Credits: 30
CIP Code: 130401

Overview

The Tier I Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership provides a sound introductory foundation of prescribed content courses plus two semesters of supervised field experience to enhance the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of those pursuing the degree. The program can be completed either face-to-face (traditional) or online (through our collaboration with New Leaders). 

Admissions Requirements 

In addition to the admission requirements of the Graduate School, there are program specific requirements, including the following:

1. Possess T5 or S5 professional teaching certificate and be employed as a certified teacher for a minimum of 2 years

2. 3.0 or better cumulative GPA in undergraduate work

3. A passing score on the state-required Georgia Educator Ethics for Educational Leadership Assessment (380)

4. Three letters of recommendation from the candidate’s assistant principal or principal

5. Written partnership with school district confirming one or two Practicum site options that will enable successful completion of the clinical experience, with approval from school leadership.  NOTE: 250 hours of clinical practice are required for program completion.

Program Goals for P12 School Leadership/Tier I

1. The program prepares school leaders who are skilled and committed change agents for the improvement of educational services for all members of the community.
2. The program prepares school leaders who can manage information for the improvement of educational outcomes.
3. The program prepares school leaders who are sensitive to cultural differences and can plan curricular and instructional programs which will meet the needs of urban communities.
4. The program prepares school leaders who can work with school staff and other stakeholders to create conditions for effective human resource development.
5. The program prepares school leaders who can provide for optimal student and family development.
6. The program prepares school leaders who can plan strategically and utilize the results of planning for better management of school systems

Educational Leadership Certificate Requirements for Tier I Master's Degree

1. Completion of the Tier I Education Leadership MA program;
2. Completion or exemption of all applicable Special Georgia Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-24 Special Georgia Requirements:

• Passing score on the GACE Educational Leadership content assessment;
• Passing score on the Ethics for Educational Leadership Assessment- Program Exit and
• Completion of the Special Education requirement.
• Employed by a Georgia LUA, with the following exceptions:
  • An educator who already holds a valid Georgia certification in another field is not required to be employed to add the field to their certificate
  • An individual who has met all requirements for the Standard Professional certificate except for employment may receive a Certificate of Eligibility upon application.
• Must be employed and have at least 2 years of teaching experience 
• A letter of recommendation supporting the applicant is required 

The learning outcomes for students pursuing the Tier I Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership are aligned with the 2018 Georgia Performance Leadership Standards:

Standard 1: Education leaders build a collective vision of student success and well-being. 
Standard 2: Education leaders act ethically to promote each student's success and well-being.
Standard 3: Education leaders strive for equity and culturally responsive practices to promote each student's success and well-being. 
Standard 4: Education leaders develop and support rigorous, coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to promote each student's academic success and well-being. 
Standard 5: Education leaders cultivate an inclusive, caring and supportive school community that promotes the academic success and well-being of each student.
Standard 6: Education leaders develop the professional capacity and practice of school personnel to promote each student's academic success and wellbeing. 
Standard 7:  Education leaders foster a professional community of teachers and other professional staff to promote each student's academic success and well-being.
Standard 8: Education leaders engage families and the community in meaningful, reciprocal, and mutually beneficial ways to promote each student's academic success and well-being.
Standard 9: Education leaders manage school operations and resources to promote each student's academic success and well-being.
Standard 10: Education leaders act as agents of continuous improvement to promote each student's academic success and well-being.

Degree Requirements

Students pursuing the Tier I Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership must meet the General Degree Requirements as published in this Catalog, and complete the following requirements:

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All SOE field experiences require that all SOE students are required to complete a background check prior to field placement in schools, human services/community agencies and any government setting.

Educational Leadership, M.A.