Educational Leadership, Ed.S. (District Level Educational Leadership Track)
The Ed.S. degree with a major in District Level Leadership prepares candidates for instructional, operational, organizational, and ethical leadership roles in school districts and other complex educational systems. NLU’s Ed.S. degree is available to candidates who have been accepted into the Ed.D. Educational Leadership doctoral program and who need additional time to complete the dissertation component of the program or who do not wish to complete the dissertation component of the program. Completion of the Ed.S. major in District Level Educational Leadership will allow candidates who have successfully completed the coursework and internship in the Ed.D. program the opportunity to apply for their superintendent’s license in Illinois. Candidates earning an Ed.S. in District Level Educational Leadership may re-enroll in the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Program to complete their doctorate at a future date. Standard rules concerning acceptance of previously completed coursework and the time limitation for completion of the program apply for candidates wishing to re-enter the doctoral program.
This program is designed to qualify licensed and experienced teachers to earn the credential necessary to become a superintendent in Illinois. For more details visit Licensure and Endorsements at NLU.
This program is conveniently offered in an online format (some synchronous sessions are required).
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
PLO1. Candidates will demonstrate skills in all aspects of school/district leaders and administration including processes of planning, organization, communication, decision making, influence/politics and evaluation stemming from a shared vision, mission, and core values.
PLO2. Candidates will develop relationship and collaborate among internal and external stakeholders to develop and promote a community of academic success, development of personal potential and well-being of all students.
PLO3. Candidates will lead adult learning and build capacity among school personnel, staff, and teachers to improve student achievement.
PLO4. Candidates will support the intellectually rigorous and coherent systems of curriculum, instruction and assessment for continuous improvement to promote each students’ academic success and well-being.
PLO5. Candidates will pursue educational equity through cultural proficiency and opportunity to advance the overall well-being of students.
PLO6. Candidates will act professionally, ethically, and demonstrate emotional intelligence in a compassionate, caring manner promoting each student’s success.
PLO7. Candidates will strive for school improvement by diagnosing challenges, working collaboratively, and using evidence to initiate change that promotes students’ academic success.
In addition to meeting the National College of Education Graduate Admission Requirements, applicants must:
- Submit a professional resume or curriculum vitae
- Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Please note that only credit from a school with institutional accreditation will be considered for transfer credit. Completion of baccalaureate and master’s degrees from a school with institutional accreditation must be verified. A grade point average of 3.25 or better in master’s level courses is required of all applicants.
- Submit three letters of recommendation. Letters should originate from people supervising the applicant's professional work or people associated with the applicant's graduate work.
- Provide written responses to substantive questions that directly speak to the applicant’s intellectual interests, professional goals, compatibility with program and commitments to the values of the program
- Present documented evidence of at least two years of leadership in an educational setting
- Sit for an interview
Program Details:
- Requires 44 SH for completion
- Requires an internship
- Credit by Portfolio may be accepted for the following courses: EDL 601, EDL 605, EDL 622, and EDL 628.
- All the hours earned in the Ed.S. Educational Leadership (District Level Educational Leadership track only) program may be applied toward the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership within 8 years. Applicants for each degree must be admitted to that degree.
Required Courses
Educational Leadership Major - 36 SH
| EDL 601 | Analyzing Resource Allocation and Equity in Educational Financial Management | 3 |
| EDL 604 | Fostering Cultural Proficiency, Opportunity and Equity | 3 |
| EDL 605 | Leading Change | 3 |
| EDL 606 | Utilizing Effective Leadership Principles and Processes | 3 |
| EDL 608 | Communicating and Engaging with Staff, Families, and Communities | 3 |
| EDL 620 | Understanding the Dynamics of Political, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Education | 3 |
| EDL 622 | Developing Curriculum and Evaluating Programs | 3 |
| EDL 624 | Improving Instruction through Professional Development and Evaluation | 3 |
| EDL 626 | Leading Instruction to Advance Student Learning | 3 |
| EDL 628 | Analyzing and Using Data for Systemic Improvement | 3 |
| EDL 630 | Understanding and Using Educational Research | 3 |
| EDL 632 | Utilizing Data to Inform Decision Making | 3 |
Internship - 8 SH
| EDL 690 | Educational Leadership Internship | 1 TO 8 |
Note: EDL 690 must be taken for a total of 8 SH.
Additional ISBE Requirements for Endorsement:
- Candidates must pass Superintendent Content Area Test (225)
- Candidates must complete the Administrator Academy 4050 Principal Evaluation Training