaviors PK-12 3
Integrated Application of Wellness Education 4
ELECTIVE Master’s Level EDL Course 3

Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with Reading Specialist Certification (30 Credits)

REQUIRED COURSES

Methods of Research 3
Comprehensive Examination 0
Instructional Needs of English Language Learners 3
Contemporary Professional Ethics 3
Introduction to Special Education 3
Language Arts Methods (PK-4) 3
Language Arts Methods (5-12) 3
Children’s Literature 3
Reading Diagnosis and Remediation 3
Planning & Leading a Literacy Program 3
Reading Specialist Practicum 3

Certifications Combined with M.A. in Educational Leadership

M.A. (Administration Track) plus Principal PK-12 Certification (36 credits)

A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience required for principal certification.  For the purpose of this section, relevant professional experience is “professional experience in an educational setting that is related to the instructional process.” The experience needs to be validated by the school district. Students who meet the state requirements of professional school experience may take the following courses to obtain certification as principal at the elementary and secondary levels.  Program requires a minimum of 360 hours of field experience, including a 180-hour practicum. (Certification also requires satisfactory completion of state-mandated tests.)

REQUIRED CORE CURRICULUM (18 credits)

  Human Development 3
  Methods of Research 3
  Interpersonal Relations 3
  Instructional Needs of English Language Learners 3
  Contemporary Professional Ethics 3
  Curriculum and Instruction 3
  Comprehensive Examination 0

REQUIRED CONCENTRATION (Administration track–18 credits)

  Administration 3
  Supervision 3
  School Law 3
  School Community Relations 3
  Special Education for School Leaders 3
  Principal Practicum 3

M.A. (Administration Track) plus Supervisor of Special Education (33 credits)

Students may pursue this certification if they have at least five years of certified professional school experience in the area for which the certificate is sought.  Preparation for this professional certificate is at the graduate level and presumes in-depth study in the area of supervision.  Five years of satisfactory experience as a certified Special Education teacher in classrooms with identified special education students.  The teaching experience needs to be validated by the school district.  Program requires a minimum of 360 hours of field experiences, including a 180-hour internship.

REQUIRED CORE CURRICULUM (18 credits)

  Human Development 3
  Methods of Research 3
  Interpersonal Relations 3
  Instructional Needs of English Language Learners 3
  Contemporary Professional Ethics 3
  Curriculum and Instruction 3
  Comprehensive Examination 0

REQUIRED CONCENTRATION (Administration track– 15 credits)

Administration 3
Supervision 3
School Law 3
School Community Relations 3
Supervisory Internship 3

M.A. (Administration Track) plus Supervisor Single Subject (33 credits)

Students may pursue this certification if they have at least five years of certified professional school experience in the area for which the certificate is sought. Preparation for this professional certificate is at the graduate level and presumes in-depth study in the area of supervision. Validation of experience in a specific discipline needs to be provided. These certifications are limited to disciplines in which the institution may grant initial certification.  Program requires a minimum of 360 hours of field experience, including a 180-hour internship. The following courses need to be completed to obtain this supervisory certificate.

REQUIRED CORE CURRICULUM (18 credits)

  Human Development 3
  Methods of Research 3
  Interpersonal Relations 3
  Instructional Needs of English Language Learners 3
  Contemporary Professional Ethics 3
  Curriculum and Instruction 3
  Comprehensive Examination 0

REQUIRED CONCENTRATION (Administration track–15 credits)

Administration 3
Supervision 3
School Law 3
School Community Relations 3
Supervisory Internship 3

M.A. (Instructional Track) plus initial PK-4 (42 credits)

REQUIRED CORE CURRICULUM (18 credits)

  Human Development 3
  Methods of Research 3
  Interpersonal Relations 3
  Instructional Needs of English Language Learners 3
  Contemporary Professional Ethics 3
  Curriculum and Instruction 3
  Comprehensive Examination 0

