M.Ed. In Teacher Leadership

KSU CATALOG

Program Description

Teacher Leadership prepares teachers for “providing professional development, building a school culture of continuous improvement and becoming change agents while maintaining the role of classroom teacher” (GaPSC Guidance for Educators, May 9, 2012). Graduates of this performance-based program will be teacher leaders who plan and lead professional development; who mentor and coach other teachers; who align curriculum, instruction, and assessment; who model best teaching practices; who analyze data and improve learning through data-informed decision-making; who apply research-based approaches to instructional challenges; and who collaborate with all stakeholders to improve student learning.

The M.Ed. with a major in Teacher Leadership program includes a minimum of 36 hours of study in three areas and a six-month residency. In the residency, the teacher leader candidate develops an Individual Growth Plan (IGP) and a Residency Project Proposal, then seeks out opportunities at multiple settings to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of effective teacher leaders. Candidates present their Residency Project and Capstone Portfolio as evidence of their accomplishment in the areas specified by the Teacher Leadership standards.

Program of Study

Teacher Leadership Certification

  • TLED 7000: Foundations of Teacher Leadership
  • TLED 7101: Critical Analysis of Policy, Theory, & Praxis for Teacher Leaders
  • TLED 7465: Professional Learning in Schools
  • TLED 7785: Collaboration with Families and Community
  • TLED 7980: Action Research in Schools
  • TLED 7990: Residency & Capstone
  • TLED 8200: Mentoring, Coaching and Facilitating School Improvement

Additional Program Requirements

  • EDUC 7725: Best Practices in Teaching and Learning in Content Field
  • ITEC 7400: 21st Century Teaching and Learning
  • TLED 8830: Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for Teacher Leaders
  • ITEC 7305: Data Analysis and School improvement

Research Requirements

  • EDRS 8000: Applied Quantitative & Qualitative Research Program

Total (36 Credit Hours)

Admissions Requirements

Must possess the following beyond the general KSU Graduate College Admission Requirements: 

  • Degree – Bachelor’s degree.
  • Certificate – Uploaded to graduate application. Current clear, renewable Georgia Teaching Certificate, out-of-state equivalent, OR Educational Leadership Department Chair/Program Coordinator approval. To print a copy of your clear, renewable Georgia teaching certificate, you may log into your MyPSC account.  
  • Employment – Must be employed as teachers or administrators in a traditional public school district, a charter school district, a charter school, or an independent school.  
  • Résumé or Professional Vitae – Uploaded to graduate application.
  • Experience – Minimum of ONE (1) year of teaching or administrative experience required for admission consideration.  
  • Mentor Form – This program requires that you have a qualified mentor who meets the GaPSC Mentor requirements at each phase in your program. The Teacher Leadership Mentor Form provides instructions and requirements.  Completed form must be uploaded to graduate application.  Individuals employed in a private school setting will need to reach out to the Bagwell Certification Officer for further guidance.
  • Partnership Agreement – PSC rule 505-3-.72 requires candidates to be “recommend by the school system administrator (superintendent) or designee.  Kennesaw State University must hold a Performance-Based partnership with the Candidate’s School District or Charter/Independent School.  Reach out to the Program Coordinator, for Teacher Leadership, to confirm that one exists with your school system.
  • Professional Reflections Statement – Uploaded to graduate application. Should be 1-2 pages and address your professional training and interest, educational beliefs, professional goals, and why you seek to pursue your degree at KSU.
  • Interview - An interview may be required. If so, you will be contacted by the program to set up an interview. 

Admissions Criteria for Unique Cases 
Currently, there are no exceptions to the admissions requirements. 

Priority Deadline

The deadline for applications is April 1.

Contact Us

Contact for more information at 470-578-6888 or edldepartment@kennesaw.edu. 

©