The EdS degree in educational leadership requires a minimum of 30 hours and provides coursework for those seeking Class AA Instructional Leader certification or Class AA Teacher Leader certification. Additionally, a concentration in School Library Media Specialist, leading to Class AA Library Media Specialist certification, is also offered.
Admission and degree requirements for the Graduate School and for the College of Education are detailed in the relevant sections of this catalog. Admission and degree requirements are subject to change and may be under revision at the time of publication. Please check with the Office of Student Services and Certification or the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Technology Studies for the most current information.
The Graduate Catalog is published annually. State-approved program checklists may be updated more frequently and are thus likely to provide the most up-to date information about requirements. A current program checklist may be obtained from the program office. Students should consult their advisors each semester before registering.
Admissions
See the Admission Criteria section of this catalog for more information.
Class AA Instructional Leader (P-12) Certification
To be considered, applicants must qualify for regular admission to the program.
In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission, applicants must:
- hold a valid Alabama Class A Professional Educator certificate in Instructional Leadership or a valid Class A Professional Leadership certificate
- meet one of the following criteria:
- currently serving as a superintendent, assistant or associate superintendent, principal, assistant principal, supervisor (any subject and/or grade level), administrator of career and technical education, coordinator or evaluator;
- three years of experience in an instructional leadership position; OR
- demonstrate each of the abilities in the Class A Instructional Leadership standards
Applicants must also meet the fingerprinting requirement for background clearance.
Admission to the Graduate School is not equivalent to "unconditional admission" to a state-approved educator preparation program.
Class AA Teacher Leader (P-12) Certification
To be considered, applicants must:
- hold a valid master’s level professional educator certificate in any teaching field or area of instructional support,
- have a minimum of three full years of full-time teaching experience in a P-12 setting, and
- submit a portfolio containing:
a. three (3) letters of recommendation, including one from the applicant's current principal
b. a copy of the applicant's professional development transcript from PowerSchool
c. evidence of the ability to positively affect student achievement [This should include things that the applicant has done to help improve student learning.]
d. evidence of collaborative leadership potential [This should include any formal and informal leadership role(s) the applicant has held.]
e. a current resume
Applicants must also meet the fingerprinting requirement for background clearance.
Admission to the Graduate School is not equivalent to "unconditional admission" to a state-approved educator preparation program.
In order to maintain compliance with the Alabama Board of Education, admission and program requirements are subject to change. Admission forms and requirements, specific program parameters, departmental policies and contact information can be found at the departmental website. Students should consult with their advisors before registering each semester.
Curricular Requirements
Class AA Instructional Leader (P-12) Certification
Individuals must meet ALSDE requirements for "unconditional admission" to the Class AA Instructional Leadership program or the institution's Class AA Teacher Leader program before enrolling in ANY instructional leadership courses in the program.
This course listing applies to those who begin this program June 1, 2017, and thereafter. A comprehensive exam is required, and candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.50 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C. Students should consult with their advisors before registering each semester.
| Class AA Instructional Leader (P-12) | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| (Choose ONE from these SDE approved diversity courses.) | 3 | |
| Readings In Soc Of Ed | ||
| Critical Race Theory In Educ | ||
| Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp | ||
| Ethics And Education | ||
| Educational Research: | ||
| AEL 638 | Solving Problems of Practice | 3 |
| Advisor-approved BER research course at the 600 level | 3 | |
| Instructional Support Area: | ||
| AEL 631 | Strategic Leadership | 3 |
| AEL 632 | Leading Learning Through the Curriculum | 3 |
| AEL 633 | Leading, Developing, and Mentoring for Adult Learners | 3 |
| AEL 634 | Development and Supervision of Human Resources | 3 |
| AEL 635 | Ethical, Legal, and Policy Issues in Schools | 3 |
| AEL 636 | School Finance and Financial Management | 3 |
| AEL 637 | Leadership and Social Systems | 3 |
| Additional Requirements: | ||
| SPE 500 is required if a special education survey course was not part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
Class AA Teacher Leader (P-12) Certification
This course listing applies to those who begin this program June 1, 2022, and thereafter. A comprehensive exam is required, and candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.50 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C.