REQUIRED CONCENTRATION (Instructional Track plus PK-4 Certification – 24 credits)

  Testing and Assessment 3
  Foundations of Education and Learning 3
  Curriculum Applications 3
  Introduction to Special Education 3
  Instructional Accommodation 3
  Language Arts Methods (PK-4) 3
  * Student Teaching 6

REQUIRED CONCENTRATION  (Instructional Track plus Special Education PK-12 – 27 credits)

Intro to Special Education 3
Instructional Accommodation (FE) 3
Language Arts Methods (PK-4) 3
Language Arts Methods (5-12) 3
Procedures/Process in Special Education 3
High Incidence Disabilities (FE) 3
Low Incidence Disabilities (FE) 3
* Student Teaching 6

Field Experiences (or prior classroom experiences/equivalences) are embedded in .  (Certification also requires satisfactory completion of state-mandated test.)

M.A. (Instructional Track) plus initial Secondary Certification (7-12) and Specialists (PK-12) - (42 credits)

Students may pursue a master’s degree and these certifications at the graduate level based on an earned baccalaureate degree in a specific content area which will be subject to departmental approval. In addition to content area specific requirements, the graduate courses required are:

REQUIRED CORE CURRICULUM (18 credits)

  Human Development 3
  Methods of Research 3
  Interpersonal Relations 3
  Instructional Needs of English Language Learners 3
  Contemporary Professional Ethics 3
  Curriculum and Instruction 3
  Comprehensive Examination 0

REQUIRED CONCENTRATION (24 credits)
(Instructional Track plus Secondary Certification 7-12 & Specialists PK-12)

  Testing and Assessment 3
  Foundations of Education and Learning 3
  Introduction to Special Education 3
  Strategies for Classroom Teacher 3
  Content Area Reading 3
  Instructional Accommodations 3
  * Student Teaching 6

Field Experiences (or prior classroom experiences/equivalences) are embedded in and .  (Certification also requires satisfactory completion of state-mandated test.)

M.A. (Instructional Track) plus initial PK-4 and Initial Special Education (PK-12) Certifications – (54 credits)

Students may pursue a master’s degree and these certifications at the graduate level based on an earned baccalaureate degree in a specific content area which will be subject to departmental approval.  In addition to content area specific requirements, the graduate courses required are:

REQUIRED CORE CURRICULUM (18 credits)

  Human Development 3
  Methods of Research 3
  Interpersonal Relations 3
  Instructional Needs of English Language Learners 3
  Contemporary Professional Ethics 3
  Curriculum and Instruction 3
  Comprehensive Examination 0

REQUIRED CONCENTRATION (36 credits)
(Instructional Track plus PK-4 and Special Education (PK-12) (Certifications)

Testing and Assessment 3
Foundations of Education and Learning 3
Curriculum Applications 3
Intro to Special Education 3
Instructional Accommodation (FE) 3
Language Arts Methods (PK-4) 3
Language Arts Methods (5-12) 3
Procedures/Process in Special Education 3
High Incidence Disabilities 3
Low Incidence Disabilities 3
Student Teaching 6

Field Experiences (or prior classroom experiences/equivalences) are embedded in and .  (Certification also requires satisfactory completion of state-mandated test.)

Professional Certifications
Post-Baccalaureate Level
Initial Instructional (Teacher) Certifications

Secondary Certification (7-12) and Specialists (K-12)

REQUIRED COURSES (30 credits)

Human Development 3
Testing and Assessment 3
Instructional Needs of English Language Learners 3
Foundations of Education and Learning 3
Introduction to Special Education 3
Strategies for the Classroom Teacher 3
Content Area Reading 3
Instructional Accommodations 3
* Student Teaching 6

* Field Experiences (or prior classroom experiences/equivalences) are embedded in and .  (Certification also requires satisfactory completion of state-mandated test.)

