Master of Arts Programs

To be eligible to receive this master of arts degree, students must complete 30 credit hours of coursework as well as the capstone experience, all of which are detailed below.

Core Courses (30 hours)

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EDL-6310 Schools, Parent, Community Relations (3 hours)

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Processes and skills needed to develop effective communication programs linking schools, parents and community.

EDL-6710 Teacher Leadership: Using Data to Inform Practice (3 hours)

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Analyzing data to inform professional practice and lead school improvement efforts.

EDL-6715 Teacher Leadership: Providing Instructional Support (3 hours)

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Examining school and teacher practices that enhance student achievement.

EDL-6725 Teacher Leadership: Building Collaborative Relationships (3 hours)

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Developing and sustaining collaborative relationships for effective school reform.

EDL-6775 Leading School-based Professional Learning Communities (3 hours)

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Leading school-based learning communities and their role in student achievement and school improvement.

EDL-7140 Organizational Change (3 hours)

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Application of change theory to large and small organizations. Leadership strategies for successful change implementation.

EDU-6380 Assessment, Evaluation, and Data-driven Decision Making (3 hours)

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Learning facilitators and educational leaders will develop an understanding of school-wide and classroom-based assessment and evaluation by analyzing the types and purposes of assessment, and the use of assessment as a tool for school and student improvement. This course focuses on creating classroom-based assessments and data gathering and analysis in order to create systems and methods of classroom assessment that address learner needs.

EDU-6720 Teacher Leadership: Influencing the School Culture (3 hours)

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Developing and sustaining a school culture that supports student achievement.

EDU-7100 Curriculum Theory and Design (3 hours)

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Exploration and analysis of curriculum theory and design for educational programs, early childhood through high school. Analysis, trends and current practices in the light of national and international models and educational programs. Study of curriculum theory in relationship to the processes of curriculum design, development, implementation and evaluation.

EDU-7500 Instructional Coaching for Effective Teaching (3 hours)

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Knowledge and skills requird to be an effective instructional coach. Collaboration, reflection, modeling, communication and leadership in effective coaching models.

Capstone Experience

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FPR-6650 Action Research for Practitioners (3 hours)

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Understanding of action research in educational settings. Focus on development of basic action research skills for improved teacher practice. Skills for interpreting published research are also emphasized.

Program Objectives and Competencies

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Concordia’s master of arts in teacher leader will enable graduate candidates to:

• Become skilled in building and leading effective teams, including team formation, dynamics, management and growth
• Develop a sense of their own leadership style, constructed from several leadership models
• Foster the ability to mold and adapt one’s personal leadership style to fit diverse populations, situations and settings
• Improve instruction through multiple uses of building, district and student data; research-based instructional models; and collaboration with colleagues
• Process coordinating curriculum at multiple levels: classroom, grade-level, department, building, district and community
• Serve as a liaison to extend cooperative curriculum-building and articulation among schools in the district, region and state;
• Experience curriculum coordination, implementation, and evaluation processes and procedures in a variety of settings
• Serve as a facilitator of change within an educational system and engage in planning and management of tasks to support system change and implement initiatives
• Conceptualize and enact their role as a teacher leader when working with families, colleagues, building and district leadership, school personnel and the larger school community
• Become self-assured and effective instructional coaches, taking a mentoring/teaming approach to improve classroom instruction for increased student performance

Length and Format

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This program is offered in a traditional, cohort, face-to-face setting in a variety of locations and is typically completed in two years. This program is also offered online.

Class Size

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• Average class size: 15
• Maximum class size: 18

Course Schedule

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• Face-to-Face Cohorts: Classes meet at the cohort location one night per week from 4:45-8:45 p.m. Candidates take one class at a time for eight-week terms during the autumn and spring semesters and the summer session.
• Online Cohorts: Students complete all coursework and discussions online, taking one class at a time for eight-week terms.

Cohort Format

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Our distinctive cohort system encourages you to foster lifelong professional relationships and worthwhile friendships. You will complete the program one class at a time, according to your cohort template sequence with your group. This collaborative environment facilitates learning and reinforces achievement. In addition, we offer occasional networking opportunities for our graduates, encouraging them to interact with other cohorts, educational professionals and alumni.

Capstone Experience

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A master’s capstone is required for all master of arts candidates. This culminating project highlights the candidate’s mastery of content throughout his or her studies. Capstones are traditionally a summary of work demonstrating overall growth and specific understandings of the professional standards. The capstone serves as a performance-based evaluation and promotes reflective practice. It also demonstrates the professional’s proficiency in integrating technology and his or her ability to interpret theory into practice.

River Forest Cohorts: The On-campus Environment

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• Full-service library: Our staff is eager to help you find the resources you need.
• Study areas: There are various places around campus for group meetings or studying.
• Wireless Internet: Classrooms and study areas are Wi-Fi accessible.
• Information Technology Services: Our technology staff provides personal attention and prompt care for software, hardware and networking needs.
• Print Services: Exists to serve students, faculty and staff with their printing and copying needs.
• Gymnasium, tennis courts, running track and workout facilities: All students have access to on-campus workout facilities.
• Restaurants: There is a full-service cafeteria available to students as well as a grab-n-go café.
• Vibrant community: The River Forest and Oak Park area is a lively community filled with restaurants, retail stores, museums and other attractions.
• Transportation: The Concordia University Chicago campus is accessible via the CTA’s green line train and is minutes from I-290.

The masters of arts in teacher leader is aligned with national model teacher leader standards by the Teacher Leadership Exploratory Consortium and with the Illinois P-20 Council Teacher Leadership Subcommittee's proposed standards.

The program is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission.