Program offers new path for busy teachers who want educational leadership degree


Tue, 03/12/2013

author

Jill Jess Phythyon

LAWRENCE — Elementary and secondary school educators with full-time jobs who wish to obtain administrative certification have a new path to an advanced degree from the nationally ranked University of Kansas School of Education.
 
Beginning in June 2013, the KU School of Education will offer its widely respected Master of Science in Educational Administration degree in a blended format. The program combines web-based coursework with a traditional classroom experience.
 
“The new format was developed for busy teachers who wish to obtain a master’s degree in educational administration and pursue a license to become a building principal,” said Rick Ginsberg, dean of the School of Education. “The blended program acknowledges that these professionals need to balance their current teaching and family responsibilities with their educational careers.”
 
The program offers a master’s degree from KU's School of Education, ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the No. 12 public university education graduate school.
 
Ginsberg said the blended program provides the best of many worlds: the convenience of online coursework and real-world simulations, collegial learning, world-class instructors andincreased affordability. Face-to-face class meetings will take place 3-4 times per semester in Lawrence or the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park giving students the opportunity to work in person with their professors and cohort groups.
 
 “Students throughout the state and the region can interact and share experiences and ideas with colleagues while saving travel time and driving expense,” Ginsberg said. “In addition to Kansas residents, residents in 11 western Missouri counties are eligible for the Metro KC Tuition Rate, which is the same in-state tuition rate as paid by Kansas residents.”
 
In the classroom, students develop long-term professional and scholarly relationships with both faculty and colleagues. Courses balance theory and practice while focusing on research-based strategies that prepare graduates to become school administrators.
 
Research shows that students are more likely to participate in online discussions compared to traditional classrooms. Online learners have demonstrated better subject mastery and test performance when lessons include content that is visual, auditory and practical – and can be reviewed multiple times, if necessary. Typical coursework will include case study analyses, writing, discussions, interactive co-learning exercises, videos and smaller assignments that bring material to life.
 
Online coursework is delivered via widely available technology for which the primary technology requirements are a standard Internet connection and audio/video capability.
 
The application deadline for KU’s 2013 summer cohort is April 1, 2013, with courses beginning in June 2013. More information is available online. Applications can be made here.
 

Tue, 03/12/2013

author

Jill Jess Phythyon

Media Contacts

Jill Jess

KU News Service

785-864-8858