Apr 24, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Education Administration and Leadership WITH Superintendent Letter of Eligibility, Doctorate, Certification


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The Doctor of Education in Education Administration and Leadership with Superintendent Letter of Eligibility certification (Ed.D. + SLE) option is designed for individuals seeking superintendent letter of eligibility certification and doctorate. The program provides education administrators with the knowledge and applied skills required to manage a school district or other academic enterprise.

Student Learning Outcomes


  • Collaboratively lead, design, and implement a district mission, vision, and process for continuous improvement that reflects a core set of values and priorities that include data use, technology, values, equity, diversity, digital citizenship, and community. (NELP District Level Standard 1, 2018).
  •  Advocate for ethical decisions and cultivate professional norms and culture.  (NELP District Level Standard 2, 2018).
  • Develop and maintain a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive, and inclusive district culture. (NELP District Level Standard 3, 2018).
  •  Evaluate, design, cultivate, and implement coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, supports, assessment, and instructional leadership. (NELP District Level Standard 4, 2018).
  • Understand and engage families, communities, and other constituents in the work of schools and the district and to advocate for district, student, and community needs. (NELP District Level Standard 5, 2018).
  •  Develop, monitor, evaluate, and manage district systems for operations, resources, technology, and human capital management. (NELP District Level Standard 6, 2018)
  • Cultivate relationships, lead collaborative decision making and governance, and represent and advocate for district needs in broader policy conversations. (NELP District Level Standard 7, 2018).
  •  Complete an internship under the supervision of knowledgeable, expert practitioners that engages candidates in multiple and diverse district settings and provides candidates with coherent, authentic, and sustained opportunities to synthesize and apply the knowledge and skills identified in NELP Standards 1-7 in ways that approximate the full range of responsibilities required of district-level leaders and enable them to promote the current and future success and well-being of each student and adult in their district. (NELP District Level Standard 8, 2018).
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts of school finance and fiscal responsibility associated with school district leadership.
  • Identify and demonstrate appropriate educational research methodologies and know when to use them.
  • Articulate the relevance of research to course work and professional research.

Admissions Requirements


Individuals seeking admission as graduate students in this program must comply with the general admission requirements for graduate students at PennWest and with the following specific admission requirements for this program:                                                                                                                  

  • Master’s degree in Education or a related field with a GPA of 3.50 or higher on a 4.00 scale (Students with a GPA between 3.00-3.49 may apply for conditional admission)
  • Official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution
  • Two current letters of recommendation from those holding leadership roles that can attest to your leadership abilities/potential and experiences, and the ability to succeed in the program (must be on letterhead).
  • Copies of all certifications:
    • SLE + EdD Option should include Administrative Certification (ie. Principal’s K-12 Certification) or Supervisory Certification (ie. Curriculum Supervisor, Special Education Supervisor). All submissions will be reviewed to verify that candidates meet the necessary state requirements as they pertain to certification. 
    • SLE + EdD Option - Candidates must also meet the current Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements that are specified on the PDE website. These requirements include but are not limited to “evidence of six years of satisfactory school experience, of which three must be in a supervisory or an administrative capacity.”
  • A current resume or curriculum vitae
    • Please include current and past work experience related to administrative/supervisory role.
    • Please include Scholarship (i.e. publications, presentations, etc)
  • A completed Applicant Data Sheet
  • One page statement of career goals and degree objectives for pursuing the Ed.D. in Education Administration and Leadership
  • Writing Sample addressing the following topic: What impact does leadership have on a system?  The committee will utilize a rubric to assess the writing sample in the following areas:  response and exploration of the question/prompt, key points, vocabulary and sentence structure, and mechanics.  (1-3 pages)

Curriculum Requirements


Total Core Credits Required: 12


Required Advanced


Total Number of Credits to Complete the Program: 57


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