M.Ed. in School Leadership
The University of Delaware Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Leadership seeks to cultivate the next generation of school leaders by providing high quality curriculum and instruction to prepare aspiring school leaders for the complex responsibilities of the principalship; supporting the practical needs of school leaders in their day-to-day work through problem- and field-based learning opportunities; and encouraging students to reflect on and expand their thinking to recognize and develop the capacities required of school leaders in the 21st century.
Program goals, as established by the program faculty, include:
- Developing candidates' ability to read and write critically and to analyze theoretical and empirical research on administration and leadership; communicate clearly and persuasively in a variety of communications forums and contexts; an apply theory and research to problem solving and decision-making in school leadership.
- Encouraging candidates' disposition to be critically reflective about the status quo, to pursue opportunities to improve their own practice, and to inspire others to continue learning and improving.
- Improving candidates' skills in and understanding of key domains of leadership including: how to work with and motivate others toward a vision of organizational excellence; how to manage the instructional program and maintain high academic standards; how to cultivate and sustain a positive school culture; how to build strong relationships with diverse constituencies and work effectively with stakeholders; how to manage efficiently school schedules, staff time, facilities, and financial resources.
To meet the stated purpose and goals, the School Leadership program is organized around five principles fundamental to the effective preparation of school leaders: problem- and field-based learning; evidence-based problem-solving; understanding school, community, and policy contexts; organizational improvement; and reflective leadership. These principles are integrated throughout the curriculum and assessments, creating a coherent and meaningful leadership preparation program.
The School Leadership program is a thirty-three-credit hour, non-thesis program in which candidates are enrolled for two calendar years. It is designed for candidates who are employed full time and is therefore a part-time, nonresidential, evening and weekend program. Students who complete the program will qualify for Delaware's School Leader I certification.
The M.Ed. in School Leadership features:
- Annual cohorts of qualified applicants committed to improving our schools.
- Course content that addresses practical responsibilities of principals and challenges candidates to think beyond current practices.
- Program organization that supports candidates both academically and professionally, before, during, and after participation.
- Faculty and staff that engage in ongoing scholarship, reflection, and dialogue about the preparation and responsibilities of school leaders in the 21st century.
- Partnerships with school districts for both candidates' internship experiences and recruitment of candidates to support of district leadership succession planning.
- Opportunities to benefit from partner educational programs, including the Delaware Academy for School Leadership, School of Education lecture series, educational research at the University of Delaware, and international education.
Students who have already obtained a Master's degree and are seeking coursework to satisfy Delaware state requirements for the School Leader I certification should complete the Course of Study in School Administration, which consists of six courses from the M.Ed. in School Leadership program.
