JMU students sitting on the quad

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 is designed to prepare candidates to assume leadership positions in both schools 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. 

VDOE Regulations provide that a license holder have an instructional license to be eligible for the school administration endorsement. Other licensed individuals may be required to take additional coursework beyond what is listed.

The program is nationally recognized by the Educational Leadership Constituent Consortium (ELCC).

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.

Tuition rates for the JMU Educational Leadership Program are determined annually by the Dean of the College of Education.   

Inquiries? Contact:

Cecil Snead

Dr. Cecil Snead
Program Coordinator
snead2cc@jmu.edu

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