Course description
The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership provides a program of professional preparation for aspiring and practicing school leaders. Grounded in the rich educational leadership literature supplemented by extensive faculty expertise and experience, the program provides a balance of research, policy and practice. This two year 40 credit program will adhere to the design principles outlined in the Ministry of Education's Voluntary Teacher Leadership Certificate — The Emerging Design. Graduates of our program will have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and attitudes of successful leaders as outlined in the Leadership Standards for BC Principals and Vice-Principals. These competencies are central to formal and informal leadership in schools.
The M.Ed. program will develop leaders who can:
* Guide the development and implementation of shared values, vision, mission and goals to support learning for all students;
* Foster quality learning opportunities to support student learning;
* Lead teams in becoming assessment literate;
* Create systems and structures for the effective supervision of learning;
* Provide strong leadership in the area of Aboriginal Education;
* Provide knowledgeable guidance regarding current curricula, instructional and assessment practices and their impact on student learning;
* Sustain a collaborative learning culture and climate linked to student learning and based on distributed leadership;
* Build positive and effective interdependencies amongst partner groups;
* Incorporate systemic thinking and strategic planning for school improvement;
* Demonstrate self-knowledge and the personal qualities that support positive relationships and build cultures of integrity;
* Build and support relational trust within the school and community;
* Address issues of diversity and social justice;
* Lead teams in reflective inquiry and action research.
Note: The M.Ed program is offered as a cohort based model for practicing teachers. Classes meet Friday night and Saturday up to eight times during the fall and spring semesters and the month of July for the summer session.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the M.Ed. program will be well-poised to assume leadership positions in the education sector, including that of Principal and Vice-Principal. Based on survey data from the BC Principals and Vice-Principals Association and the age demographic of BC educators, the Ministry of Education predicts over 1000 administrative vacancies over the next five years. Employers require a Master's Degree for administrative positions. Recently, some school districts have made public their preference for a graduate degree from a BC post-secondary institution.
Admission Requirements
* A resume outlining teaching experience (minimum two years required).
* A letter of intent explaining why the applicant wishes to pursue graduate work in this area.
* Official transcripts indicating completion of a bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average of 6.0 in the final two years.
* Two current, confidential assessment reports.
Notes on Admission
Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
Program Outline
Year 1 * Credits
Fall Semester
MEDL 500 - (Foundations of Educational Leadership) 5
Spring Semester
MEDL 550 - (Research in Education) 5
Summer Session
MEDL 580 - (Leadership in the BC Context) 5
MEDL 590 - (Leadership Values and Ethical Decision-Making) 5
Total Credits 20
Year 2 * Credits
Fall Semester
MEDL 600 - (Educational Change) 5
Spring Semester
MEDL 650 - (Supervision for Learning) 5
Intersession
MEDL 680 - (Field Inquiry) 5
Summer Session
MEDL 690 - (Major Project) 5
Total Credits 20
Total Program Credits 40
*Note: The M.Ed program is offered as a part–time, cohort based model for practicing teachers. Classes meet Friday night and Saturday up to eight times during the fall and spring semesters and the month of July for the summer session.
