School of Teacher Education and Leadership

Graduate Program

The School of Teacher Education and Leadership offers four distinct Master of Science degrees:
M.S. in Education
M.S. in Educational Leadership
M.S. in Literacy Education
M.S. in Special Education

Graduate studies in the School of Teacher Education and Leadership are designed to prepare graduate students for administrative, supervisory and related instructional and non-instructional positions in Virginia’s educational system. Each of the four separate degrees requires a series of courses unique to that discipline. Careful selection of electives (if applicable) and supporting courses permits a graduate student to develop an individualized program of study with an emphasis on one or more of the following areas: evidence-based teaching skills and knowledge (pre-school through adult education); preparation for various professional areas within education; initial licensure for those not yet holding a Virginia license to teach; additional endorsements for teachers already licensed; preparation for doctoral studies.

Education

Kenna Colley, Director, School of Teacher Education and Leadership
Jennifer Jones, Assistant Director
Kristan Morrison, Graduate Program Coordinator

Graduate Faculty

See Graduate Faculty list at
http://gradcollege.asp.radford.edu/faculty.html

Admission Requirements

Submission of an application for Graduate Admission along with application fee;
Official transcripts for all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework;
Minimum 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate coursework;
Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (General test – Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing);
Two letters of professional recommendation speaking to the applicant’s success and/or potential as a professional teacher of students in grades PreK-12 and potential for success as a graduate student;
Personal letter of application to the M.S. in Education responding to the following (typed, double-spaced, not to exceed two pages in length):
- Which of the following concentrations/programs are you seeking?
  - Content Area Studies specialization in Math Education;
  - Curriculum and Instruction (with initial licensure);
  - Curriculum and Instruction (without initial licensure);
  - 5-year program in Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education;
  - Educational Technology;
- What are your short and long-term Teacher Education and Leadership, School of 145 Academic Programs goals in seeking this degree? In your response, speak about your past experiences (particularly teaching experiences, if applicable) and how they have led you to this program.
If also applying for initial licensure, please tell us the certification area you are interested in (choose from list below):
- Elementary (PreK-6)
- Middle (grades 6-8)- specify what TWO subject areas (pick from English, Social Studies, Math and Science)
- Secondary (grades 6-12) – specify what ONE subject area (pick from English, Social Studies, Math, Biology, Chemistry, or Earth Science or an add-on endorsement in physics)

Applicants who do not meet all the above admission criteria may still apply, but evaluation of such applicants may require additional compensatory application materials (e.g. an interview with program area faculty; and/or documentation of successful teaching experience; and/or professional work or life experiences that attest to personal growth and potential in graduate studies, beyond that represented by test scores or GPA).

Comprehensive Examination and Oral Examination

Students completing the M.S. degree in Education must complete comprehensive written and oral examinations as requirements for graduation. The written examination may take various forms (to be explained upon admission/matriculation). The oral examination will consist of a defense/presentation of this written product to a committee of three faculty (minimum). It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the exam in compliance with the procedures, forms, and timeline outlined by the Graduate College.

Literacy Education, M.S.

Kenna Colley, Director, School of Teacher Education and Leadership
Jennifer Jones, Assistant Director & Graduate Program Coordinator

Graduate Faculty

See Graduate Faculty list at:
http://gradcollege.asp.radford.edu/faculty.html

The Literacy Education (K-12) Program leads to a Master of Science degree with a potential licensure endorsement as a Reading Specialist and requires 33 semester hours of graduate work. The Reading Specialist Endorsement requires at least three years of successful classroom teaching experience in which the teaching of reading was an important responsibility.

Admission Requirements

Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 overall;
Send official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework including degrees conferred;
Submit an essay (typed, double spaced, three pages in length), that includes the following:

a. Past work experiences and interests influenced your decision to apply for the reading education program;
b. Describe your short- and longterm goals and career aspirations as they relate to the reading program. Essays will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee as part of the application;

References should be from two individuals who can address your history of successful teaching experiences with students and your potential for academic and professional success in the field of literacy education;
Submit a copy of your teaching license.

Educational Leadership, M.S.

Kenna Colley, Director, School for Teacher Education and Leadership
Brad Bizzell, Chair & Graduate Program Coordinator

Graduate Faculty

See Graduate Faculty list at:
http://gradcollege.asp.radford.edu/faculty.html

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better;
Official test scores from either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) factored in with undergraduate or graduate grade point average (GPA) to derive acceptable cutoffs;
Minimum of three years K-12 classroom teaching experience;
Three references, one of which is from most recent principal, one from current superintendent or designee;
Writing sample to be completed which details applicant’s philosophy of teaching, learning and administration garnered over the years of classroom teaching experience (two pages typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. font, with one-inch margins).

Please refer to Application Requirements for application deadlines.

The Educational Leadership Program offers two M.S. degree options; a 36-hour M.S. degree in Education (Option 1), and a 30-hour M.S. degree in Education (Option 2)

Special Education (M.S.)

Kenna Colley, Director, School for Teacher Education and Leadership
Brenda Tyler, Graduate Program Coordinator

Graduate Faculty

See Graduate Faculty list at:
http://gradcollege.asp.radford.edu/faculty.html

Admission Requirements

Minimum GPA of 2.75 in undergraduate coursework and 3.0 in graduate work, if taken
Official GRE scores (Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical Writing)
Three letters of professional recommendation or three recommendation forms from the graduate college website with 2-3 additional paragraphs in the comments section: all recommendations must speak to the applicant’s success and capacity as a teacher of students with and/or without disabilities and potential for success as a graduate student and professional in the field of special education
Personal letter of application/essay to the special education program area (see program section)
Resume documenting all volunteer, internship and work experiences with infants, children and youth.

Compensatory application materials and interview required to assess applicants who do not meet all entrance requirements. Rolling admission but applications must be received November 1, April 1 and July 1 for the following semester. For those seeking initial teacher licensure, admission to the Teacher Education Program is required prior to field experiences, including passing scores on VCLA and Praxis I (and RVE for certain specializations).

Initial Teaching Licensure Minimum grade point average of 2.75; submit official transcripts showing baccalaureate degree conferred; three letters of reference recommendation or three recommendation forms from the graduate college website with 2-3 additional paragraphs in the comments section. Rolling admission.