Teacher Leader M.S.Ed.
CIP: 130404
Teacher Leader in Preparation for National Teacher Board Certification
The M.S.Ed. Teacher Leader degree is designed for experienced teachers who hold a current teaching certificate, wish to earn a Master’s degree, and desire to become more involved in leadership activities within their school. The program is also designed to prepare teachers to successfully apply for National Board Certification; and to meet Missouri criteria for the “High-Quality Career Certificate” to be exempt from “Required Professional Development for Educators.”
The program consists of 32 hours of graduate credit which focuses on improvement of instruction via assessment, curriculum design, and action research. Teacher leaders remain in the classroom and influence others to enhance teaching and learning, which will result in school improvement. The program’s portfolio component will mirror National Board Certification criteria and requirements. Some of the major topics to be addressed in coursework include: role and practice of the teacher leader, improvement of instruction, working in collaborative learning communities, data-driven decision making, and diversity. Program will be delivered through cohort groups.
Program Admission Requirements
All candidates entering the Teacher Leader Program will have two years of teaching experience prior to entering the program. After completing one year of graduate-level coursework, the candidate will be applying to complete the National Board Certification process through the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. Candidates MUST have completed three years of teaching prior to applying for the National Board Certification process.
All students who enter the Teacher Leader Program must successfully complete the Teacher Leader Examination (a written assessment) prior to beginning coursework. It is expected that the candidate score a 3.5 or above on a 5.0 rubric. The written examination is designed to ensure the candidate will perform successfully on the written portfolio required for graduation from the Teacher Leader Program.
Requirements
Course Requirements
Elective-choose one advisor-approved elective from the list below:
Total Credit Hours: 32
Exit requirements for the M.S.Ed. Teacher Leader Program include completion and submission of the National Board Certification portfolio to the National Board of Professional Teacher Standards in the spring semester prior to graduation. Successful completion of an oral presentation and defense at the end of the coursework is required. The presentation must focus on each of the four entries of the portfolio. The defense will be before a panel of at least three individuals. Completing this degree will not result in receiving additional certification, but does earn an advanced degree.