Ed.S. Educational Leadership: Licensure

The School of Education of the College of Health, Education, and Professional Studies offers an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership that leads to licensure as an instructional leader/supervisor in Tennessee. Coursework and field experiences are aligned with Tennessee Instructional Leadership Standards and synthesized in the final practicum and capstone courses. Although the field experience requirement is extensive, it is expected that students will complete the program and the field experience requirement while employed as a teacher. The program is in compliance with the 2013 “Tennessee Learning Centered Leadership Policy” and the successful program finisher will meet all requirements for an ILL-B license from the State of TN. A TN teaching certificate and three successful years teaching experience are required by the State for admission to insturctional licensure programs.

About the Program

• A teaching certificate and three successful years teaching experience are required by the State for admission to instructional leader licensure programs.
• The program can be completed in as few as 6 semesters and requires 36 graduate credits. Students typically progress through the program as a cohort, with new cohorts beginning every August. Admission will be considered for fall, spring, or summer terms, however, some courses are only offered once a year.
• Courses are fully aligned with the TN Instructional Leadership Standards.
• A field experience requirement of approximately 350 hours is required and is completed over the duration of the program

Admission Requirements

Applicants must initially meet admission requirements to the Ed.S.: Advanced Educational practices programs: 

• The successful completion of a master’s, specialist, or doctoral degree in education from a regionally accredited university with a GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Submit the $30 domestic, $35 international non-refundable application fee.
• The GRE/MAT is not required. 

Additional admission requirements:

A teaching certificate and three successful years teaching experience are required by the State for admission to principal licensure programs. In addition, two letters of recommendation, a portfolio and an interview are required as part of the application process.

Candidates are required to submit information through an online application and participate in an interview as part of the admission process. Information required in the online application process is listed below:

1. A copy of the candidate’s most recent performance appraisal.
2. A current professional development plan.
3. A personal statement of career goals and how the preparation program would assist the candidate in reaching the stated goals.
4. Successful completion of an interview that addresses learning strategies, human relations skills, data-driven decision making, and high ethical standards.
5. Two completed reference/recommendation forms which confirm the following:

• Evidence of ability to improve student achievement and also demonstrated leadership in coaching other teachers to raise student achievement
• Evidence of knowledge about curriculum, instruction and assessment
• Evidence that describes qualities of collaboration, cooperation and relationship building
• Demonstration of effective oral and written communications skills.

 

Course Requirements

EDS 6050: Reflective Leadership	3cr
EDS 6100: Program Evaluation	3cr
EDAS 5630: School Law	3cr
EDAS 5710: Leadership for School Improvement	3cr
EDAS 5730: School Culture and Climate	3cr
EDAS 5740: Curriculum Leadership	3cr
EDAS 5750: Instructional Leadership and Assessment	3cr
EDAS 5760: Development of Human Capital in Schools	3cr
EDAS 5770: Management of the School	3cr
EDAS 5810: Ethics, Advocacy and Advanced Law	3cr
EDAS 5820: Practicum in School Leadership	3cr
EDS 6900: Capstone Project	3cr

A passing score on the State exam (SLLA) is required as a condition of program completion.

To request more information about our Educational Leadership programs, please fill out this inquiry form.