PK-4 (Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 4 (30 credits)

CERTIFICATION ONLY REQUIRED COURSES

Human Development 3
  Testing and Assessment 3
  Instructional Needs of English Language Learners 3
  Foundations of Education and Learning 3
  Curriculum Applications 3
  Introduction to Special Education 3
  Instructional Accommodations 3
  Language Arts Methods (PK-4) 3
  * Student Teaching 6

Field Experiences (or prior classroom experiences/equivalences) are embedded in .  (Certification also requires satisfactory completion of state-mandated test.)

PK-4 and Special Education (PK-12) (42 Credits)

CERTIFICATION ONLY REQUIRED COURSES

  Human Development 3
  Testing and Assessment 3
  Instructional Needs of English Language Learners 3
  Foundations of Education and Learning 3
  Curriculum Applications 3
  Introduction to Special Education 3
  Instructional Accommodations 3
  Language Arts Methods (PK-4) 3
  Language Arts Methods (5-12) 3
  Procedures/Process in Special Education 3
  High Incidence Disabilities 3
  Low Incidence Disabilities 3
  ** Student Teaching 6

Special Education PK-12 (30 credits)

CERTIFICATION ONLY REQUIRED COURSES

Instructional Needs of English Language Learners 3
  Introduction to Special Education 3
  Instructional Accommodations 3
  Language Arts Methods (PK-4) 3
  Language Arts Methods (5-12) 3
  Procedures/Process in Special Education 3
  High Incidence Disabilities 3
  Low Incidence Disabilities 3
  * Student Teaching 6

Field Experiences (or prior classroom experiences/equivalences) are embedded in and .  (Certification also requires satisfactory completion of state-mandated test.)

*STUDENT TEACHING – Students are required to contact the Director of Student Teaching two semesters prior to the intended student teaching semester.  Students will spend 12 weeks full-time in the school during student teaching. The student teaching experience is supervised by university staff in cooperation with school personnel.  Student teachers participate in seminars conducted by university staff on various topics throughout the semester.  Prior to student teaching, students are required to complete all required field experience and coursework.

*Certification requires the completion of all coursework and requirements of the program, satisfactory completion of the state-mandated tests required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and must be recommended to the PA Department of Education by Immaculata University at which the person completed these requirements.

Reading Specialist (21 credits)

REQUIRED COURSES

  Instructional Needs of English Language Learners 3
  Language Arts Methods (PK-4) 3
  Language Arts Methods (5-12) 3
  Children’s Literature 3
  Reading Diagnosis and Remediation 3
  Planning & Leading a Literacy Program 3
  Reading Specialist Practicum 3

Program Outcomes

The Reading Specialist Certification program will enable certified teachers as educational leaders to:

  • Understand reading methodologies and theories, recognizing reading as a process of constructing meaning through the interaction of reader, text, and contextual factors
  • Select and implement effective instructional strategies, curriculum resources and technologies to meet the needs of diverse learners
  • Identify literacy needs of individuals and groups of students based on multiple indicators of student progress
  • Provide collaborative literacy leadership to teachers, administrators, and the school community.

Endorsements (as stand-alone endorsements)

Instructional Coaching Endorsement

(All courses offered online)

REQUIRED COURSES

  Instructional Strategies for Standards Aligned Curriculum in Literacy 3
  Literacy in Education 3
  Literacy Assessment and Intervention 3
  Teacher Leaders:  Coaching Principles 3

Mathematics Coaching Endorsement

(All courses offered online)

REQUIRED COURSES

  Instructional Strategies for Standards Aligned Curriculum in Mathematics 3
  Literacy in Mathematics Education 3
  Literacy Assessment and Intervention 3
  Teacher Leaders:  Coaching Principles 3

STEM Endorsement

(All courses offered online)

REQUIRED COURSES

Foundations of Integrative STEM Education PK-12 3
Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment in STEM Education PK-12 3
ETD & PBL for Early Childhood & Elementary Teachers 3
  OR
ETD & PBL for Secondary Teachers 3
STEM Integration & Application in the Classroom 3

Social Emotional and Behavioral Wellness Endorsement

(All courses offered online)

REQUIRED COURSES

Prevention and Intervention for At-Risk Youth PK-12 3
Mental Health Literacy to Promote Positive Behaviors PK-12 3
Integrated Application of Wellness Education 4

Field experience hours are required for EACH of the endorsements. These field experience hours vary based on the endorsement and are embedded in the courses.

