Instructional Leadership, M.Ed.

Students pursuing Instructional Leadership may participate in programs leading to a master’s degree (M.Ed.) with initial certification (Class A), a specialist degree (Ed.S.) and advanced certification (Class AA), or a reduced hour option for certification (Class A).

Those pursuing the M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree and a valid Alabama Class B or Class A certification in a teaching field or instructional support area and meet the program admission criteria.

Program Admission Requirements

• One 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 Professional Educator Certificate in teaching field 
  • Class B or Class A in a teaching field or another area of instructional support
  • Professional Educator Certificate endorsed for library media or school counseling
• EXP form documenting one of the following:
  • Three (3) full years of acceptable education experience with at least one full year of full-time P-12 teaching experience OR
  • A minimum of seven (7) full years of full-time employment, in the same school system, as a library media specialist or school counselor in a P-12 setting
• Passing score on an admission portfolio. The portfolio will contain the following:
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation*, of which one includes the applicant’s current principal or supervisor. *Those holding a Professional Educator Certificate endorsed for library media or school counseling must provide a written recommendation from the current employing superintendent.
  • 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, Reduced Hour Option for Certification  (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 exam
• SPED 407/507  or equivalent, if not previously completed