Education Specialist - Instructional Leadership
Further your career as an educator on your schedule with a fully online Education Specialist, Instructional Leadership degree at the University of North Alabama.
Grounded in the Alabama Standards for Instructional Leaders and built on the knowledge and abilities developed at the Class A (master’s degree) level, UNA’s Class AA Instructional Leadership program is designed for working educators who strive for leadership positions in educational institutions.
To convert candidates' leadership knowledge into effective leadership practices, the Class AA Instructional Leadership program is grounded on real-world experiences, and its contents draw from leadership experiences in school and school district settings. The creation of shared leadership practices with all parties involved in raising student achievement—particularly parents and teachers—is a fundamental tenet of the Class AA Instructional Leadership program.
Modality
Online
Costs
$340 per credit hour
Time to Complete
1.5 - 2 years
Education Specialist, Instructional Leadership (Ed.S., Online)
What can I do with an Education Specialist in Instructional Leadership degree?
An Ed.S. Instructional Leadership is a highly specialized degree that primes qualified candidates to step into more advanced leadership-related positions than their current roles as educators. Here are some career paths and opportunities graduates can qualify for with this degree:
- School Administrator: Principal, vice principal, or other administrative roles within schools, overseeing the overall management, curriculum development, and staff supervision.
- Curriculum Specialist: Work on designing and implementing curriculum frameworks, ensuring alignment with educational standards and best practices.
- Instructional Coordinator: Focus on improving teaching standards by providing professional development opportunities for teachers, evaluating instructional materials, and implementing new teaching strategies.
- Education Consultant: Offer expertise to schools or educational organizations on improving instructional practices, curriculum development, and overall school performance.
- Education Policy Analyst: Analyze educational policies and their impact on instructional practices, providing recommendations for improvement.
- Director of Education Programs: Lead and oversee educational programs within schools, nonprofits, or other educational institutions.
- Education Researcher: Conduct research on instructional methods, educational practices, and policies to contribute to the advancement of the field.
- Professional Development Manager: Design and implement training programs for teachers and staff to enhance their instructional skills and knowledge.
- Education Technology Specialist: Focus on integrating technology into instructional practices to enhance learning outcomes and student engagement.
- College or University Administrator: Pursue leadership roles in higher education institutions, overseeing academic programs, student services, or other departments.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDS 701 | Professionalism and Ethics in the School Culture | 3 |
| EDS 702 | Applied Research I | 3 |
| EDS 703 | Digital-Age Leadership to Enhance Student Learning | 3 |
| EDS 704 | Culturally Proficient Leadership | 3 |
| EDS 708 | Advanced Curriculum Development | 3 |
| EDS 709 | Applied Research II | 3 |
| EEX 605 | Survey of Students with Disabilities (if not previously completed) | 0-3 |
| IL 705 | Professional Development and Mentoring | 3 |
| IL 706 | Management of the Learning Organization | 3 |
| IL 707 | Law, Policy and Governance | 3 |
| IL 710 | Community and Stakeholder Relationships | 3 |
| or ED 640 | Statistical Methods in Education | |
| IL 711 | Professional Standards for Instructional Leadership | 3 |
| Total Hours | 33-36 | |
Accreditations and Admissions Requirements
Accreditations
The University of North Alabama is accredited by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctorate-level degrees.
Education degrees at UNA are additionally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Admissions Requirements
In addition to the program’s admission requirements, candidates must fulfill specific criteria to be eligible for the Class AA Instructional Leadership program in Alabama. These include:
- Holding a position as a superintendent, assistant or associate superintendent, assistant to the superintendent, principal, assistant principal, supervisor in any subject and/or grade level, administrator of career and technical education, coordinator, or evaluator.
Additionally, applicants are required to have a minimum of three years of experience in an Instructional Leadership role that aligns with the certification standards outlined in the current edition of the Subject and Personnel Codes of the Alabama State Department of Education. Moreover, individuals must showcase competence in each of the abilities specified in the Class A Instructional Leadership standards either before entering the Class AA program or before its completion.
Why The University of North Alabama?
With its small class sizes, experiential learning opportunities, and access to our enthusiastic, expert faculty- many of whom are serving or have served as teachers, assistant principals, principals, assistant superintendents, and superintendents- who invest in your academic journey, UNA is uniquely positioned as a leader in academic excellence within the South and beyond.
This program is grounded in the Alabama Standards for Instructional Leaders and focuses on developing the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for modern academic institutions.