A VSU Online Program
Selected Educational Outcomes
- Candidates will demonstrate knowledge of the content necessary to successfully meet the Teacher Leadership Program Standards.
- Candidates will model best practices in pedagogy and serve as mentors and coaches for other educators.
- Candidates will conduct research related to school culture, curriculum, and assessment, and apply the findings to improving those areas.
- Candidates will design and implement professional learning based on student and teacher needs.
Examples of Outcome Assessments
- Candidates will demonstrate the content knowledge by passing the state-required content assessment.
- Candidates will demonstrate best practices in pedagogy, mentoring, and coaching through faculty and supervisor observation of those practices.
- Candidates will demonstrate the ability to conduct and apply research through a review of literature and an associated action research project scored by a departmentally created rubric.
- Candidates will demonstrate the ability to design and implement professional learning through faculty and supervisor observation of clinical practice.
Prior to admission to any graduate program at Valdosta State University, applicants must first submit a completed application to the Graduate School. A completed application packet includes official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, official test scores (GRE or MAT), completed application form, fee, and any additional program requirements submitted by the admission deadline. To be considered for the preferred term, all required materials must be received by the Graduate School no later than the close of business on the deadline. It is the responsibility of the applicant to allow adequate time for document submission and to ensure receipt of documents.
Admission Deadlines:
Collaborative online education program deadlines are established each term. Check the website for admission deadlines and application forms.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must:
- submit the application and fee to the VSU Graduate School.
- submit one official transcript from each college/university attended, even for transfer credit or undergraduate work. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.
- submit official test scores on the GRE (minimum combined score of 850 with a verbal score of no less than 400 OR, if taken July 2011 or later, a combined minimum score of 286 with a verbal score of no less than 143) or MAT (minimum score of 390 if taken October 2004 or later, or 36 if taken before October 2004).
- hold a clear renewable teaching or service certificate at the Master's level or higher.
- submit a Letter of Assurance form from a current administrator (form required).
- submit the Distance Learning Exemption of the VSU Medical Form.
- be employed teachers able to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week in a classroom.
Program Retention, Dismissal, and Readmission Policies
- The maximum time allowed for completion of the degree is seven calendar years. No work completed more than seven years prior to degree completion will be accepted toward the degree, except with special permission from the student's advisor and approval from the Dean of the Graduate School.
- No more than 9 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a College of Education and Human Services graduate program. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission by the academic department.
- Earning grades below "B" in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: students will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points unless otherwise indicated by individual program policy. A grade of "C" (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of "D," "WF," "F," or "U" (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points.
- If dismissed from the program, a student must not be enrolled for two semesters. Application for readmission may be initiated during the second semester. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and student conduct/disposition in the program will be considered. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission.
Program Completion Requirements
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A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a "C" will be credited toward the degree.
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Candidates must submit an application for graduation at least one semester prior to their expected graduation date.
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Candidates must attempt all Georgia state-approved educator certification assessments for their degree program and major.
Note: According to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC), all candidates applying for a certificate in the field of Teacher Leadership are required to present passing scores on Georgia's state-approved educator certification assessment(s) for Teacher Leadership. Candidates are not required to pass the state-approved assessment(s) in order to graduate from the program but cannot be recommended for certification until they successfully complete all coursework and pass the Georgia state-approved assessment(s) for certification in Teacher Leadership.
Requirements for the Ed.S. Degree with a Major in Teacher Leadership
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 15 | |
| EDET 5999 | Professional Orientation | 0 |
| EDET 8020 | Using Assessment and Research Data 1 | 3 |
| EDET 8030 | Developing and Leading a Community of Diverse Learners | 3 |
| EDET 8040 | Strategic Planning for School Reform 1 | 3 |
| EDET 8050 | Action Research 1 | 3 |
| EDET 8880 | Capstone Seminar | 3 |
| All candidates must successfully complete EDET 5999, a zero credit hour professional orientation course, during the first semester of enrollment. | ||
| Teacher Leadership Residency Courses | 3 | |
| EDET 8001 | Teacher Leadership Residency I | 1 |
| EDET 8002 | Teacher Leadership Residency II | 1 |
| EDET 8003 | Teacher Leadership Residency III | 1 |
| Specialization Courses (numbered 5000 & above) 2 | 9 | |
| Total Hours Required for the Degree | 27 | |
| 1 | Work in course must focus on content of candidate’s certification field. |
| 2 | Themes to select from, in consultation with advisor, include but are not limited to: Early Childhood Education |
