Online Education Specialist (EDS) Degree in Instructional Leadership

Program Overview

The online EdS Instructional Leadership program develops individuals for advanced leadership roles in education by enhancing their instructional proficiency, strategic vision, and ability to address complex educational issues. It offers 30 credit hours with professional and instructional coursework, including mentoring support and a comprehensive portfolio assessment. The program prepares educators for positions such as principals and administrators and meets certification requirements outlined by the Alabama State Department of Education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The online EdS Instructional Leadership program focuses on developing the skills and knowledge needed to enhance instructional programs, understand and respond to complex educational issues, and provide strategic vision. The program prepares individuals for advanced leadership positions in education.

Key Objectives:

• Improve instructional programs.
• Understand and react to complex educational issues.
• Provide strategic vision.
• Prepare for advanced leadership positions.

Program Description:

• The program is fully online.
• It is offered at one of the most affordable institutions in the state.
• It is designed for educators seeking the knowledge of a PhD or EdD program with the speed of a master's program.
• It is suitable for educators seeking a post-master's-level education and a Class AA Professional Certificate.
• It is ideal for educators seeking leadership positions such as principal or administrator.

Outline:

Program Structure:

• The program consists of 30 credit hours.
• The estimated program length is 1-2 years.
• Each course is 8 weeks long.

Course Modules:

Professional Courses (12 hours):

• ED 601 OR ED 604: Curriculum Design OR Advanced Educational Research (3 credit hours)
• ED 602 OR ED 605: Challenges in Rural Education OR Teaching English Language Learners (3 credit hours)
• EE 627: Educational Assessment (3 credit hours)
• EE 628: School Reform Models in Elementary Schools (3 credit hours)

Instructional Support Area (18 hours):

• IL 651: Mentoring Strategies and Professional Learning Communities (3 credit hours)
• IL 652: Organizational Leadership (3 credit hours)
• IL 653: Standards Based Instructional Leadership (3 credit hours)
• IL 654: Innovative Practices in a P-12 Setting (3 credit hours)
• IL 657: Problem Based Experiences I (3 credit hours)
• IL 658: Problem Based Experiences II (3 credit hours)

Assessment:

• Program Completion Requirements:
• Completion of all required courses.
• Maintenance of a 3.50 GPA in all program courses with no grade less than "C."
• Passing score on the Blackboard IL Ed.S.

Teaching:

• Mentor Collective Program:
• Enhances the online learning experience by linking students one-on-one with a mentor.
• Students learn what to expect in school, while mentors build their networks and develop skills to become better professionals and leaders.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Advanced leadership positions in education.
• Principal or administrator roles.

Other:

• UWA Mentor Collective Program: This program enhances the online learning experience by connecting students with mentors.
• UWA School of Graduate Studies: Applicants must meet all requirements for admission to this school.
• Criminal History Background Check: All applicants must undergo a criminal history background check.
• Alabama State Department of Education: Applicants must meet certification requirements outlined by the Alabama State Department of Education.
• Portfolio Submission: Applicants must submit a portfolio that includes letters of recommendation, performance appraisals, evidence of leadership, and reasons for pursuing the Class AA certificate in Instructional Leadership.
• Interview: Applicants must pass an interview conducted by a program admission committee.
• Technology Fee: There is a $60 technology fee each semester.
• Financial Aid: UWA offers a range of grants, scholarships, and loans to help students finance their education.
• Transfer Credit: UWA may accept up to 9 hours of transfer credit at the graduate level for matching courses and curriculums.