The Master of Science and/or Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership, with a concentration in Teacher Leadership, enables the next generation of educational leaders, empowering them with the requisite skills and knowledge to drive positive change within educational settings. This program cultivates robust leadership characteristics among aspiring teacher-leaders, equipping them to enhance student achievement, assess instructional effectiveness, foster collaborative learning environments, and inspire others to excel.

Through a comprehensive curriculum, Teacher Leadership degree candidates undergo expert training to develop the multifaceted skills necessary for success both inside and outside the classroom. With a focus on empowering educators to lead with efficacy, participants gain invaluable insights into staff supervision, collaborative decision-making, and the cultivation of nurturing learning communities.

Upon completion of the program, Teacher Leadership graduates emerge as highly sought professionals, prepared to assume a multitude of impactful roles within the educational landscape.  From serving as instructional coaches and lead teachers to assuming responsibilities as coordinators and directors, graduates of Teacher Leadership programs are poised to make enduring contributions to the field of education, driving positive change and fostering excellence in teaching and learning.

The Mississippi Department of Education has authorized Mississippi State University's Master of Science and/or Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership program as a route to obtain a Teacher Leadership endorsement for a teaching license in Mississippi. Successful completion of the curriculum and achieving passing scores on the comprehensive exam make graduates eligible to apply for the 481- Teacher Leadership endorsement.

Curriculum

Newly developed courses for the Teacher Leadership program have been designed using the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and will be relevant to all students interested in becoming teacher leaders. The 30-hour program is designed to complement the schedule of full-time educators and can be completed in 15 months. MSU-Meridian utilizes a variety of course delivery methods, including hybrid, face-to-face, synchronous online and asynchronous online formats.

Admissions Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the program, the applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, meet the basic requirements specified for graduate students at Mississippi State University, and demonstrate academic proficiency based on the following indicators:

1. Grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale on the last half of the bachelor’s degree
2. Letter of endorsement from current school administrator and two additional letters of reference
3. Statement of purpose
4. Valid teacher’s license
5. Evidence of full-time P-12 classroom teaching experience
6. Current résumé
7. Interview

Program of Study