Education is in Need of Strong Leaders

According to a recent report commissioned by The Wallace Foundation, “It turns out that leadership not only matters: it is second only to teaching among school-related factors in its impact on student learning.”  In addition the study declares that, “the impact of leadership tends to be greatest in schools where the learning needs of students are most acute.”

The report indicates that successful school leaders are those that chart a clear direction for the school that everyone understands and are diligent in establishing high expectations for all involved.  They also efficiently use data to track progress and performance to ensure it is meaningful.  The best leaders are committed to providing teachers and staff with the tools and support they need in order be successful.  Moreover they recognize that by making the organization work, it ensures that “the entire range of conditions and incentives in districts and schools fully supports rather than inhibits teaching and learning.”

At GSU we too fully understand the importance of strong educational leaders.  Our Master of Arts in Educational Administration degree program provides in-depth study to prepare school administrators and leaders to meet the challenges of a demanding educational environment. Our graduates are caring, critical, reflective professionals who are academically strong, pedagogically skilled and responsive to the needs of our diverse society.

As a student in the M.A in Educational Administration, you are offered the following three areas of concentration to advance your career: Chief School Business Official (K-12), Higher Education Administration (colleges and universities), and Principal Leadership (K-12).  Furthermore, you will have plenty of opportunities to transition from the classroom to a leadership role with both field and clinical experiences.  Please see our website for complete program requirements and details. 

Source:

http://www.wallacefoundation.org/knowledge-center/school-leadership/key-research/Documents/How-Leadership-influences-Student-Learning.pdf

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of the best colleges in Illinois.

Master of Arts in Multicategorical Special Education

The professional education unit in the College of Education at GSU offers the highest quality academic programs that balance innovation and best practice in order to meet the needs of today’s educators.  Our Master of Arts in Multicategorical Special Education program is one of our exceptional programs and is designed to develop experienced teachers who are capable of working across the full continuum of educational services. With an emphasis on the individual approach to the education of the exceptional learner, our fully accredited program is nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children and NCATE.  

GSU graduates are equipped to work in the special education categorical areas covered by the Illinois Learning Behavior Specialist I Unlimited endorsement on a Professional Educator License.  This includes the following areas: learning disabilities, behavior disorders, intellectual disabilities, mental impairments, traumatic brain injury and autism.  Students also receive training in psychological diagnosis, authentic assessments, case study development, IEP development and implementation and much more.

The MCSE degree will give you the opportunity for a rewarding career as a classroom teacher, resource personnel, or a collaborator/consultant to educators, administrators, staff, and parents.  If you already possess a teaching certificate, you will not be required to complete additional clinical hours in the areas that you have previously had supervised experience in.  Furthermore, the program will prepare you for the Learning Behavior Specialist I Unlimited endorsement on a Professional Educator License.

GSU Naperville Education Center is now recruiting interested students for our Master of Arts in Multicategorical Special Education/LBS l Unlimited Endorsement program.  It will be offered in the Fall Semester 2015. Check our website for all of the requirements and details as well as contact information.  Application deadline is March 15, 2015.

We encourage you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting.  We look forward to helping you achieve your educational and career goals. 

A Rewarding Career as a School Counselor

By the year 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an almost 12 percent increase in employment for educational, guidance, school and vocational counselors, which will mean 31,200 new jobs.  Most employers require school counselors to have at least a master’s degree, and jobs include working in elementary and secondary schools, junior colleges and universities, government and private organizations.  The BLS states that the median annual income for school and career counselors was $53,610 in May 2012 and the top wage-earners make more than $86,680.

A school counselor works closely with school officials, students and parents. The job involves collaborating with other individuals and organizations to advocate and promote the academic, career, personal and social development of children and youth.  “School counselors help students evaluate their abilities, interests, talents and personalities to develop realistic academic and career goals.”*

At GSU our M.A. in School Counseling degree program is designed to promote excellence in professional school counseling as an integral component in the development of all students.  Our primary goal is to prepare responsive professional counselors in K-12 school settings who will assist students in maximizing their educational, vocational and personal/social growth and development.  GSU’s program endorses the role of the professional school counselor as a licensed educator who addresses the needs of students comprehensively through the implementation of a developmental school counseling program. 

In addition beginning in the Fall Semester 2015, Governors State Naperville Education Center (NEC) will offer the Master of Arts in School Counseling program.  Students interested in attending the NEC program will need to apply through the NEC and the application deadline is March 15, 2015.  Please see our website for all program requirements and information. 

Source:

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm

*http://www.gradschools.com/search-programs/school-counseling

Academic excellence and innovation are natural partners. At Governors State University you’ll find an abundance of both.  We have a highly diverse student body and our courses are taught by gifted professors. Our rich history, cultural amenities and a beautiful campus all contribute to making us one of the best colleges in Illinois.