Schools nationwide are struggling with serious problems ranging from random outbreaks of violence and crumbling facilities to staff shortfalls and chronically low academic expectations for students. But many people believe that a shortage of capable education leaders ranks among the most severe of the problems. Without strong leaders, schools have little chance of meeting any other challenge. During the past decade, numerous states, localities, and foundations have launched initiatives to recruit and train better principals. More attention is being paid to leadership and the vital role it plays in ensuring that students learn to high standards.
Research suggests that many current and potential principals lack the skills necessary to lead in today's schools. The need for school administrators will increase by 10 to 20 percent in the next five years, according to the US Department of Labor.
Be Tomorrow's Leader — Preparing you to make a difference
"Schools of the twenty-first century will require a new kind of principal," according to the Institute for Educational Leadership, one whose main responsibility will be defined in terms of "instructional leadership that focuses on strengthening teaching and learning." With this new kind of principal in mind, The George Washington University has developed an online master's degree in Educational Leadership and Administration that offers valuable lessons in shaping instructional practice, sharing and delegating authority, nurturing leadership ability among school faculty and staff, and exercising community and visionary leadership. The curriculum is contextualized and will equip you with the skills that are required today to be an effective educational leader.
The faculty is experienced with a deep knowledge of teaching and learning and of the school improvement process. GW has adopted the standards developed by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC). ELCC standards balance the political, managerial, and instructional roles of principals and require that GW shows performance-based evidence that our curriculum and internship experiences meet those standards.
Looking for a few good leaders
In a recent survey by Public Agenda of senior education administrators, nearly 7 out of 10 superintendents and principals believe that given the right leadership, even the most troubled schools can be turned around. However, 80 percent of superintendents report that the typical leadership programs in graduate schools of education are out of touch with the realities of what it takes to run today's school district. In a recent survey of K–8 principals, 97.2 percent rated on-the-job experience as a principal as having the most value to their success as principals. As a result, this master's program has placed greater emphasis on real-world training. Aspiring leaders will get practice in planning and initiating changes in curriculum, teaching practices, student support services and school organization. By working on real problems and witnessing the results of strategic interventions, learners will acquire the practical knowledge and understanding that are impossible to duplicate in theory courses. This program offers rigorous and relevant training in an accelerated and convenient fashion with strong links to schools and practitioners.
Online learning works with your schedule
The George Washington University's online program allows you to realize career-advancing opportunities while you continue working as an educator. Affordable and immediately accessible from your home or office, you can earn the MA in Educational Leadership and Administration in 22 months. Earning your master's degree could lead to a variety of roles within the educational system, such as a principal, teacher leader, or school board member. According to the American Federation of Teachers, in the 100 largest cities in 2001-02, the average minimum salary for teachers with a master's degree was up to 3.3 times more than those with a bachelor's degree. There are myriad opportunities available to those with a master's degree in Educational Leadership and Administration and as schools continue to evolve, so will the program. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you as you pursue your personal goals.
Sincerely,
Everett (Ben) Howerton, EdD
Professor and Program Director
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