Teacher Leadership, Ed.D.

Teacher Leadership (GaPSC Rule 505-3-.53) prepares teachers for “providing professional development, building a school culture of continuous improvement and becoming change agents while maintaining the role of classroom teacher” (GaPSC Guidance for Educators, May 9, 2012). Graduates of this performance-based program will be teacher leaders who plan and lead professional development; who mentor and coach other teachers; who align curriculum, instruction, and assessment; who model best teaching practices; who analyze data and improve learning through data-informed decision-making; who apply research-based approaches to instructional challenges; and who collaborate with all stakeholders to improve student learning.

The Ed.D. in Teacher Leadership program includes a minimum of 45 hours of study in four areas and a six-month residency. In the residency, the teacher leader candidate works with the Candidate Support Team to develop an Individual Growth Plan (IGP) and a Residency Project Proposal, then seeks out opportunities at multiple settings to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of effective teacher leaders. Candidates present their Residency Project and Capstone Portfolio as evidence of their accomplishment in the areas specified by the Teacher Leadership standards.

For additional program information please contact Dr. Kim Gray at kim.gray@kennesaw.edu.

Program Admission Requirements for the Ed.D.

Expected qualifications for applicants to be considered for admission will typically include:

1. an earned specialist degree in professional education;
2. a clear and renewable Georgia Teaching, Service or Leadership Certificate;
3. at least three years of professional teaching or administrative experience or both in P-12 education (current full-time employment as a professional educator is preferred);
4. a competitive Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score and Graduate GPA. The GPA and GRE will be utilized with other admission criteria to determine program eligibility. Although no minimum scores are required, candidates are encouraged to prepare and score well since admission to the program is competitive. Please note: The Analytical/Writing score one receives as part of the GRE exam is used competitively in the admission review process. It is strongly encouraged for applicants to do well on this portion of the exam.

 Applicants to the program must submit the following:

1. Complete the On-line Graduate Application.
2. Obtain and submit official transcripts from EACH college attended, including those institutions where degrees were NOT earned. Official transcripts are those in a university sealed envelope. Your transcripts should reflect at least a specialist degree with at least a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
3. Obtain and submit a copy of your Georgia Teaching, Service or Leadership Certificate.
4. Complete and submit a Professional Resume documenting education, teaching experience, volunteer and service accomplishments, and record of leadership activities. Your resume MUST reflect, at least, three year of teaching experience.
5. Complete and submit a Professional Reflections Statement.
6. Submit a copy of your official GRE scores from the Educational Testing Services.
7. Submit a copy of the Transfer Credit Request Form if applicable.
8. International Applicants Only: Please contact 470.578.4377 for all international admission requirements related to your citizenship or visa status OR link to the Graduate International Admissions page: http://www.kennesaw.edu/graduate/admissions/international_admissions.shtml

 

Program of Study

Teacher Leadership (GaPSC Rule 505-3-.53) prepares teachers for “providing professional development, building a school culture of continuous improvement and becoming change agents while maintaining the role of classroom teacher” (GaPSC Guidance for Educators, May 9, 2012). Graduates of this performance-based program will be teacher leaders who plan and lead professional development; who mentor and coach other teachers; who align curriculum, instruction, and assessment; who model best teaching practices; who analyze data and improve learning through data-informed decision-making; who apply research-based approaches to instructional challenges; and who collaborate with all stakeholders to improve student learning.

The Ed.D. in Teacher Leadership program includes a minimum of 45 hours of study in four areas and a six-month residency. In the residency, the teacher leader candidate works with the Candidate Support Team to develop an Individual Growth Plan (IGP) and a Residency Project Proposal, then seeks out opportunities at multiple settings to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of effective teacher leaders. Candidates present their Residency Project and Capstone Portfolio as evidence of their accomplishment in the areas specified by the Teacher Leadership standards.

The four areas of study include:

• Certification in Teacher Leadership (24)
• Advanced Teacher Leadership (6)
• Research (6)
• Dissertation (9)