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 instructional 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 present evidence of a baccalaureate and masters degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

Applicants must have successfully completed an educator preparation program and hold a valid educator license.

Applicants must have successfully completed two years of qualifying education experience as defined by the TN Department of Education.

In addition, a portfolio (submitted online) and an interview are required as part of the application process.

The online portfolio is submitted through the application process and includes items outlined below.

  1. An undergraduate or graduate GPA of 3.0 or better (indicated on official transcripts).
  2. A copy of the applicant's most recent two summative performance appraisals (often found in TN Compass).
  3. A Future Growth Plan (FGP) - writing prompt.
  4. An Educator Information Record (EIR) - writing prompt.
  5. A personal statement of career goals and how the program would assist the applicant in reaching the stated goals.
  6. A resumé
  7. Successful completion of an interview that addresses learning strategies, human relations skills, data-driven decision making, and high ethical standards.
  8. Two completed references/recommendation (one from current supervisor) forms which confirm the following:
    1. Evidence of ability to improve student achievement and demonstrated leadership in coaching other teachers to raise student achievement;
    2. Evidence of knowledge about curriculum, instruction and assessment;
    3. Evidence that describes qualities of collaboration, cooperation and relationships;
    4. Demonstration of effective oral and written communications skills.
  9. Verification of a valid license and qualifying experience (provided by school district or school administration / Human Resources)
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. 

School Leadership

Educational Leadership