This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.valdosta.edu.

A VSU Online Program

Selected Educational Outcomes

  1. Candidates will demonstrate knowledge of the content necessary to successfully meet the Teacher Leadership Program Standards.
  2. Candidates will model best practices in pedagogy and serve as mentors and coaches for other educators.
  3. Candidates will conduct research related to school culture, curriculum, and assessment, and apply the findings to improving those areas.
  4. Candidates will design and implement professional learning based on student and teacher needs.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

  1. Candidates will demonstrate the content knowledge by passing the state-required content assessment.
  2. Candidates will demonstrate best practices in pedagogy, mentoring, and coaching through faculty and supervisor observation of those practices.
  3. 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.
  4. 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. 
  • 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.
  • hold a graduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Applicants not meeting the GPA requirement may be eligible for admission by the alternative pathway. Alternative pathway requirements are a GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 on a 4.0 scale; and competitive scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Recommended scores for admission:

  • GRE: 145 Verbal and 139 Quantitative
  • MAT: 380

Program Retention, Dismissal, and Readmission Policies

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

  1. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a "C" will be credited toward the degree.

  2. Candidates must submit an application for graduation at least one semester prior to their expected graduation date.

  3. 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

Core Courses21
EDET 5999Professional Orientation0
ACED 7150Adult Learning and Development3
EDET 8005Foundations of Teacher Leadership3
EDET 8020Teacher Leadership Residency I 13
EDET 8030Developing and Leading a Community of Diverse Learners3
EDET 8040Teacher Leadership Residency II 13
EDET 8050Teacher Leadership Residency III 13
EDET 8880Capstone Seminar3
All candidates must successfully complete EDET 5999, a zero credit hour professional orientation course, during the first semester of enrollment.
Specialization Courses (numbered 5000 & above) 29
Total Hours Required for the Degree30