PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Master of Education (MEd) program in Teacher Leadership is designed for professionally certified and experienced educators who want to extend their influence beyond the walls of the classroom and improve their knowledge and skills in the area of leadership. Students also engage in the development of expertise in leading other educators in curriculum and instructional improvement across subject areas and grade levels. The Teacher Leadership program addresses teacher empowerment and leadership in the expanded roles and responsibilities of teachers in schools, including data-driven assessment for school improvement, professional learning communities, applying research to practice, improving instruction and student learning outcomes, and collaboration with families and communities.
This degree does not prepare students for initial, administrative, or supervisory certification.
The Master of Education (MEd) program in Teacher Leadership is designed for professionally certified and experienced educators who want to extend their influence beyond the walls of the classroom and improve their knowledge and skills in the area of leadership. Students also engage in the development of expertise in leading other educators in curriculum and instructional improvement across subject areas and grade levels. The Teacher Leadership program addresses teacher empowerment and leadership in the expanded roles and responsibilities of teachers in schools, including data-driven assessment for school improvement, professional learning communities, applying research to practice, improving instruction and student learning outcomes, and collaboration with families and community.
During the admission process, students may select a track in the following content areas that require certification: Art Education (K-12), English/Language Arts Education (6-12), Mathematics Education (6-12), Science Education (6-12), and Social Science Education (6-12). Students can also select a track in the following program areas which do not require specific certification beyond the professional teaching certificate: Curriculum Leadership, Educational Technology, Gifted Education*, Global, International and Comparative Education*, and Urban Education*.
This degree does not prepare students for initial, administrative, or supervisory certification.
*These program areas also include a certificate, which must be applied for separately.
CURRICULUM
The Master of Education in Teacher Leadership program requires a minimum of 33 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree; minimum credit hour requirements vary by track. Students from all tracks must complete the required 15 credit hours of core courses. The Master of Education in Teacher Leadership program requires that all students complete a Capstone Research Project or Thesis. The Capstone is a course-based action research study (i.e., application and analysis of the effectiveness of research-based best practices in the classroom). Additional course requirements vary by track.
Note: For teachers certified and interested in Middle School Science (grades 5-9), the K-8 Mathematics and Science MEd program may be of interest.
| Total Credit Hours Required: |
| 33-36
Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree |
This section describes the elements of the curriculum that are in common for all of the tracks.
Required Courses
Core—15 Credit Hours
All students must take the Teacher Leadership core, regardless of their chosen specialization.
- EDG 6935 Introductory Seminar in Teacher Leadership* (3 credit hours)
- EDG 6223 Curriculum Theory, Organization and Policy (3 credit hours)
- EDF 6472 Data-driven Decision Making for Instruction** (3 credit hours)
- EDF 6233 Introduction to Action Research and Analysis of Classroom Practice** (3 credit hours)
- EDF 6635 Capstone: Action Research in Teacher Leadership (3 credit hours) or IDS 6971 Thesis (6 credit hours)
*Must be taken in first semester of program.
**Prerequisites for the Capstone course.
Students complete either a Capstone Research Project or Thesis at the end of the program. EDF 6635 is offered in spring semester only. Students must complete an Intent to Graduate Form the semester prior to enrolling in EDF 6635.
INDEPENDENT LEARNING
The MEd requires a course-based action research study and completion of a capstone experience.
Application Requirements
For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.
Applicants must choose a track in this program. Track(s) may have different requirements.
Application Deadlines
| Teacher Leadership MEd |
Fall Priority
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Fall
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Spring
|
Summer
|
|---|
|
Domestic Applicants
| Jan 15 | Jul 15 | Dec 1 | Apr 15 |
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International Applicants
| Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Jul 1 | Nov 1 |
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International Transfer Applicants
| Jan 15 | Mar 1 | Sep 1 | Dec 15 |
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FINANCIALS
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see
Funding for Graduate School, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The
Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowships
Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see Fellowships, which includes descriptions of UCF fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.