The Master of Education (M. Ed.) in Educational Leadership degree prepares school leaders to effect positive school change, improve student performance, and meet challenges posed by accountability requirements and a changing society.

National reviewers recommended a Special Commendation be given to ULM on the program strengths of close alignment between objectives and activities with state and national standards and the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).

Strengths of Program

Teacher Leader endorsement - Completion of the first 6 hours of the Program qualifies candidates for Louisiana endorsement as a Teacher Leader.

Extended Internship - Candidates will complete an Internship that begins before school starts and ends after school ends (6 hours credit.) Past students and research indicate that this part of the program is most valuable, as candidates are exposed to the realities of school administration. Most of these Internships can be done in the present school settings, however the Program will also provide exposure to all school settings to enhance the value of each experience.

Mentoring - Candidates will be assigned a mentor after completion of the Teacher Leader courses. This mentor will assist and guide the candidate during the coursework and Internship.

Site-Based - The program is built around numerous site-based experiences. The new emphasis will provide “hands-on” and problem solving activities.

Multiple Certifications:

• Teacher Leader Endorsement
  
• Elementary School Principal
  
• Secondary School Principal
  
• Supervisor of Instruction
  
• Director/Supervisor of Special Education
  
• Child Welfare and Attendance Officer
  
• Superintendent (additional exam required)

Post-Masters Alternative Certification (Alternative Path-Level I) - Those persons holding the masters degree may take prescribed coursework to become certified in Educational Leadership. Transcripts and Resume will be evaluated to determine an individualized course of study for each candidate. Coursework must be completed with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average, pass the ISLLC/SLLA examination, and complete a portfolio.

Program Requirements

• Students must pass the SLLA examination to complete Internship requirements and become certified (Louisiana=168 or better)
  
  
• Students must be able to effectively utilize:

- word processing
- e-mail
- Moodle
- Task Stream
- and a spreadsheet before progressing beyond The Teacher Leader endorsement.

• Minimum 2.5 GPA required for admission
  
  
• Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and appropriate formula score (1875)
  
  
• Valid Louisiana Teaching Certificate (or equivalent)