• Graduate Studies
  • Education Specialist
    Instructional Leadership   Available Online

    The goal of the Instructional Leadership Program at UWA is to foster the improvement of educational institutions through effective leadership. The Education Specialist Degree program which leads to Alabama Class AA certification is designed to aid in the development of the skills necessary to analyze and resolve educational issues in diverse contexts. UWA seeks to recruit individuals who will make significant contributions to educational organizations, demonstrate the potential for leadership through individual growth, fostering student achievement in learning-centered environments, and advocating quality educational practices.

    To be admitted to this program, the prospective student must meet all requirements for admission to the School of Graduate Studies, hold valid Master’s level certification in Instructional Leadership, and meet program specific admission requirements.

    Candidates are encouraged to meet with their assigned advisor as soon as possible after being admitted to the UWA School of Graduate Studies to discuss program requirements and procedures.
     

  • Program Requirements

    To be admitted to this program, the prospective student must meet all requirements for admission to the School of Graduate Studies and hold valid master’s level certification in instructional leadership or one of the other Class A leadership certificate designations.

    Candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

    Hold a Class A Instructional Leadership certificate earned after completing a redesigned program at an Alabama university, or be currently serving as a superintendent, assistant or associate superintendent, assistant to the superintendent, principal, assistant principal, supervisor (any subject and/or grade level), administrator of career and technical education, coordinator, or evaluator.  Document three years of employment in an instructional leadership position for which one of the certificates in Rule 290-3-3-.53.01(2)(b) is proper certification according to the current edition of the Subject and Personnel Codes of the Alabama State Department of Education.

    *Applicants who completed a Class A program other than one approved by the State Board of Education on or after September 8, 2005, must submit a portfolio.

    Requirements for the portfolio may be found in the Graduate Catalogue.

    ED 601, Curriculum Design (3)
    ED 604, Advanced Educational Research (3)
    EE 627, Educational Assessment (3)
    EE 628, School Reform Models (3)
    IL 651, Mentoring Strategies and Professional Learning Communities (3)
    IL 652, Organizational Leadership (3)
    IL 653, Standards Based Instructional Leadership (3)
    IL 654, Innovative Practices in a PK-12 Setting (3)
    IL 657, Problem Based Experiences I (3)
    IL 658, Problem Based Experiences II  (3)

    Total Hours = 30