Courses taken for Class A certification and credits over six years old cannot be counted toward this degree. The certification programs of the department have been designed to fulfill current requirements of the Alabama State Board of Education.
| Class AA Teacher Leader (P-12) | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations of Professional Studies: | ||
| (Choose ONE from these SDE approved diversity courses.) | 3 | |
| Readings In Soc Of Ed | ||
| Critical Race Theory In Educ | ||
| Multicult Soc Ed Leadershp | ||
| Ethics And Education | ||
| Educational Research: | ||
| Advisor-approved elective | 3 | |
| Problem-based Research: | ||
| BER 660 | Eval I:Theory & Practice | 3 |
| AEL 638 | Solving Problems of Practice | 3 |
| Teacher Leader Core: | ||
| CIE 645 | Prof Cont: Tching & Lrning Com | 3 |
| AEL 612 | Instruc Supv Mentor Trng | 3 |
| AEL 633 | Leading, Developing, and Mentoring for Adult Learners | 3 |
| AEL 635 | Ethical, Legal, and Policy Issues in Schools | 3 |
| AEL 661 | Major Issues and Trends | 3 |
| AEL 697 | Seminar in Ed Leadership | 3 |
| Additional Requirements: | ||
| SPE 500 is required if a special education survey course was not part of the undergraduate program or another graduate program. | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
Transfer Credit
Courses taken for Class A certification and credits over six years old cannot be counted toward this degree.
Graduate School information on Transfer Credit.
Comprehensive Exam
Students must complete a comprehensive assessment during their last semester of coursework. Assessment dates are announced in the first week of each semester. Assessment structure is based on each student’s course of study. Students will have a minimum of 14 calendar days to complete the assessment. Submissions are assessed by members of the program committee.
Graduate School information on Comprehensive Exams.
Time Limit for Degree Completion
Graduate School information on Time Limits.
Additional Academic Requirements
Electronic Learning Management System Requirement
A designated, electronic learning management system is required of all students in programs leading to professional educator certification.
Survey of Special Education Course
A survey of special education course is required. An individual who completed a survey of special education course prior to meeting requirements for unconditional admission to a Class A program on July 1, 2017, and thereafter, must take an approved course focused primarily on one of the following categories: methods of accommodating instruction to meet the needs of students with exceptionalities in inclusive settings, multicultural education, teaching English language learners, rural education, or urban education. A course used to meet this requirement for one level of certification may not be used to meet the requirement for a higher level of certification.
Academic Misconduct Information
Graduate School information on Academic Misconduct.
Withdrawals and Leave of Absence Information
Graduate School information on Withdrawals and Leave of Absence.
Academic Grievances Information
Graduate School information on Academic Grievances.
Grades and Academic Standing
Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.50 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C.
Graduate School information on Grades and Academic Standing.
Graduate School Deadlines
Information on Graduate School Deadlines.
Application for Graduation
Information on the Application for Graduation.
Certification
To be awarded Alabama Class AA Instructional Leader certification, students must:
- earn a passing score on a comprehensive assessment covering the content of the program,
- maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 (effective July 1, 2017) on all courses with no grade below a C,
- hold a valid, appropriate, prerequisite Alabama certificate, and
-
complete the State Department of Education certification application forms
To be awarded Alabama Class AA Teacher Leader certification, students must:
- earn a passing score on a comprehensive assessment covering the content of the program,
- maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 (effective July 1, 2017) on all courses with no grade below a C, and
- complete the State Department of Education certification application forms
Students must complete the proper application form for Alabama certification. Forms are available online through the Alabama State Department of Education. Applications should be submitted to Student Services in 104 Carmichael Hall at least one semester in advance of graduation. A student who does not apply for professional certification within 60 months after completing the state-approved program will be required to meet the current program. Students who plan to seek employment in other states must secure the proper professional licensure application forms from those states' departments of education.
The certification programs of the department have been designed to fulfill current requirements of the Alabama State Department of Education. In order to maintain compliance with the Alabama Board of Education, admission and program requirements are subject to change. Admission forms and requirements, specific program parameters, departmental policies and contact information can be found at the departmental website.
The associate dean for student services in the College of Education has been designated the teacher certification officer for the University. Students who need information about or assistance with certification should consult the associate dean for student services.
Class AA School Library Media Specialist (Concentration in School Library Media Specialist)
Admissions
In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission an application requires valid, master's level certification as a School Library Media Specialist and at least two full years of full-time acceptable P-12 professional educational work experience. Applicants must also meet the fingerprinting requirement for background clearance.
Admission to the Graduate School is not equivalent to "unconditional admission" to a state-approved educator preparation program.
Changes to Certification Programs
The certification programs of the department have been designed to fulfill current requirements of the Alabama State Board of Education. In order to maintain compliance with the Alabama Board of Education, admission and program requirements are subject to change. For the most current information, please check with the Office of Student Services and Certification or the Program in School Library Media.
Curricular Requirements
A minimum of 30 hours of appropriate work beyond the MA degree and a passing score on a comprehensive assessment are required for the educational specialist degree.
