NOW OFFERING A FULLY ONLINE PROGRAM!
Over the years, the context for teachers has changed, not only in Washington state, but also in the United States and beyond. The Master of Education in Teacher Leadership program leverages flexibility in learning and rigorous program offerings to equip teachers who are interested in becoming teacher leaders. There is also a built-in program option for a pathway to principal certification. Our graduates have advanced to become mentor teachers, instructional coaches, and more, while others take on roles within their district to support improving learning for students and teachers alike.
Who Should Pursue This Degree
This program will equip you to assume a variety of roles in education - from expert teacher, early career mentor, and instructional coach, to department chair, staff development leader, assessment coordinator, and curriculum coordinator.
Graduates are eligible for admission into the Principal Certification or Program Administrator Certification programs and will carry forward educational administration credits toward these certification programs. See below for more information on the MEd in Teacher Leadership Pathway to Principal Cert program option.
Benefits
A master's degree qualifies you for salary increases and provides a sizeable financial advantage over the course of a long-term teaching career. But of course you have many more reasons to consider this program:
- Fully online option. The program now offers a fully online option with 12 credits of electives in an area of the student's interest. More info.
- District-based cohort advantages. Students are grouped into cohorts, which offer small classes, personalized instruction, and a sense of community. Cohorts work around Spring Break schedules, utilize the district-adopted TPEP framework, and focus on other district-based initiatives. Additionally, we partner with district-based cohorts who provide instructors to ensure alignment and immediate application of learning. More info.
- ARCSE Pathway to MEd in Teacher Leadership. This option is for students who want to earn a master's degree by merging ARCSE program requirements with select coursework and requirements from the Teacher Leadership program. The ARCSE option enables applicants to improve their school settings through specific preparation in teacher leadership. More info.
- Building your career. The Teacher Leadership program offers up-to-date educational theory, research, and professional practices, and prepares you for the next step in a variety of career pathways.
- MEd in Teacher Leadership Pathway to Principal Certification. Upon graduation, you will have completed three of the seven classes required for Principal or Program Administrator Certification. The remaining four courses, plus a 9-credit internship, can be completed within one calendar year. You may also have the option of substituting more principal certification courses if interested. More info.
- Flexible, hybrid delivery. The program combines online courses and face-to-face classes in a district-based cohort near you. Utilizing a user-friendly system, the program enables you to interact with students and faculty through discussions, group work, and individual assignments. Six elective credits are also included, allowing you to focus on areas of special interest.
- Distinguished faculty. Courses are typically taught by full-time faculty with doctorates and extensive work experience in K–12 education. As leaders in their field, they regularly conduct research in classroom and school settings, make presentations at professional conferences, serve as consultants or on boards and state committees, lead various professional organizations, and regularly publish journal articles and books.
- Fully accredited. SPU holds the highest accreditations for its School of Education, including CEAP (The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation), WSBOE (Washington State Board of Education), and NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities).
- Affordable. Tuition is comparable to other area institutions, and financial aid is available through a federally insured student loan program. A limited number of non-teaching graduate assistantships are also available. Plus, cohort participants receive a 20% discount on most courses.
- District partnership discounts. SPU is actively building partnerships with local school districts for delivery of the Teacher Leadership program at the district level. Upon partnership approval, reduced tuition will be offered for a district cohort with a minimum of 10 admitted candidates. To inquire about a Teacher Leadership cohort for your district, contact Robin Henrikson.
Program Outline
The program outline includes a description of program components and different program options. Official degree requirements for this graduate program are stated in the SPU Graduate Catalog in effect when you are accepted into this program.
Admission Information
The official admissions requirements for this graduate program are stated in the SPU Graduate Catalog in effect when you apply to this program. Or learn more about admission requirements and procedures online.