Teacher Leadership for International Educators (MA)

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Overview

Designed specifically for teacher leaders in international schools, the Teacher Leadership for International Educators MA program is framed around the Teacher Leader Model Standards (Teacher Leadership Exploratory Consortium) and built upon research-based teacher leader standards that lead to competencies necessary for assuming instructional and school leadership roles, including:

Fostering a collaborative culture to support educator development and student learning
Accessing and using research to improve practice and student learning
Promoting professional learning for continuous improvement
Facilitating improvement in instruction and student learning
Promoting the use of assessments and data for school improvement
Improving outreach and collaboration with families and community
Advocating for student learning and the profession

New cohort program to begin Spring 2019

Applications are still being accepted; apply today!
Classes begin March 4.

View/download a flyer with more information

Active programs:

International Schools - Spring 2017 cohort
International Schools - Spring 2018 cohort

Program features

The University of Northern Iowa is recognized internationally for its commitment to international education, as evidenced through its long-standing UNI Career Services Overseas Recruiting Fair and international student teaching placements.
Instruction is provided by faculty with practical and research-based experiences in leadership, international education, curriculum and educational psychology.
A cohort model is utilized to provide collaborative learning as the group of students progresses through the six-semester sequence together.
Careful consideration has been given to accommodate the unique needs of practicing K-12 teachers in international settings.

Convenient course delivery

Courses are offered through a combination of distance delivery methods. Courses may be offered online via eLearning, a Blackboard learning management system requiring Internet access and a web browser, and interactive video conferencing. As always, we have given careful consideration to accommodate the schedule of practicing PK-12 teachers in international settings. While most students encounter very few technical difficulties, our team of support specialists is available to assist you as needed.

Program Schedule

Teacher Leadership for International Educators (MA) - Spring 2019 Cohort

Tentative course schedule
Click on a course title to view the course description (if available).

Spring 2019

EDLEAD

6286

Orientation to Teacher Leader Model Standards and Educational Leadership

Tailored for teacher leaders in international schools. Orientation to the study and practice of teacher leadership, framed around the 7 Teacher Leader Model Standards, and current and historical trends impacting school leadership.

2 unit(s)

EDLEAD

6212

Teacher Leadership in International Schools

An in-depth look at the knowledge and skills necessary to be teacher leaders in international school settings. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the M.A. Major in Teacher Leadership for International Educators.

3 unit(s)

Summer 2019

EDLEAD

6210

Culturally Relevant Teaching & Leading

Examine the practical implications of culturally relevant teaching practices with particular attention to curriculum design and implementation for global citizens. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the M.A. Major in Teacher Leadership for International Educators.

3 unit(s)

EDLEAD

6240

Technology for School Leaders

This course is designed to develop the skills and dispositions needed to effectively lead new technology rich learning environments.

2 unit(s)

Fall 2019

EDLEAD

6282

Leading School Growth and Improvement

Study of the teacher leader's role in leading school growth and improvement and the change process. Prerequisite(s): admitted to the M.A. Major in Teacher Leadership for International Educators.

2 unit(s)

MEASRES

6205

Educational Research

An introduction to research methods relevant to educational research with an emphasis on how these methods address the challenges of conducting research in applied settings such as schools. Course content includes a survey of major types of research designs (both quantitative and qualitative) and their associated approaches for minimizing bias, establishing validity, collecting data and drawing conclusions. A primary goal of this course is to equip students with an understanding of basic concepts and tools so they can systematically locate, efficiently read and critically evaluate empirical research studies.

3 unit(s)

Spring 2020

EDLEAD

6248

Leading Instruction in Schools

Intensive study of the knowledge and skills needed by PK-12 school principals to advance the Iowa Professional Development Model, support Professional Learning Communities, effectively use technology, develop teacher leadership, and embrace the role of instructional leader. Prerequisite(s): EDLEAD 6247 or consent of instructor.

3 unit(s)

EDLEAD

6291

Internship

Advanced supervised experience to further develop skills. May be repeated. Offered on credit/no credit basis only.

1 unit(s)

EDLEAD

7319

Power, Politics, and Ethics in School District Leadership

Identifies critical roles of teacher leaders and network of individuals/agencies/organizations that impact education system. Develops understanding of how to identify community's power structure and use power/political skills in ethical ways to improve student achievement. Prerequisite(s): Consent of program coordinator.

