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VSU Home > Dewar College of Education > Student Information > HEROES

HEROES (Helping Educators Reach Out to Every Student)

is an innovative, interdisciplinary Ed.S. program offered by Valdosta State University.

Overview*

The Educational Specialist programs for Early Childhood, Middle Grades, and Secondary Education recognize that changing schools, technological innovations, and increased demands for research, curriculum development, licensure, National Board certification, and leadership in education demand that educational leaders must continually be changing and growing to meet the challenges of the changing society. This program prepares educational specialists to be experts in their curricular area and to be continuous inquirers and program leaders. The candidates in this advanced program focus on cutting-edge knowledge in their field of concentration, while also applying the research on effective teaching and curriculum development to their work. In addition, candidates reflect on the characteristics of effective leadership and supervision in school settings and apply those principles to their own work.

The Ed. S. Program values the active construction of knowledge and the evolution of new areas of expertise. Through course projects, scholarly inquiries and writings, reflective analysis of the literature, leadership projects, and a range of other activities, the candidate engages in active learning, reflection, critique, and synthesis.

Based on the prior knowledge and level of expertise of the candidates in the Ed. S. program, professors make adjustments in the types of learning activities; since the candidates are advanced educators and school leaders, it is generally anticipated that the candidates will be highly motivated and strong self-learners and that they will embrace intellectually challenging tasks. Field-based applications, using the candidate’s site of employment, are integrated into the course experiences. Thus, candidates are in excellent positions to test basic principles learned in the Professional Core courses. Action research projects and a professional portfolio are required as capstone experiences.

Themes noted in all Professional Core courses, assessment, technology, diversity, community of learners, meeting diverse needs, student achievement, management, and communication (written and oral), are the threads that weave the foundation for developing the knowledge and skills needed to become instructional leaders. Additionally, the Professional Core courses stress the ways content knowledge is related across disciplines, and also provide opportunities to identify the unique nature of knowledge in different fields. The core courses enable candidates to see ways to bridge the various content fields in practice: in curriculum building, in teaching, and in learning. Both the core and specialization areas are grounded in the literature of the field; the candidates are encouraged to be knowledgeable of the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of their field and to be able to justify actions with reasoned and informed opinions. Professional writing that takes place in the program provides the arena for the candidates to synthesize further their rationales and understanding of their fields.

Admission Requirements

*

3.25 GPA on previous graduate work
*

hold a masters degree from an accredited institution
*

certified in a teaching field
*

meet graduate score requirements for MAT or GRE
*

successful interview conducted by Ed.S. Program committee
*

statement of education/leadership goals
*

recommendations from two people knowledgeable of candidates academic and professional abilities
*

letter of support from current administrator
*

three years of successful classroom teaching

Core Curriculum

EDUC 8010 Reflective Teaching Practices Seminar

Introductory course for a six-course sequence of core classes for the Educational Specialist Degree. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards are used for the candidate’s self-assessment of professional goals that are based upon an understanding and application of a master teacher as leader. This course provides the basis for an individualized program of study by identifying appropriate guided electives.

EDUC 8020 Using Assessment and Research Data (Teacher Work Samples)

Study techniques for establishing reliable and valid data sources for student, classroom, and school-improvement decisions. Learn how to utilize technology tools for educational management.

EDUC 8030 Developing and Leading a Community of Diverse Learners

Examination of the impact of cultural, multicultural, diversity, and exceptionality issues on adults’ and children’s relationships, communication, and educational practices in American schools. Appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication techniques are addressed.

EDUC 8040 Strategic Planning for School Reform

Study of major theories and practices in the development and evaluation of school-based programs, including curricular, co-curricular, and staff development initiatives for the improvement of student learning.

EDUC 8050 Action Research

Practical action research utilized for the purpose of school reform and student achievement. An examination of the reflective roles of the classroom teacher and how reflection may lead to school improvement.

EDUC 8880 Capstone Seminar

Capstone course resulting in a portfolio demonstrating candidates’ analysis of teaching, leadership, and mentoring. Analysis is based on the National Board Standards, educational specialist degree goals, professional development plan designed in EDUC 8010, and candidates’ school-improvement plans.

Specialization and Electives (examples only)

Exceptional Learners (TIPS)
Reading
ESOL
Technology
Content
Leadership
Generalists

Apply to enter this program through the Graduate School
http://www.valdosta.edu/gradschool/

For further information contact:

Dr. Barbara Stanley
229-333-5611
Email: bstanley@valdosta.edu

* The next cohort available on campus will begin Fall 2006.