M.Ed. Teacher Leadership

credits 30  |  completion less than 2 years (5 semesters)  |  next start October 23

Most affordable online programs Earn your M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership online.  You're a great classroom teacher. Your lessons are aligned with standards, differentiated, enhanced with technology and authentically assessed. Now you're ready for more. With Northwestern College's online Masters in Teacher Leadership track, position yourself for career opportunities as an instructional coach, content expert, peer mentor or lead grade-level teacher.  
It's more than a lane change. And it's all online.


100% online. 8-week courses. 

Earning a graduate degree doesn't have to cost you time away from your other responsibilities. Northwestern College's online Masters in Teacher Leadership means you can log into class each week to complete your coursework, whenever it's most convenient for you.

Take one online 8-week class at a time, completing two classes each semester, and you'll finish your M.Ed. in 2 years or less and be eligible for financial aid.

Program Requirements

Courses

Core (18 credits):
EDU 555 - Trends and Issues in 21st Century Education (3 credits)
(3 credits) Teachers and schools must continually examine current practices in PreK-12 education in search of better solutions to increase student achievement and to thoroughly prepare children for the world in which they will live and work. In this course students will study current social, political and academic trends and issues affecting children, teachers and schools. Students will define their personal positions based on facts and experience, and will collaborate with others to advocate for solutions that improve education for PreK-12 grade students. Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
EDU 560 - Curriculum and Assessment for Student Learning (3 credits)
3 credits) Through a process of discussion, reflection, reading, discovery and practice, this course will lead students to a more comprehensive understanding of how curriculum and assessment are interrelated. Students will delve into timely issues associated with curriculum and assessment affecting schools. Upon completion, students will be prepared to develop aligned curriculum and assessment that takes into consideration local, state and national standards, best practices and students' diverse needs. Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
EDU 570 - Teaching and Learning with Technology (3 credits)
(3 credits) Technology integration in the K-12 setting can enhance learning, improve motivation and engagement, increase accessibility, individualize instruction, differentiate assessment and improve communication with parents and stakeholders. In this course students will broaden their understanding of the technology available to them in the PreK-12 classroom and improve their ability to leverage specific technology to improve teaching and learning. Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
EDU 610 - Educational Research Methods and Design (3 credits)
(3 credits) This course will provide an overview of research methodology employed for studies in the field of education. Topics include basic research methodology, interpretation of findings, and application of research in educational settings. Students will develop their ability to critically evaluate educational research and to judiciously apply findings in their professional settings. By the conclusion of the course students will be able to identify a potential topic for future research and outline the basic methodology needed to conduct the study. Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
EDU 635 - Master’s in Education Capstone (3 credits)
(3 credits) In this course students will apply the cumulative knowledge and skills learned in their master's program. The research focus may be related to student learning, teacher effectiveness, school quality, school policy, or other area by approval. The project will be proposed, approved, designed, and implemented prior to the student's graduation with a master's degree in education from Northwestern College. Students who do not have a finished capstone approved by the M.Ed. Director at the conclusion of EDU635 will repeat the course for credit. Prerequisite: EDU610. Note: Graded on a pass/no pass basis.
Choose one:
EDU 540 - Teaching Young Children with Diverse Needs (3 credits)
(3 credits) Students will learn to design curriculum, instruction and assessment specific to the needs of diverse children ages 0 through 8. Create safe and nurturing classroom environments that are developmentally appropriate and respect diversity. Collaborate with stakeholders to meet the needs of young children. Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
EDU 565 - Instructional Strategies for Diverse Students and Settings (3 credits)
(3 credits) This course is intended for experienced teachers, and will focus on building off of prior knowledge and experience to improve student learning. Research-based instructional strategies will be studied, with particular emphasis on adapting and employing strategies to fit students' cognitive abilities, motivation, interest, cultural background and other unique characteristics in diverse settings. Students in this class will apply new instructional strategies in their practice to positively impact learning in the PreK-12 classroom. Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
Teacher Leadership Emphasis (12 credits):
EDU 615 - Peer Assessment and Instructional Coaching (3 credits)
3 credits) Instructional coaches are on-site professional developers who teach educators how to use proven instructional methods. To be successful in this role, coaches must be skilled in a variety of roles, including public relations guru, communicator extraordinaire, conflict resolver, master organizer and expert educator. In this course students will study factors related to professional learning and hone their ability to improve academic outcomes for students through supportive peer coaching relationships. Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
EDU 620 - Professional Learning Communities for School Improvement (3 credits)
(3 credits) Learn to use professional learning communities to unify teachers and administrators around a shared vision for student and school growth. This course will equip you to form a PLC, evaluate baseline data, create a plan, and develop professional development to prepare teachers to implement the plan. Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
EDU 625 - Teacher as Leader (3 credits)
3 credits) This course prepares participants to transition from classroom teachers to teacher leaders within their school and district. Through the lens of practical application, students will examine effective leadership theory, the culture of their setting, and their personal strengths and needs to leverage leadership that will drive positive change. Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.
EDU 630 - Technology Coaching and Leadership (3 credits)
(3 credits) Use the constructs of adult learning and professional learning communities to develop a coaching relationship with peer teachers that will support their integrated use of technology to improve student and school outcomes. Prerequisite: completed bachelor's degree in education.

Total Credits: 30 credit hours

 


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Passion for Education

Rebecca is a K-12 literacy coach who loves the challenge of instructional coaching and learning new literacy strategies that support her students and other teachers. Through her M.Ed. program, she has gained not only educational resources, but a deepened passion for education.

Rebecca's story

With an online M.Ed. + endorsement program, Brandie was able to earn the credential she needed along with a master’s degree. What she didn’t realize was just how impactful the program would be on her teaching and life.

Brandie's story

Levi Letsche, M.Ed. Educational Administration Northwestern College, Teacher of the Year Finalist

Top Teacher

As one of five finalists for Iowa's 2023 Teacher of the Year, Levi has been recognized for his teaching excellence. As an instructional coach, he is striving to help others learn how to live a life of excellence—and succeeding. His M.Ed. in Educational Administration has equipped him to use his influence in new leadership roles.

Levi's story

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