Why Earn Your Instructional Leadership and Exceptional Student Education degree at Saint Leo University?
Saint Leo’s fully online Master of Education (M.Ed.) – Instructional Leadership and Exceptional Student Education concentration offers an innovative approach to teacher leadership based on the Teacher Leader Model Standards (TLMSs). These national standards are intended to codify, promote, and support teacher leadership as a vehicle for transforming schools to meet the needs of 21st-century learners. The TLMSs comprise seven domains that describe the dimensions of teacher leadership. Each domain is further developed with a list of functions that a teacher leader who is an expert in that domain might perform.
Through the Instructional Leadership specialization program, teachers who are leaders in their school will develop the knowledge and skill commensurate with national standards for teacher leaders.
The Exceptional Student Education (ESE) specialization prepares learners to understand the ESE processes and to demonstrate mastery in helping students with diverse needs and disabilities by modification and utilization of appropriate strategies and materials based upon scientifically based research. Educators will learn to address the prevention, identification and remediation of students with mild disabilities.
The Instructional Leadership and Exceptional Student Education specialization is designed to meet the continuing education and professional development needs of educators who wish to become master teachers and instructional leaders.
Learning Experience:
Online
Est. Time to Complete:
2 years
Credit Hours:
30 hours
Graduate Instructional Leadership Program Details
Research shows that collective leadership has a stronger influence on student achievement than individual leadership. The TLMSs seek to generate collective leadership by fostering professional discussion about best practices and advancing new roles for teachers to serve. Working with their colleagues, teacher leaders can implement strategies that improve student learning. They can foster a culture of success that will reverberate across schools, districts, and organizations.
In the M.Ed. – Instructional Leadership with ESE concentration, students are already teachers who are seeking to increase their knowledge in the area of special education while gaining skills in the instructional leadership arena.
Learn Your Way:
Online, On Campus, or Near You
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What are the on-campus facilities like?
Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
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What are the benefits of earning your instructional leadership degree online?
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
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Taking online classes has afforded me the opportunity to learn while maintaining a job. They give me some flexibility to study at times that work more cohesively with my schedule and allow me to utilize resources such as the library 24 hours a day.
Bentley Streat | Hayes, VA
Are education centers near you offering instructional leadership degree programs?
You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
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How will you gain real experience?
Classroom learning is only part of the degree program at Saint Leo University. We also know the value of hands-on experience. That is why internships and research projects are built into the curriculum. Saint Leo has a strong relationship with many internship organizations across the country, including Boys & Girls Club and Head Start.
Plus, our Career Services center is always available to help connect you with a variety of other experiential learning opportunities to fit your individual career goals.
What can you do with a graduate instructional leadership degree?
The M.Ed. – Instructional Leadership program prepares educators to serve in leadership roles in primary and secondary schools, as well as at the district and organizational level
What are the top instructional leadership degree jobs?
- Instructional or Curriculum specialist
- Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Coach
- Teacher mentor
- School program leader
- Director or supervisor
- Dean of students or faculty
- District-level administrator
- Higher education positions
- Corporate Trainer
Where are Saint Leo psychology graduates now?
Graduates of our M.Ed. programs consistently receive recognition and awards, including the coveted Teacher of the Year and Administrator of the Year awards in their districts. Actual examples of jobs held by recent M.Ed. graduates include:
- Second-grade teacher, Vista Lakes Elementary (class of 2013)
- Reading and drama teacher, Sunlake High School (class of 2011)
- Kindergarten teacher, South Hamilton Elementary (class of 2011)
- Fifth-grade teacher, School District of Hillsborough County (class of 2012)
- Media specialist, Polk County School Board (class of 2014)
- Reading facilitator, Polk City Elementary (class of 2011)
- Director of curriculum & instructional services, Pasco County District School Board (class of 2003)
- Technology teacher and department chair, Gulf Coast Academy (class of 2014)
- Science teacher, Broward County Public Schools (class of 2009)
- Behavior specialist, Bayonet Point Middle School (class of 2003)
College of Arts & Sciences
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Saint Leo University’s College of Education and Social Services couples a transformative liberal arts tradition with highly specialized training in the education and social services fields. Through close faculty mentorships, practical field internships, and applied learning experiences, we prepare students for careers in education, social work, criminal justice, and human services. Our faculty remain active in their respective fields as researchers and practitioners, giving students close access to a wealth of real-world knowledge and experience.
With the ever-changing needs of today's students, we provide flexible degree programs. These include programs at University Campus and education centers with evening and weekend options, as well as online offerings. These degree programs are grooming the next generation of educators and social service specialists—a new breed of professionals with the talent and resolve to make a difference in the world.
Student Stories
I completely enjoyed my experience with sociology at Saint Leo University. Through my research project … classes I was able to explore … the view of Christianity and other religions in the sight of young adults. Because of this study, it made me more confident in my faith as well as sensitive to other religions. I took an internship with a Refugee resettlement agency, where I worked daily with clients that had many different beliefs and backgrounds. Within a few months I was hired full time as the employment specialist and stayed 3 years. To this day, many of my former clients still run and give me a hug and thank me for my kindness. I will continue to take my experience over to my new position as the Family Service Case Manager for the Community Action Program.
Tasha Moss
As a 46-year old male, the thought of going back to school was intimidating. Having an eight-year hiatus and trying to discover what I wanted to do was equally daunting. I have known that I wanted to help people most of my life. Sociology offered a path for me to achieve that goal. The staff at Saint Leo made the transition extremely easy. From the warm smile at the registrar’s office to the insightfulness of everyone at the Sociology department, each person I met along the way made the journey of my education painless and enjoyable. The constant feedback, guidance, and care made me want to learn and excel. The best gift I received from my Saint Leo Sociology experience is the preparation for Social Work graduate school.
Jerrod Klein
Choosing Sociology was the best thing I could have done. I served the first 15 years of my career as an Active Guard Reserve with the 283rd Combat Communications Squadron, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia. Seventeen years later, I earned my active duty retirement as a Senior Master Sergeant and as the State Awards and Decorations Monitor and Sexual Assault Victim’s Advocate with the Georgia Air National Guard Headquarters. I enrolled in Saint Leo two months after retirement and chose to major in Sociology because I have always been interested in helping people and society. I am a member of Alpha Kappa Delta, the Sociology Honor Society and made the Dean’s List every semester. Dr. Eric Williamson is my inspiration for applying for the Master of Theology program which I will start this Fall. When I complete that degree, I plan to go into counseling for veterans with disabilities and grief counseling.
Barbara Smith
Academically, I majored in marketing and even with how much marketing has evolved socially/digitally since my time at Saint Leo, I use so much of what I learned every single day. My international business courses have absolutely come in handy when doing business in other territories and overseas, knowing when I have to adjust to different standards.
Joey Gandolfo, class of 2008
Saint Leo was a smaller and more intimate environment than many other institutions. That intimacy helped to reinforce the value of building relationships that has stayed with me and benefitted my career.
Davion Cooper, class of 2011
I feel a natural and symbolic connection to the core values of the college and my own Catholic values. Saint Leo really lives up to its reputation for promoting a values-based education through the core values.
Lauren Boos, class of 2019
News
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.
