The educational specialist with a specialization in educational leadership is a state-approved program in Florida for add-on certification for teachers. It focuses on preparing prekindergarten through 12th grade teachers for administrative positions in public and nonpublic schools and school systems. This specialization provides educators with leadership skills through practical application and provides broad knowledge of social, political, and economic forces at work in society that affect education. Course content is research based and infuses best practices in education, while aligning directly with the Florida Department of Education’s program certification requirements.
practicing prekindergarten through 12th grade teachers who wish to obtain a graduate degree or recertification and enter the field of educational leadership
individuals with a master’s degree in an education field who wish to obtain a graduate degree or recertification and/or add a certification area in educational leadership
completed admission application packet, including a $50 nonrefundable application fee made payable to Nova Southeastern University
official transcript indicating conferral of a master’s degree by a regionally accredited institution (3.0 minimum grade point average required)
official transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions
valid professional teaching certificate and passing scores for CLAST or General Knowledge Skills
official verification letter documenting at least two years of teaching experience in any public or private K-12 institution
(36 CREDITS)
EDU 714 Families, Schools, and Communities: Ethical Issues and Practices
EDU 5000 Orientation to Graduate Teacher Education Program
EDU 702 Curriculum Trends and Innovation
EDL 550 Electronic Tools for Educational Leaders
EDL 510 School Leadership
EDL 500 Communication and Supervision in Educational Leadership Roles
EDL 530 Organizational Management of Schools
EDL 505 Educational Budgeting and Finance
EDL 520 School Law for Administrators
EDL 525 Personnel Selection and Development
EL 600 Seminar in the Knowledge Base of Educational Leadership
EL 699 Administrative Internship
The administrative internship is the culminating experience in this program. The purpose of this internship is to provide an opportunity to perform the duties of a school or district administrator. Under the guidance of an experienced cooperating administrator and a faculty supervisor, the intern will observe, interview, and work with the assigned administrator for a minimum of 240 contact hours. In addition, students will maintain a leadership portfolio detailing the role and responsibilities of an educational leader.
satisfactory completion of all required coursework
successful completion of the administrative internship, including the portfolio
cumulative maintained grade point average of 3.0 or higher
passing scores on all sections of the Florida Educational Leadership Exam (FELE)
completed application for degree
Coursework for the educational leadership specialization is available online and at many of the university’s Student Educational Centers throughout the state of Florida. The online delivery option allows students to receive and submit coursework and interact with participants and professors via the Internet. The site-based delivery option allows students to take classes in the evenings or on weekends in a location near their homes. The distance delivery option allows busy professionals to complete their degrees without having to leave their jobs or travel long distances.
Faculty members for the educational specialist are recognized scholars and educators from Nova Southeastern University and other major universities and institutions throughout the country. In addition, many are also highly respected professional practitioners. They are carefully selected on the basis of their subject expertise, teaching abilities, and professional involvement. Most importantly, they are united in their desire to not only educate, but to inspire students to use what they learn to inspire others.
Courses in the educational leadership specialization may meet state department of education requirements for certification and/or recertification. It is the responsibility of each student to contact his or her state department of education regarding certification, recertification, and/or endorsement requirements.