COE: MEd: Educational Administration | School Leadership Preparation
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Be more than a leader, be a Change Agent

The Master of Education in Educational Administration/School Leadership is intended for educators interested who don’t just want to be a leader--they want to be a change-agent. Fulfilling Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requirements for school principal certification, this innovative program is based on current research and best practices in leader development. It is designed to prepare highly effective administrators who engage in reflective practice, drive gains in student achievement and development, create equitable and efficacious school cultures, and utilize strategic planning to organize adults and continuously track progress toward goals. Participants are prepared to meet any challenge facing school leaders today.

Students admitted to the program become members of a cohort that begins study in the fall semester. Those who continuously enroll complete the degree in two years. This program consists of 33 credit hours and is rich in field experiences. The second year of the program features a minimum of 300 hours of residency experience as a school leader. Principals in area schools and UMSL faculty members provide mentorship and coaching throughout the program. Residency assessments track progress toward the goal of becoming a highly effective leader.

Logo for National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC SARA)

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC SARA)

To determine if this program meets the reciprocity requirements for like state educational certification programs outside the state of Missouri, follow this link for further contact information and resources.

Master of Education (MEd)

Contact Advisors:

Marty Woytus & Kristel Schlemper

116 South Campus Classroom Building (SCCB)
p: (314) 516-5937

Deadline to Apply:
July 1st

News

Slide 1 Education alumna Deitra Colquitt selected for Voices of Change Writing Fellowship
Deitra Colquitt, a four-time graduate of the UMSL College of Education and co-principal at Pershing Elementary School, is one of eight educators in the United States to take part in the paid fellowship. EdSurge is matching Colquitt with an editor to chronicle her experiences as a school leader at Pershing during the 2021-22 school year. (Photo by August Jennewein)
Slide 2 Education alumna Paula D. Knight beginning new role as Jennings superintendent
Paula D. Knight is beginning her new role as superintendent of the Jennings School District after a 28-year career with St. Louis Public Schools. (Photo by August Jennewein)
Slide 3 Culture, Citizenship, Service: Graduate Student Develops School Leadership Philosophy During Year-long Residency
Michelle Cooley’s colleagues describe her as “a passionate educator” who is steadfast in her belief that quality education is a right for all children – and that all children need and deserve positive role models they can see themselves in.

Prerequisites

Teaching Experience: Missouri Teacher Certification and a minimum of 2 years’ successful PK-12 teaching experience in a school system. This may include experience from another state, and private, public, parochial, independent or charter schools.

Certification

Specific certification instructions can be found on the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s website . Students should be aware that they must pass the following exams for initial principal certification:


The Master of Education in Education Administration with emphasis in School Administration is intended for K-12 teachers interested in a School Leadership Preparation Program. The program partially fulfills Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requirements for licensure. This program is designed to prepare highly effective administrators who engage in reflective practice, drive gains in student achievement and create a positive school culture.  

Students admitted to the program become members of a cohort that begins study in the fall semester.  Those who maintain enrollment complete the degree in two years.

This program consists of 33 credit hours. The second year of the program features a 300-clock-hour field experience as a school leader. 

Admission

Admission to the Master of Education in Education Administration degree program is competitive.  All application materials should be submitted by March 1 for admission in the cohort which will begin the following fall. In order to graduate in two years, students must remain with their cohort.

To apply, potential students must have or complete the following:

  • Application - http://umsl.edu/go/Apply-Now. A statement of purpose should included.
  • Official transcripts from all universities attended. Successful applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree in education before beginning the master’s program.
  • Minimum of 3.0 on 4.0 scale is preferred, however students whose GPA is between 2.75 and 2.99 may be admitted on a restricted basis.
  • There are no entrance exams for domestic students. International students are required to document English proficiency by providing scores from an internationally accepted standardized examination before a decision is made on admission.
  • Letters of recommendation may be invited for applicants who do not meet the normal criteria for admission.
  • Students must have at least two years of teaching experience. 

Degree Requirements

ED ADM 6205Legal Contexts of Education3
ED ADM 6701Leadership for Equity3
ED ADM 6702Supervision in Education Organizations3
ED ADM 6704Data-Driven Instruction and Team Leadership I3
ED ADM 6705School Culture I3
ED ADM 6712Management of Organizational Systems3
ED ADM 6714K-12 School Administration3
ED ADM 6901K-12 School Principal Clinical Experience3
ED ADM 6902School Principal Clinical Experience: Supplemental3
TCH ED 6411Curriculum Leadership in Education3
ED PSY 6445Character Education And Development3
Total Hours33

Students must complete the courses listed in this program or an equivalent, as approved by the program director. Students who have prior graduate credits may be able to transfer 9-12 credits towards this degree. In this matter, it is important to consult with your academic advisor as specific courses are required for certification. Additionally, the courses must have been completed within the specified time requirements outlined by the Graduate School rules. 

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Patricia Corum, Ed.D.
Scholar in Residence

Dr. Patty Corum is an educational consultant who works with school administrators and teachers on teaching quality, focusing mostly on effective evaluations, observations and meaningful feedback.  She has worked in the urban, suburban and rural settings across the State of Missouri.  Prior to this, Dr. Corum served almost thirty years in ...
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Vanessa Garry, Ph.D.
Associate Professor

Associate Professor of Educator Preparation and Leadership in the COE at the UMSL, St. Louis, Missouri, has K-12 principal and superintendent certification. She received her Ph.D. and Ed.S. degrees in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the UMSL. Dr. Garry teaches graduate students DDDM, leadership for equity, school law, ...
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Sharonica Hardin-Bartley, Ph.D.
Superintendent Fellow

Dr. Sharonica L. Hardin-Bartley has served as superintendent of The School District of University City since July 2016. She was previously the assistant superintendent for human resources and leadership development for the Ritenour. She is a native of St. Louis and grew up in north city. She is a graduate of Lafayette High School and has an undergr...
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Thomas Hoerr, Ph.D.
Scholar In Residence

Tom Hoerr led schools for 37 years, taught for eight years, and worked for two years as an intern in the SLPS Division of Evaluation and Research. He has written five books and 140 articles/chapters. His most recent book is The Principal As Chief Empathy Officer: Creating A Culture Where Everyone Grows. He has presented around th...
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Timothy Pecoraro, Ph.D.
Superintendent Fellow

Dr. Tim Pecoraro was named superintendent of Pattonville School District in 2018. He has served on several statewide committees related to assessment and MSIP. He is currently on the executive board of the Missouri Assessment Partnership (MOAP). He arrived in Pattonville in 2001, when he was named principal of Briar Crest Elementary School. He was ...
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James Shuls, Ph.D.
Associate Professor

James V. Shuls earned his Ph.D. in education policy from the University of Arkansas. His work has been featured in numerous media outlets, including: Phi Delta Kappan, Social Science Quarterly, The Rural Educator, Educational Policy, Education Economics, and the Journal of School Choice: Internationa...
Certifications:
DESE K-12 Principal Certification
The College of Education will recommend you to the Missouri Department of Elementary/Secondary Education for initial administrator certification at the completion of the Master of Educational Administration degree program if you have met all state requirements, including at least two years of qualified teaching experience, and you have successfully passed the Missouri performance and comprehensive assessments. To ensure that you have met all state requirements, please contact your advisor. Applicant must initiate the certification process by completing their individual profile on the DESE website. UMSL is then notified to send the recommendation and transcripts.