Be An Educational Leader:
Earn an M.Ed. in Education with a concentration in Educational Leadership OR Certificate in Educational Leadership
The Master of Education with a concentration in Educational Leadership and the Certificate in Educational Leadership are designed to prepare candidates to assume leadership positions in both school and district offices. The organizing theme for the program is the school/district administrator's central role as the interpreter, facilitator, and initiator of educational change leading to effective schools for all children. The program focuses upon the principal within the context of the school community of students, parents, teachers, support staff, administration, and the district supervisor within the community of schools. It recognizes the constant state of mutual influence, that exists among schools, organizations, and the culture of the broader society.
The educational leader must understand and interpret changes within this context that affect the mission and operation of schools. For example, as an interpreter of change, the administrator must be able to discern the meaning of modifications in financial support, school law, governmental policy, and educational research, and to communicate these changes to the staff and community. In the role of facilitator, the administrator must be able to effectively implement programs mandated by the school board, as well as to nurture and support positive changes suggested by students, staff, or parents. Finally, as the initiator of change, the administrator must provide leadership for the process of continuous school improvement.
The program is accredited by CAEP and the Commonwealth of Virginia and is aligned with the Professional Standards for Educational Leadership (PSEL) and the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards.
Licensure/Certification
This program meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia. While it might meet requirements in other U.S. states or territories, JMU makes no guarantees or promises that it does and thus cannot enroll a prospective student who intends to seek licensure and employment outside of Virginia. However, per Federal Department of Education regulation 34 CFR 668.14(b)(32), if you will be located in a state other than Virginia while participating in the program, and attest that upon successful completion of this program you plan to pursue licensure and employment in Virginia in a related field, you will be eligible for enrollment.
In accordance with VDOE Regulations, a candidate who has the appropriate teaching license, who completes the Educational Leadership program and who achieves a passing score on the School Leader's Licensure Examination is eligible for endorsement in PK-12 administration and supervision in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Inquiries? Contact:
Dr. Cecil Snead
Program Coordinator
snead2cc@jmu.edu
Danielle Maxham
Graduate Programs Coordiantor
gallagda@jmu.edu
New online synchronous (live) cohorts are forming now. Please contact Dr. Snead to get started.
Professional Standards for Educational Leaders
STANDARD 1. MISSION, VISION, AND CORE VALUES Effective educational leaders develop, advocate, and enact a shared mission, vision, and core values of high-quality education and academic success and well-being of each student.
STANDARD 2. ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL NORMS Effective educational leaders act ethically and according to professional norms to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
STANDARD 3. EQUITY AND CULTURAL RESPONSIVENESS Effective educational leaders strive for equity of educational opportunity and culturally responsive practices to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
STANDARD 4. CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION, AND ASSESSMENT Effective educational leaders develop and support intellectually rigorous and coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
STANDARD 5. COMMUNITY OF CARE AND SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS Effective educational leaders cultivate an inclusive, caring, and supportive school community that promotes the academic success and well-being of each student.
STANDARD 6. PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY OF SCHOOL PERSONNEL Effective educational leaders develop the professional capacity and practice of school personnel to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
STANDARD 7. PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY FOR TEACHERS AND STAFF Effective educational leaders foster a professional community of teachers and other professional staff to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
STANDARD 8. MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT OF FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY Effective educational 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. OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT Effective educational leaders manage school operations and resources to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
STANDARD 10. SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT Effective educational leaders act as agents of continuous improvement to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.
