Educational Leadership and Management: School Principal, M.Ed. (PreK-6, 5-8, 9-12, Non-Licensure)

MEd—Educational Leadership and Management: School Principal or Supervisor/Director

Graduate Program Co-Chairs

Richard Beardmore, CAGS

Danette Day, MEd

Graduate Committee

Program Objectives

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Management Program prepares the student to meet the standards of Massachusetts Educator Initial Licensure as either a Supervisor/Director (PreK-12) or School Principal (PreK-6, 5-8, 9-12). The program offers courses and experience that equip school administrators with the skills and competencies necessary for becoming effective educational leaders.

About the Program

This program is an interdepartmental program. Within this spirit, relationships between faculty members in education departments and other programs across the university have been allied.

Program Description

The MEd program in Educational Leadership and Management is designed for students with the desire to:

• Develop competencies in managerial skills related to political arenas, personnel, fiscal affairs, acquisition of material resources, diverse publics and pupil populations, and organizational change
• Strengthen, deepen and expand the knowledge base in the field of leadership and management in order to anticipate and to solve current and future problems inherent in the educational system
• Demonstrate through course work and field-based experiences the knowledge, skills and attitudes that are required to lead and manage an educational enterprise effectively and efficiently

The University offers preparation for two Massachusetts Licenses

Principal Licensure (PreK-6, 5-8, 9-12) Supervisor/Director-Licensure (PreK-12)

There are two initial licensure options in this program. There is one option for students who wish to seek school principal licensure and a second option for students who wish to supervise or direct programs in a school system. Successful completion of the degree and all requisite licensure requirements qualifies degree recipients for endorsement as a principal or supervisor/director.

Non-Licensure Candidates

Students who do not wish to pursue licensure may, in consultation with their advisor, plan a 39 credit program of study that meets their professional and personal goals. Courses from each of the four competency areas should be included (see advisor). Applicants to the non-licensure track do not need to submit scores from the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL), hold a teaching license, or have three years of teaching experience.

Admissions Standards and Criteria

To apply for enrollment in the MEd in Educational Leadership and Management Program, the student must submit documents as outlined in the graduate admission section as well as:

• A minimum of three years of teaching experience
• Applicants to Option A and B must successfully complete the literacy and communication subtests of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) and submit passing scores as part of their application. In addition, students must successfully pass the appropriate content area exam(s) of the MTEL prior to student teaching.
• Applicants must provide documentation of a valid teacher certification/license at the initial level.
• Personal Statement
  Students must complete an essay of no more than one page in response to one of the following questions/statement:
  1. Tell about a positive situation in which you helped a person and made a significant difference in that person’s life.
  2. What are the most important factors in establishing a long-term working relationship with students, friends, etc.?
  3. Tell us about a significant event that involved you in a teaching or helping role.
     • Describe the situation as it occurred at the time.
     • What did you do in that particular situation?
     • How did you feel about the situation at the time you were experiencing it?
     • How do you feel about the situation now?
     • What would you change, if anything?

For more information regarding licensure requirements for teacher/administrator preparation programs, contact the Educator Licensure Office at (978) 665-3239 or visit the Web site at www.fitchburgstate.edu/edunit.

Program Requirements

A minimum of 39 graduate credits is required to complete the MEd program as well as to prepare for application for one of the two initial licenses: principal license (Option A) and supervisor/director (Option B).

Both programs consist of:

• A core of tightly-focused and comprehensive courses;
• Students within the Massachusetts licensure sequence are involved in three broad-based pre-practicum experiences leading up to the formal practicum/internship. A supervised practicum/internship is in the form of field-based educational experience.
• The practicum/intership is 300 clock hours to be completed within one year.
• Optional Thesis (EDLM 9500 ): A thesis topic is chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor early in the last year of study, or no later than the completion of 24 semester hours of study. A student must successfully defend their thesis to a committee as described in the handbook of thesis guidelines.
• Comprehensive exam covering the basic principles and concepts inherent in the field of educational leadership and management.

Program of Study

Total for Degree: 39 cr.

Non-Licensure Candidates

Students who do not wish to pursue licensure may take the core courses in either track plus six semester hours of electives for a total of 39 semester hours and a comprehensive examination.