K-12 Educational Leadership

Each applicant must present:

• Official transcript(s) exhibiting a strong academic record (e-transcripts may be sent to tcugradstudies@tcu.edu)
• Current resume reflecting all professional experience
• Copy of valid educator certificate and official service record
• Applicants seeking certification as a principal must have completed at least two full years of teaching in an accredited school prior to beginning coursework
• Three letters of recommendation, at least two of which are from persons known in a professional or supervisory relationship
• Personal Statement - In 500-750 words, explain why you wish to seek the M.Ed. in PK-12 Educational Leadership (with or without the principal certificate, or, for certification-only students, why you are seeking the principal certificate). Explain how you see the degree and/or certification as fitting with personal and professional goals, and what you view as your strengths and challenges as you embark on this new journey
• Ethics Statement - In no more than 500-750 words, discuss, in a democratic society, what role and in what ways does ethics shape teaching and learning in K-12 educational spaces?
• Live or video interview
• Online Criminal Background Check required for PK-12 emphasis applicants

As of March 15, 2017, the Texas Education Agency Board requires the implementation of an Accountability System for Educator Preparation Programs (ASEP) technology fee, as required by 19 TAC 229.9(7). This fee is required for each candidate seeking certification; the candidate must pay a one-time admission fee of $35. The fee will appear on your TCU student account.

May 15 – summer admission

As of March 15, 2017, the Texas Education Agency Board requires the implementation of an Accountability System for Educator Preparation Programs (ASEP) technology fee, as required by 19 TAC 229.9(7). This fee is required for each candidate seeking certification; the candidate must pay a $35 fee when admitted to the program for the 2018-2019 academic year and beyond. The fee will appear on your TCU student account.

The links below provide two important resources for the Midpoint assessment: Requirements and Guidelines for completing the assessment and the Application Form to be completed and submitted with the two assessment artifacts. Students must complete their Tier I coursework in Educational Leadership prior to submitting this assessment, and this is a requirement before students can proceed to Tier II courses.

• Assessment Requirements and Guidelines
• Application Form

Experienced teachers who hold a master’s degree may apply for the TCU Educational Leadership Certification-Only program.  Applicants must have completed at least two full years of teaching in an accredited school prior to beginning coursework.  The required 18 hours can be completed in one academic year (fall and spring) and qualified applicants receive substantial financial support. Students take 9 hours per semester (including a principal practicum) and enjoy small classes with experienced professors who served as educational leaders. The program prepares individuals to successfully navigate the state of Texas certification examinations and, more importantly, serve as exemplary educational leaders. Those who complete the certification-only requirements may choose to apply to a doctoral program, enabling students to enter doctoral studies with 18 graduate hours completed.

• Certification-Only Program of Study

Leadership Theory and Practice: Increase understanding of the skills, knowledge and dispositions required to mobilize people and move organizations through times of stability and change. Learn and practice the complex work of building, implementing, and communicating a shared vision for student success.
Instructional Leadership A: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Increase understanding of theories of student learning and apply them in the leadership of curriculum design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Build specific skills and knowledge in leading literacy and math instruction.
Engaging Community and Culturally Responsive Practice: Develop culturally responsive practices needed to effectively interface with and support school communities. Learn and apply strategies to leverage community assets to help schools weather increasing social and economic complexity.
Trends in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership: Develop strategies for maintaining one’s own efficacy and well-being in school leadership roles. Build understanding of how to develop resilience, distribute leadership to meet collective goals, and build and sustain a community of practice. 

FALL: PUT IDEAS INTO PRACTICE
Instructional Leadership B: Supervision and Coaching: Learn effective research-based practices professional development, coaching, and supervision that support teacher growth and development.
Data Use for School Leaders: Establish a firm data literacy foundation and apply this understanding to the data inquiry practices critical to leading improvement efforts at the campus level.
Clinical Practice: Apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom and other professional experiences to real-world, field-based tasks under the guidance of a practicing on-site administrator and a TCU supervisor.

SPRING: LEARN THE SYSTEM
Strategic Operational Leadership: Learn the fundamentals for strategic leadership of school operations. Build expertise in systems thinking, budgeting and resource allocation, facilities operation, scheduling, technology use, human resources operations, and discipline.
Law, Policy and Ethics: Deepen understanding of the state and federal laws that govern schools and the social and political forces that influence the practice of school leadership. Explore ethical demands regularly facing school leaders.
Clinical Practice: Apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom and other professional experiences to real-world, field-based tasks under the guidance of a practicing on-site administrator and a TCU supervisor.