In fall 2015, Newman University will begin the first cohort of candidates who will one day be the leaders of school districts across Kansas.
A new master’s degree level District Leadership Licensure Program at Newman University received approval by the Kansas Board of Education last week. Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor of Education John Burke, Ph.D. unveiled the new program at an area superintendents meeting Tuesday, Jan. 27.
“Everyone seemed positive to hear the news about our new program,” Burke said. “This is a very unique program that will improve the quality of training for leaders of school districts throughout Kansas.”
The District Leadership Program is a 15 credit-hour, one-year program leading to district-level licensure. This program provides an opportunity for persons who have completed a Building Leadership program to participate in advanced graduate training.
“The licensure program will qualify individuals for positions such as superintendent, assistant superintendent, special education director, or other district-wide positions,” Burke added.
Gina Marx, Ed.D., director of Newman’s Graduate Education Program and assistant professor of education, is excited about the program’s rollout.
“We believe this licensure program serves an important need in the education community and we’re excited to be able to add this quality graduate level curriculum at Newman University,” Marx said.
Courses in the program will include Leadership for Learning, Leadership for Special Programs, Leadership for Business Management, The District Leader, and the District Leadership Practicum.
In addition to the five eight-week courses, candidates must successfully complete the School Superintendent Assessment (SSA) praxis to apply for PreK-12 District Leadership licensure. The SSA is based on the Interstate School Leadership Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) leadership standards regarding the knowledge, performance, and dispositions necessary for a district level position.
For more information about the program visit: http://bit.ly/nu-msed-district-leadership
