Public education today dictates the need for a new type of school leader – an executive instead of an administrator. No longer are school and district leaders just managing operations, they must be able to create learning organizations that can grow and change quickly to improve performance. To meet these new demands on educators, the University of Mount Olive will launch its newest graduate level degree program in educational leadership starting in the fall of 2021. Scholarship opportunities are available for qualifying students.
The 33-hour online MEd degree will consist of courses in educational leadership, human resources and finance, technology, curriculum and instruction, and law and ethics. Additionally, there are two, eight-week internship requirements tailored to each student’s desired licensure area.
“The mission of the program will be to prepare innovative, collaborative, effective, and reflective educational leaders who can develop school and district environments that ensure equitable and quality learning opportunities and continual program improvement,” said Dr. Amanda Bullard-Maxwell, Assistant Dean for Education at UMO.
“With program learning outcomes based on the North Carolina Standards for School Executives, courses have been designed to provide students with strategic, instructional, and cultural leadership skills and the necessary real-life application experiences to facilitate innovative and positive change in an educational setting,” said Dr. Burt Lewis, Assistant Vice President for Curriculum Development.
According to Bullard-Maxwell there are several unique components to UMO’s program. Chief among those is the cohort structure of the program which is aimed at generating a professional network of support among students for years to come. “Another advantage is that UMO’s professors have real-world expertise as school superintendents, principals, and school district directors,” Bullard-Maxwell added.
As a former school and district administrator, Bullard-Maxwell knows the value and impact that an effective educational leader has on school improvement and positive academic outcomes for students. “I am confident that the program design of the MEd in Educational Leadership, as well as the expertise of our instructors will equip our students with the professional knowledge and equity-focused leadership skills to be successful in their chosen area of service,” she said.
Applications are currently being accepted for the fall 2021 enrollment. Scholarships worth up to $5,000 total over the course of the program are available for qualifying students. These scholarships will be applied on a per credit hour basis as a qualifying student advances through the program. For more information, contact Dr. Bullard-Maxwell at [email protected] (919) 658-1282.