Add-On Instructional Certification: Special Education P K-12

Instructional certification holders may enroll in this certification program.

The intake/admissions process for add-on Special Education PK-12 certification is based on a thorough assessment of the following areas of the candidate’s background: academic history, work experience, and continued professional development.

The academic history of course work will be individually evaluated against all courses listed under INITIAL INSTRUCTIONAL (TEACHER) CERTIFICATIONS.

Candidates seeking to add on Special Education PK-12 certification must participate in Field Experiences related to the new grade band(s).  The comprehensive and coordinated field experiences will be embedded into specific courses aligned with the grade band and will follow the PDE Field Experience Competency Domains with Stages 1, 2 and 3. Candidates will also be required to do a modified student teaching experience () for at least 6 weeks for 3 academic credits.  All field experience and student teaching placements will be in licensed private and/or public schools.

Administrative Professional Certifications

Principal PK-12 Certification

At least three years of relevant professional experience.  For the purpose of this section, relevant professional experience is “professional experience in an educational setting that is related to the instructional process.” The experience needs to be validated by the school district. Students who meet the state requirements of professional school experience may take the following courses to obtain certification as principal at the elementary and secondary levels. Program requires a minimum of 360 hours of field experience, including a 180-hour practicum.

REQUIRED CONCENTRATION

  Administration 3
  Curriculum and Instruction 3
  Supervision 3
  School Law and the Legal Process 3
  School Community Relations 3
  Special Education for School Leaders 3
  Practicum Experience 3

(Certification also requires satisfactory completion of state-mandated test.)

Supervisor of Special Education (PK-12)

Students may pursue this certification if they have at least five years of certified professional school experience in the area for which the certificate is sought.  Preparation for this professional certificate is at the graduate level and presumes in-depth supervision study.  Five years of satisfactory experience as a certified Special Education teacher in classrooms with identified special education students.  The teaching experience needs to be validated by the school district.  Program requires a minimum of 360 hours of field experiences, including a 180-hour internship.

REQUIRED COURSES

  Human Development 3
  Interpersonal Relations 3
  Administration 3
  Curriculum and Instruction 3
  Supervision 3
  School Law and the Legal Process 3
  School Community Relations 3
  Supervisory Internship 3

(Certification also requires satisfactory completion of state-mandated test.)

Supervisor – Single Subject

Students may pursue this certification if they have at least five years of certified professional school experience in the area for which the certificate is sought. Preparation for this professional certificate is at the graduate level and presumes in-depth supervision study.  Validation of experience in a specific discipline needs to be provided. These certifications are limited to disciplines in which the institution may grant initial certification.  Program requires a minimum of 360 hours of field experiences, including a 180-hour internship. The following courses need to be completed to obtain this supervisory certificate.

REQUIRED COURSES

  Human Development 3
  Interpersonal Relations 3
  Administration 3
  Curriculum and Instruction 3
  Supervision 3
  School Law and the Legal Process 3
  School Community Relations 3
  Supervisory Internship 3

Supervisor – Curriculum and Instruction (PK-12)

Students who pursue this certification must have a minimum of five years certified school experience in an instructional area. This certification would be added to an existing state certificate.  Validation of experience needs to be provided. Program requires a minimum of 360 hours of field experiences, including a 180-hour internship.