3 unit(s)

Summer 2020

EDLEAD

6249

Leading Learning, Teaching and Curriculum

Extensive study in the knowledge and skills needed by PK-12 principals to lead the development and delivery of curriculum, assessment and instruction focused on student achievement. Prerequisite(s): EDLEAD 6206; EDLEAD 6247; or consent of instructor.

3 unit(s)

TESOL

6286

Studies in Multicultural Contexts

3 unit(s)

Fall 2020

EDLEAD

6284

Evaluator Approval for Improved Student Learning

Development of knowledge of various problems and procedures in the organization of elementary and secondary school professional growth. Special emphasis on supervision processes and identifying and analyzing effective teaching and performance behaviors. Prerequisite(s): EDLEAD 6206; EDLEAD 6245; or consent of instructor.

3 unit(s)

EDLEAD

6294

Capstone TLMS

(Tailored for teacher leaders in American international schools) Culminating activities that demonstrate application and synthesize the 7 Teacher Leader Model Standards Prerequisite(s): Admission to the M.A. Major in Teacher Leadership for International Educators.

1 unit(s)

FAQs

General information

What are the costs?

All students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of location, making it an affordable option for all students.

Tuition for the 2018-19 academic year is $509 per unit of graduate credit or $320 per unit of undergraduate credit. An additional technology fee per course may apply. Tuition and fees are expected to rise each May, typically announced by the Iowa Board of Regents in March.

Do I qualify for financial aid?

Distance education students may qualify for financial aid with the following eligibility requirements:

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Be admitted to UNI and enrolled in a degree-seeking or Advanced Studies Certificate program
Be enrolled for a minimum number of credits per semester or summer session
Be in compliance with satisfactory academic progress standards

Specific questions about financial aid should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at 319-273-2700 or fin-aid@uni.edu

Why choose the University of Northern Iowa?

Since its establishment in 1876 as the Iowa State Normal School, the University of Northern Iowa has maintained its affirmed commitment to the support of excellence in teacher education. That commitment remains strong as the university continues to prepare students to become teachers, as well as provide opportunities for career advancement in the field of education. In addition to a commitment to teaching, our faculty members are engaged in research, writing and professional development. View UNI's national rankings and honors.

I'm not sure about distance learning. How can I make sure it’s right for me?

Research findings demonstrate that students of all types of learning styles can succeed in a distance environment. View our tips for being a successful distance learner.

What kind of support services can I expect to receive?

The University of Northern Iowa is committed to providing comprehensive support services for distance education students. The Office of Continuing and Distance Education serves as your primary point of contact in accessing distance education support services, including enrollment services, technical support for online course tools and more. You are also given access to the UNI Rod Library’s print and electronic collections for your convenience. View a complete list of services and support resources.

Please contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at 319-273-5970, 800-648-3864 or distance@uni.edu with any questions. If we don’t have the answer, we will do our best to find it.

Will academic advising assistance be provided?

You will work with the program coordinator when communicating about the program of study. Once participating in the program, you will be assigned a faculty advisor who will work with you one-on-one regarding your progress in the program.

Program specific information

How do I get started?

See the "Next Steps" tab above for information. If you have any questions, please contact the program coordinator(s) and/or enrollment contact below or contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at ContinuingEd@uni.edu.

What happens if I miss a course in the sequence?

While it is often possible to make up courses that are missed, our commitment is to deliver the courses as outlined in the cohort schedule. This is not designed as a program in which students come and go. Rather, the cohort model requires that students take the prescribed sequence in unison. Should you need to miss a course, you should consult with your program advisor for options.

Is the GRE or any other examination required?

There are no entrance exam requirements for this program.

How will I enroll in the courses?

When you have completed the steps to admission and have been accepted into the program, we will send you details and information about how to enroll in the first course. After you participate in the first term of courses in the cohort sequence, the Office of Continuing and Distance Education will notify you with enrollment details for the next term of courses as they become available. You are required to enroll in your courses each semester.

Can I take the courses out of sequence or start at a later date?

The program is planned so that students move through the sequence of courses as a cohort group. The first course forms a foundation for the program and includes an introduction unit describing the program goals, sequence of courses, standards, rubrics and academic expectations. For that reason, it is important that you enroll and complete the courses in the same sequence. Program faculty expect that students have a growing knowledge of concepts built upon a prescribed sequence of courses. In addition, program faculty work to build an online community as students move through the course sequence together.

How are the courses delivered?

For information about course delivery, please see the "Overview" tab above.

Additional FAQs

What are the GPA guidelines?

