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The Exemplary Teaching Track of the Ed.S. Degree in Curriculum and Instruction is an advanced degree that prepares educators to meet the Exemplary Level teaching standards within the Georgia Framework for Teaching. This program supports the knowledge and skills exhibited by exemplary teachers: continuing enrichment of content knowledge and resources; deep understanding of student learning, instructional strategies and classroom management; empowerment of educational stakeholders, partnerships, and improved learning environments; advocacy for rights and responsibilities in educational settings; leadership in the school team, and in curriculum development and implementation; ability to connect assessment and achievement, and employ data analysis to enhance school improvement; and activism for education, students, and families.

Valdosta State University is the degree granting institution collaborating with North Georgia College and State University for the delivery of the program. Top graduate faculty from each school teach the courses. This 9-course, 27- hour program can be completed in three to four consecutive semesters - about 12 to 16 months - with full-time enrollment. Courses are offered on a continuous basis, allowing for part-time enrollment. No campus visits are required to complete the program.

• Special Requirements: Students must be employed teachers.
• Delivery: The program is fully online, with no on-campus attendance requirements. Students conduct all work online, including team projects, exams, discussion posts, and case studies. Students have access to online academic resources, such as the library. Courses are asynchronous; there are no scheduled online meetings except those one might make with peers for group work.
• Technology: Students must have access to a digital video camera to record performance for remote classroom observation. A webcam is an option for this requirement in some cases and can be useful for video conferencing with instructor or peers. Students must purchase the LIveText portfolio assessment application and should have high speed internet access. Additional software may be required.
• Transfer credit: Graduate work taken prior to admission to this Ed.S.Program will not be counted toward the degree requirements. There may be special circumstances where up to 6 credit hours might be taken and transferred from other institutions after admission to the Ed.S. program.
• Cost: Please see the Fees / Aid link for details.
• Financial Aid: Student loans are available through the VSU Office of Financial Aid - 229-333-5935.

Important Note: According to the new GaPSC rules, the Ed.S. Teaching and Learning / Exemplary Teaching program will classify as a new field certification, Curriculum and Instruction, for which the PSC will need a couple years to develop standards and assessments. Therefore, the program has extended grandfathering dates:  enrollment by Jan. 15, 2013 and completion by Sept. 15, 2015. This will be for an upgrade of existing certificates; teachers won't be certified in the new Curriculum and Instruction field. Further details are available on the relevant GaPSC guidance document.

Admission Requirements

Applications are accepted one semester in advance. For deadlines, visit the VSU GOML Calendar. Submitting an application prior to the deadline does not guarantee processing for your desired semester. Your application cannot be processed until all required documents are received by the Graduate School. Admission is for a specific semester. Teachers will be admitted to this program with the same criteria as used for on-campus Ed.S. degree programs. Requirements:

1. Completed Georgia ONmyLINE application for admission to the VSU graduate school.
2. A $50 application fee. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid online using a debit or credit card.
3. One official transcript must be submitted from every college and university attended (undergraduate and graduate), even if the courses from one school appears on the transcript of another. Official transcripts bear an official seal and signature and are sent to the Graduate School in the original sealed envelopes. VSU transcripts will be obtained by the Graduate School.
4. Students will not be admitted with a grade point average of less than 3.00 on all previous graduate work attempted.
5. Official test scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT):
• GRE - minimum score of 850 and a minimum verbal score of 400.
• MAT - minimum score of 390 (for MAT scores taken prior to Oct 2004 the minimum score is 36).
6. Must hold a clear renewable teaching or service certificate at the master’s-level or higher. Individuals with certification from states other than Georgia must provide documentation of the appropriate certificate. Eligibility will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
7. A letter of support from your current administrator. No form is required for this document. The letter should provide verification that your school administration:
• Is aware you are considering pursuing this degree,
• Supports your decision to pursue the degree, and
• Recommends you for participation in this program.
8. Must submit the Student Information Section and Distance Learning Exemption sections of the VSU Medical Form. Click to access the form online.
9. Must be able to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week in a classroom.

For additional admission information, please contact the VSU Graduate School at (229) 333-5694 or by email goml@valdosta.edu. All required documents must be submitted prior to close of business on the application deadline.  For semester deadlines visit the VSU GOML Calendar.

Submit all admissions documentation to: Graduate School Valdosta State University 1500 N. Patterson Street Valdosta, GA 31698-0005 Fax: 229 -245 -3853 Email: goml@valdosta.edu

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Program of Study

Course Descriptions

EDET 8010 Reflective Teaching Practices Seminar
Introductory course for Educational Specialist Degree. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards are used for 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. 

EDET 8020 Using Assessment and Research Data
Techniques for establishing reliable and valid data sources for student, classroom, and school-improvement decisions. Candidates learn how to utilize technology tools for educational management.

EDET 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.

EDET 8040 Strategic Planning for School Reform
Prerequisite: EDET 8020. Study of major theories and evidence-based practices in the design and development of research to evaluate the effectiveness of school-based programs, including curricular, co-curricular, and staff development initiatives for the improvement of student learning.

EDET 8050 Action Research
Prerequisites: EDET 8020 and EDET 8040. Practical action research utilized for the purpose of school reform and student achievement.  Examine the reflective roles of the classroom teacher and how reflection may lead to school improvement.

EDET 8880 Capstone Seminar
Prerequisites: EDET 8010, EDET 8020, EDET 8030, EDET 8040, and EDET 8050. Capstone course resulting in a portfolio demonstrating candidates' analysis of teaching, leadership, and mentoring. Analysis is based on National Board Standards, educational specialist degree goals, professional development program plans designed in EDET 8010, and candidates' school improvement project.

9 hours of elective classes appropriate for professional development