http://www.citadel.edu/root/educational-leadership
Dr. Lee Westberry, lwestber@citadel.edu
Dr. Kent Murray, kent.murray@citadel.edu
Dr. Greg Harrison, gharriso@citadel.edu

Mission Statement

The Zucker Family School of Education’s Specialist in Educational Leadership - School District Superintendent program is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Upon program completion, students may be recommended for certification as a school district superintendent in South Carolina.

The Specialist in Educational Leadership (Ed.S.) Degree is an advanced graduate degree between the Master’s and Doctoral degrees. In accordance with South Carolina Certification Regulations, The Citadel offers an Ed.S. major that prepares candidates for SC endorsement at the superintendent’s level. Students who would like to continue their education to the doctoral level (EdD or PhD) should consult with the program coordinator for Educational Leadership.

The Citadel’s Professional Education Unit is committed to the simultaneous transformation of the preparation of educational leaders and of the places where they work. Specifically, The Citadel’s Professional Education Unit seeks to develop principled educational leaders who:

• Have mastered their subject matter and are skilled in using it to foster student learning;
• Know the self who educates (Parker J. Palmer) and integrate this self-knowledge with content knowledge, knowledge of students, and in the context of becoming professional change agents committed to using this knowledge and skill to ensure that all students succeed in a learner-centered environment; and
• Exemplify the highest ethical standards by modeling respect for all human beings and valuing diversity as an essential component of an effective learner-centered environment.

The Citadel’s Professional Educational Unit has identified 15 performance indicators for candidates to demonstrate that they are principled educational leaders who are knowledgeable, reflective, and ethical professionals:

Knowledgeable Principled Educational Leaders…

1. Have mastered the subject matter of their field of professional study and practice;
2. Utilize the knowledge gained from developmental and learning theories to establish and implement an educational program that is varied, creative, and nurturing;
3. Model instructional and leadership theories of best practice;
4. Integrate appropriate technology to enhance learning;
5. Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning;

Reflective Principled Educational Leaders…

1. Develop and describe their philosophy of education and reflect upon its impact in the teaching and learning environment;
2. Develop and manage meaningful educational experiences that address the needs of all learners with respect for their individual and cultural experiences;
3. Construct, foster, and maintain a learner-centered environment in which all learners contribute and are actively engaged;
4. Apply their understanding of both context and research to plan, structure, facilitate, and monitor effective teaching and learning in the context of continual assessment; and
5. Reexamine their practice by reflectively and critically asking questions and seeking answers.

Ethical Principled Educational Leaders…

1. Demonstrate commitment to a safe, supportive, learning environment;
2. Embrace and adhere to appropriate professional codes of ethics;
3. Value diversity and exhibit a caring, fair, and respectful attitude and respect toward all cultures;
4. Establish rapport with students, families, colleagues, and communities;
5. Meet obligations on time, dress professionally, and use language appropriately.

Admission Requirements

1. Completion of the online graduate application along with the non-refundable application fee.
2. Submission of official transcripts for conferred bachelor’s degree and transcripts from all post-graduate work from each accredited college or university attended (including a master’s degree in educational leadership or a master’s degree in another educational area along with certification in educational leadership) with minimum 3.25 grade point average.
3. Possession of a South Carolina State Professional Teaching Certificate with school administrator endorsement that is valid at elementary, middle, or secondary levels. Students may submit official PRAXIS scores demonstrating passing scores in administration along with a valid S.C. teaching certificate if their endorsement has not yet posted.
4. Verification of a total of three years’ experience as a pre-K-12 or post-secondary teacher.

Note: Specialist in Educational Leadership courses taken prior to official program admission will not count toward the degree without written approval from the Dean of the Zucker Family School of Education.