Instructional Leadership, M.Ed.

The Master’s Program in Instructional Leadership is for those who have earned a Class B professional educator’s certification and wish to obtain the certification required to hold administrative positions in P-12 educational settings. The Instructional Leadership program provides the candidate opportunities to learn about research and current trends in school operation, state/national school law, finance and regulation, personnel management, staff development and curriculum/instructional supervision. A Master in Education in Instructional Leadership leads to advanced (Class A) professional educator certification (grades P-12)..

Program Admission Requirements

• An official transcript from each institution of higher education attended
• 2.75 undergraduate graduating GPA or 3.0 Master’s degree GPA from a regionally accredited college or university
• Valid Class B or Class A Professional Educator’s Certificate in teaching field or in another area of instructional support
• EXP form documenting three full years of acceptable education experience with at least one full year of full-time P-12 teaching experience
• Passing score on an admission portfolio. The portfolio will contain the following:
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation, one of which includes the applicant’s current principal or supervisor
  • Completed copy (all forms) of the most-recent performance appraisal to include the professional development component, if available
  • Evidence of ability to improve student achievement
  • Evidence of leadership and management potential including evidence of most recent accomplishments in the area of instructional leadership
  • Summary of the candidate’s reasons for pursuing instructional leadership certification
  • Summary of what the candidate expects from the preparation program
• Passing score on an interview conducted by a program admission committee that includes both P-12 instructional leaders and higher education faculty

UM also offers an Instructional Leadership, Class A Certification Program (Reduced-Hour Option)  (19-21 hours). Those individuals who already hold a master’s degree, a valid Alabama Class A certification in a teaching field or instructional support area, and meet the admission criteria previously listed are eligible to pursue this option for Class A certification in instructional leadership.

Retention/Completion Requirements

• Maintain a minimum 3.25 program GPA on all coursework
• Passing score on the required Praxis II exam
• SPED 407/507  or equivalent if not previously completed