The University of St. Thomas

School of Education

Program Features

Education Specialist in Educational Leadership
Preparing K-12 Educators to Lead

The Education Specialist in Educational Leadership degree is designed for busy working professionals. Classes are typically held one evening per week and occasional Saturdays.

The competency-based curriculum is founded on a practical, innovative assessment of your learning needs. The five areas of study are: pre-assessment, foundation, concentration, electives, and portfolio and reassessment.

This program is designed for:

  • Individuals with a master’s degree in educational leadership looking to fulfill required competencies for:
    • K-12 Principal licensure.
    • Superintendent licensure.
    • Director of Special Education licensure.
  • Individuals with a master’s degree interested in building leadership skills for specialized administration and management roles in learning settings.

Through a portfolio development process, you will demonstrate competency in the skill areas needed to lead Minnesota’s K-12 schools. St. Thomas, affiliated with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), grounds the program in the NASSP/St. Thomas Assessment Center (a program for emerging secondary and elementary administrators).

Learn the foundations of leadership by:

  • Meeting the criteria for licensure as K-12 principals or superintendents as specified by the state of Minnesota.
  • Gaining knowledge and understanding of the foundations of leadership.
  • Increasing knowledge of content related to administrative practice in education.
  • Expanding knowledge and understanding of organizational theory related to administrative practice.
  • Developing skills to analyze and implement administrative policy.
  • Adding knowledge and understanding of leadership theory.
  • Developing and implement leadership skills.
  • Using research skills for program planning, policy analysis and evaluation.