Undergraduate GPA	Admission consideration
3.0 and above	May be considered for full admission
2.75-2.99	May be considered for provisional admission
Less than 2.75	May be denied admission

Can transfer credits from another college/university apply toward program requirements?

In general, students complete the full set of courses outlined in the program. It is possible to transfer a limited number of graduate credits. However, this credit must meet the following criteria:

Course must be a regular graduate course with a graduate course number (not professional development or college credit through an Educational Agency or conference).
Course must be taken by the student in graduate status, and the official transcript must show a grade of B- or better earned.
Course must be applicable as a graduate requirement at the institution where it is taken.
Course must be taught by regular graduate faculty.
Course must meet the UNI seven-year recency requirement.
Academic departments will determine whether or not they wish to accept transfer credit even if it meets the above requirements. These criteria were established to prevent credits not intended for use toward graduate degrees (i.e., Area Education Agency/professional development credits) from being used to meet UNI degree program requirements.

Please check with the program coordinator about specific situations and Transfer Evaluation Forms.

What are the benefits of pursuing the Teacher Leadership for International Educators Master of Arts program?

This program is designed to improve an individual's teaching skills, as well as prepare educators for possible positions in school leadership.

I have a bachelor's degree, but did not complete a teaching degree as an undergraduate. Will completion of this MA program also qualify me for licensure?

No. This program is designed for graduate students who hold a recognized teaching license. There is no licensure attached to this graduate degree.

What are the admission requirements?

To enroll in this program, students must be teaching in an international school and hold a bachelor's degree in teaching from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or equivalent.

Next Steps

Express your interest

Please complete the online interest form to the right to express your interest in joining a future cohort designed for K-12 teacher leaders in American International Schools. The next cohort is scheduled to begin Spring 2019. We will use the information you provide to send you program updates, including important information about application deadlines.

Apply for admission

We are currently still accepting applications for the Spring 2019 cohort; apply today!
Classes begin March 4!

Former UNI students: The online application requires logging in with your CatID credentials. If you have forgotten your username or passphrase, contact us at CESP-Consult@uni.edu or 800-772-1746 and let us know that you are interested in applying for the Teacher Leadership for International Educators MA program.

Need help with your UNI application?

Contact us at 800-648-3864 or Distance@uni.edu for assistance. Additional resources are also available from the UNI Graduate College.

Complete the online Application for Graduate Study (click to open application in a new window)
International students teaching in American International Schools may disregard the "Proof of English Proficiency" requirements at this time. If necessary, such requirements will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
Please note that you are applying for admission as a Graduate student for Spring 2019.
The program for which you are applying is Teacher Leadership: International Educator.
Note that if you have received a degree from UNI, you do not have to pay the non-refundable application fee ($60 for domestic students and $75 for international students).
If possible, we prefer that non-UNI graduates please pay by credit card. The application fee will be refunded if enrollment in the program does not meet minimum requirements.

Admissions requirements include:

Fully completed application
Application fee (where applicable)
A professional resume
Two letters of recommendation (one of which must be from a current or former supervisor)
Transcripts from highest earned degree (Official transcripts should be mailed to 002 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0018, USA.)

If your degree is from the University of Northern Iowa, official transcripts are in our system and do not need to be mailed.

Supporting documents can be attached to the application and must be in .pdf format. If you have any questions, please call 1-800-648-3864 or email distance@uni.edu.

Submission of official transcripts and additional materials after the application has been submitted should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions:
University of Northern Iowa
002 Gilchrist Hall
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0018
admissionsprocessing@uni.edu

What to expect

When your application for graduate study is complete, you will receive confirmation from UNI Admissions staff that they have received and forwarded your application and transcripts for departmental review.

The department will review your application materials and contact you regarding your admission status. Following admission to the program, you will receive information about how to enroll in the first set of courses.

Delivery of the program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.

Program Coordinator(s):

Tim Gilson

Educational Leadership and Postsecondary Education

(319) 273-2636

Tim.Gilson@uni.edu

Enrollment Contact:

Janelle Finke

Continuing and Distance Education

(319) 273-7740

Janelle.Finke@uni.edu

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Continuing Education and Special Programs

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New cohort program to begin Spring 2019

Active programs:

Program features

Convenient course delivery

Teacher Leadership for International Educators (MA) - Spring 2019 Cohort

General information

Program specific information

Additional FAQs

Express your interest

Apply for admission

Need help with your UNI application?

Admissions requirements include:

What to expect

UNI Continuing Ed Production Build

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