REQUIRED COURSES

  Curriculum and Instruction 3
  Supervision 3
  Personnel Management and Labor Relations 3
  School Business Management 3
  Curriculum Theory and Evaluation 3
  Curriculum Management 3
  Advanced Supervision 3
  Staff Development 3
  Supervisory Internship 3

Supervisor – Pupil Personnel Services (PK-12)

Students may pursue this certification if they have a minimum of five years certified school experience in a pupil personnel service area such as elementary or secondary school counselor, school psychologist, home and school visitor or school nurse.  Validation of experience needs to be provided. The program requires a minimum of 360 hours of field experiences, including a 180-hour practicum.   The following courses need to be completed to obtain this supervisory certificate.

REQUIRED COURSES

  Contemporary Professional Ethics 3
  Administration 3
  Curriculum and Instruction 3
  Supervision 3
  School Community Relations 3
  Instructional Accommodations 3
  Practicum Experience 3

(Certification also requires satisfactory completion of state-mandated test.)

Letter of Eligibility (PK-12)

For the letter of eligibility, students need to have a minimum of six years of satisfactory school experience, of which at least three must be in a supervisory or administrative capacity. This certification for the letter of eligibility would be added to an existing state certificate.  Validation of experience needs to be provided. Program requires a minimum of 360 hours of field experiences, including a 180-hour internship.   Students must be accepted through the doctoral admission process.

*Students who are seeking Letter of Eligibility who already hold a Supervisor of Special Education Certification are exempt from .

REQUIRED COURSES

  Special Education for School Leaders 3
  School Leadership in Teaching and Learning 3
  Personnel Management and Labor Relations 3
  School Business Management 3
  Organizational Development and Change Theory 3
  Communication Theory and Practice 3
  Political, Economic, & Social Structures of the Culture 3
  Pennsylvania School Code & School Board Policies 3
  Curriculum Theory & Evaluation 3
  Pupil Personnel Services 3
  Advanced Supervision 3
  The Superintendency 3
  Clinical Experience 3

Doctor of Education (Ed.D. PK-12)

Director:  Sr. Carol Anne Couchara, Ed.D.

Learning Outcomes

An Ed.D. in Education Leadership is a professional degree that focuses on the preparation of educational leaders in the PK-12 environment who must confront and adapt to everyday situations encountered in the complex and every-changing life of the school setting.  Therefore, the program is built not only upon a theoretical and research base but also upon an experiential understanding of pedagogy and administrative practice.

The Ed.D. program enables the educational leader to:

  • Apply the central concepts of school leadership, tools of research and inquiry, and principles of teaching and learning that make educational administration effective and efficient;
  • Understand the process of curriculum development, implementation and evaluation, and use this understanding to develop high quality curriculum for student learning in collaboration with teachers, administrators, parents, and community members;
  • Use an understanding of individual and group motivation to create a professional development environment that engages teachers to develop and apply effective instructional techniques for all students;
  • Demonstration knowledge and skills in supervision of instruction as well as effective communication with various school constituencies.

PREREQUISITES*

  Methods of Research 3
  Curriculum and Instruction 3
  Supervision 3
  School Law and the Legal Process 3

REQUIRED COURSES (54 credits)

  Methods of Doctoral Research 3
  Orientation to Doctoral Research 3
  School Leadership in Teaching and Learning 3
  Personnel Management and Labor Relations 3
  School Business Management 3
  Organizational Development and Change Theory 3
  Communication Theory and Practice 3
  Political, Economic, & Social Structures of the Culture 3
  Pennsylvania School Code & School Board Policies 3
  Curriculum Theory and Evaluation 3
  Curriculum Management 3
  Pupil Personnel Services 3
  Advanced Supervision 3
  Staff Development 3
  Dissertation Research Seminar 3
  Degree Candidacy Application 0
  Dissertation I 3
  Dissertation II 3
  Dissertation III 3
  Dissertation Continuation 0

Course Descriptions

View EDL course descriptions.