This course listing applies to candidates having appropriate prior certification. Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.50 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C. At least 15 semester hours of the 30 semester hour total must be at the 600-level. All requirements must be completed during the 6 years preceding the date on which the degree is to be awarded. Students should consult with their advisors before registering each semester.
| Code and Title | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations of Professional Studies | ||
| Select one of the following courses: | 3 | |
| Readings In Soc Of Ed * | ||
| Educ Theory And Policy | ||
| Studies History Of Education | ||
| Studies Social Foundatn Eductn | ||
| Critical Race Theory In Educ | ||
| Ethics And Education | ||
Any 600-level BEP course | ||
| Educational Research | ||
| LS 698 | Ind Research School Lib Leader | 3 |
| Instructional Support Area | ||
| Select 3 courses from the following: | 9 | |
| Management Theory and Practice | ||
LS 520 or | Early Child Lit & Story Prog (if not previously completed) | |
| Matl & Serv Children | ||
| Youth Programming | ||
| Trad. & Digital Storytelling | ||
| Universal Access | ||
| Social Aspects of Information | ||
| Select ONE of the following two courses: | ||
| LS 544 or | Cultural Div Prog Youth & Fam * | 3 |
| LS 580 | Outreach to Diverse Population | |
| Select 12 hours from the following courses: | 12 | |
| School Partnerships (or advisor approved sub) | ||
| Graphic Novels - Youth | ||
| Intercultural Youth Lit | ||
| Collab. through School Libs | ||
| School Lib. Admin | ||
| Additional requirement | 0-3 | |
| Intro Exc Childr/Youth (Required ONLY IF a survey of special education course was not completed previously.) | ||
| Total Hours | 30-33 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | State-approved diversity course |
Transfer Credit
Classes taken for Class A certification and credits over six years old cannot be counted toward this degree.
Graduate School information on Transfer Credit.
Comprehensive Exam
Students must complete a comprehensive assessment during their last semester of coursework. Assessment dates are announced in the first week of each semester. Assessment structure is based on each student’s course of study. Students will have a minimum of 14 calendar days to complete the assessment. Submissions are assessed by members of the program committee.
Graduate School information on Comprehensive Exams.
Time Limit for Degree Completion
Graduate School information on Time Limits.
Additional Academic Requirements
Electronic Learning Management System Requirement
A designated, electronic learning management system is required of all students in programs leading to professional educator certification.
Survey of Special Education Course
A survey of special education course is required. An individual who completed a survey of special education course prior to meeting requirements for unconditional admission to a Class A program on July 1, 2017, and thereafter, must take an approved course focused primarily on one of the following categories: methods of accommodating instruction to meet the needs of students with exceptionalities in inclusive settings, multicultural education, teaching English language learners, rural education, or urban education. A course used to meet this requirement for one level of certification may not be used to meet the requirement for a higher level of certification.
Graduate School information on Additional Academic Requirements.
Academic Misconduct Information
Graduate School information on Academic Misconduct.
Withdrawals and Leave of Absence Information
Graduate School information on Withdrawals and Leave of Absence.
Academic Grievances Information
Graduate School information on Academic Grievances.
Grades and Academic Standing
Candidates must present a GPA of at least 3.50 on all courses in the program, with no grade below a C.
Graduate School information on Grades and Academic Standing.
Graduate School Deadlines
Information on Graduate School Deadlines.
Application for Graduation
Information on the Application for Graduation.
Certification
To be awarded Alabama Class AA School Library Media Specialist certification, students must:
- earn a passing score on a comprehensive assessment documenting mastery of the curriculum
- maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 on all courses with no grade below a C
- hold valid, prerequisite Alabama Class A School Library Media Specialist certification
- complete an application for certification through the Alabama State Department of Education
Students must complete the proper application form for Alabama certification. Forms are available online through the Alabama State Department of Education. Applications should be submitted to Student Services in 104 Carmichael Hall at least one semester in advance of graduation. A student who does not apply for professional certification within 60 months after completing the state-approved program will be required to meet the current program. Students who plan to seek employment in other states must secure the proper professional licensure application forms from those states' departments of education.
The certification programs of the department have been designed to fulfill current requirements of the Alabama State Department of Education. The state requirements change from time to time and, accordingly, the department's requirements and programs are subject to change.
The associate dean for student services in the College of Education has been designated the teacher certification officer for the University. Students who need information about or assistance with certification should consult the associate dean for student services.
While a GRE score is not required for admission, preference for a limited number of college-funded assistantships is given to applicants for full-time study who take the GRE and achieve a composite score of 300 or better. Other competitive assistantship, fellowship, and scholarship opportunities may be available for applicants without GRE scores.
Students are encouraged to apply for College of Education scholarships and scholarships offered through UA Online.
Graduate School information on Financial Assistance.