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
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.