EdTerps Learning Academy - Education Leadership Programs

The EdTerps Learning Academy provides formal and informal training and professional development opportunities that encompass current evidence-based research and practice related to instruction, policy analysis, counseling, and human development.

Mentoring and advising are an essential part of the program. Students meet with faculty and the academic program director to ensure that educational goals, career learning, and development goals are met. Students should contact: Dr. Pamela Shetley, pshetley@umd.edu. 

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in School Improvement Leadership, Online (Z138) is an 18-credit graduate program that targets experienced teachers and leaders who aspire to become school-system administrators. 

• Provides a statewide, cohort-based professional learning experience in meeting the requirements for state certification. 
• Successful completion leads to Maryland Administrator I certification eligibility.
• Can be completed in 16 months of continuous part-time enrollment. See Designation of Full-time/Part-time Status.

Program Features

• 3-semester (+summers) cohort program: 16-20 months from start to completion.
• Leadership development sequence includes leadership for continuous improvement, instructional leadership, family and community engagement, and school operations management.
• Leadership Seminars and an Internship Practicum are aligned with the national Professional Standards for Educational Leaders as well as anchored by the framework and tools of Improvement Science.
• Integration of the tools of Improvement Science throughout the coursework, including Problem of Practice, Fishbone Diagram, and PDriver Diagram.
• Supervised Internship with faculty advisor.
• Emphasis on equity-driven leadership throughout the program.
• Culminating Leadership Portfolio.

Registration Overview

• See the sample plan of study, below. Students should use this as a guide to develop a plan with the academic program director. 
• Actual course offerings are determined by the program and may vary. Students should note if a course has a prerequisite or corequisite.
• Specific class meeting information (days and time) is posted on University of Maryland’s (UMD) interactive web service, Testudo. Once on that site, select “Schedule of Classes,” then the term/year. Courses are listed by academic unit. 
• The program uses specific section codes for registration, which are listed on the sample plan of study.

Sample Plan

Courses

Below is a listing of all program courses. For a detailed course description that includes prerequisites or corequisites, see EDUC.

Overview

• Features 100% online learning.
• Instruction provided by UMD faculty and professionals in the field. 
• Uses the semester academic calendar with classes held during fall and spring semester (16 weeks each) and Summer Session (two 6-week sessions).

Online Instruction

• Using advanced audio and video technology, UMD’s online learning environment delivers dynamic and interactive content. 
• Featuring convenience and flexibility, online instruction permits asynchronous or synchronous participation.
• Students attend lectures virtually (e.g., use of video technology, such as Zoom). 
• Online lectures (lectures, slides, presentations, and Q&A interactions) are recorded and video-archived for student review.