Master of Education in K12 Educational Leadership

Explores the foundational principles and practices of effective K–12 educational leadership, with an emphasis on developing and sustaining a shared school vision. Candidates examine leadership theory, ethical decision-making, and the role of leaders in fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments. The course emphasizes collaborative vision development, continuous improvement, and aligning school goals with student success.  

Explores the ways educational leaders build and sustain collaborative school cultures that promote professional growth and improved student outcomes. Candidates develop skills in mentoring colleagues, facilitating professional learning communities, and supporting shared leadership practices. The course emphasizes strategies for strengthening communication, trust, and collective responsibility for continuous school improvement.  

This course introduces students to action research as a practical approach for understanding and improving problems within professional settings. Students learn to identify and analyze organizational challenges, examine relevant research and evidence, evaluate potential interventions, and develop a structured action research proposal. Through a series of scaffolded assignments, learners design an evidence-informed improvement plan that incorporates implementation, evaluation, and adaptation strategies in preparation for the capstone experience. 

Examines the role of educational leaders in guiding and improving curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices in K–12 settings. Candidates explore strategies for aligning curriculum with standards, supporting high-quality instructional practices, and promoting equitable learning opportunities for all students. Emphasis is placed on instructional leadership, data-informed decision-making, and continuous improvement to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.  

Explores leadership practices that promote equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive schooling in K–12 environments. Candidates explore how bias, identity, and systemic factors impact student experiences and achievement. The course emphasizes strategies for creating inclusive school cultures, closing opportunity gaps, and leading with an equity-centered lens to support the success of all learners.  

Investigates strategies for building meaningful partnerships between schools, families, and community stakeholders to support student success in K–12 settings. Candidates explore effective communication practices, culturally responsive engagement approaches, and collaborative problem-solving techniques. Emphasis is placed on developing inclusive, trust-based relationships that strengthen school communities and enhance student learning outcomes.  

Explores the ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities of K–12 educational leaders. Candidates analyze school law, governance structures, policy requirements, and regulatory frameworks that guide educational practice, alongside ethical decision-making in complex school contexts. Emphasis is placed on professional norms, integrity, and leadership practices that ensure compliance, equity, and student-centered decision-making.  

Examines the principles and practices of effective school operations, finance, and resource management in K–12 settings. Candidates explore budgeting processes, allocation of resources, facilities management, and operational systems that support safe and effective learning environments. Emphasis is placed on strategic decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and aligning resources to support school goals and student success.  

Focuses on human resource leadership practices that support effective recruitment, development, and retention of high-quality educators in K–12 schools. Candidates explore strategies for talent management, coaching, evaluation, and professional growth systems that strengthen instructional capacity. Emphasis is placed on building supportive organizational cultures and developing personnel systems that enhance teacher effectiveness and student learning outcomes.  

Provides a supervised field-based experience in K–12 educational leadership focused on applying leadership knowledge and skills to authentic school improvement work. Candidates engage in guided practice related to instructional leadership, organizational management, collaboration, and data-informed decision-making. Emphasis is placed on reflective practice, problem-solving, and demonstrating competencies aligned with effective school leadership through real-world application.  

This course serves as the culminating experience of the master's program. Students synthesize learning from across their graduate studies, examine the development of their professional identity, apply disciplinary frameworks to complex situations, evaluate professional decisions under conditions of uncertainty, and demonstrate readiness for advanced professional practice. Through the creation of a professional portfolio and defense, learners integrate evidence, reflection, professional judgment, and future goals into a comprehensive demonstration of graduate-level achievement.