Reading, Foundations and Technology

Specialist in Education, Teacher Leadership

Why pursue the Specialist in Education, Teacher Leadership degree at Missouri State?

The Specialist in Education, Teacher Leadership (SETL) degree is designed for teachers who desire to take on decision making roles in their schools and school districts. It is ideal for teachers who prove to be excellent teachers, committed professionals and supportive colleagues.

The program is also for students who possess a master's degree in an education-related field or a master's degree in a subject or grade-level field. This degree helps individual teachers improve their teaching, resulting in better student learning outcomes, while aiding whole school communities with identifying and responding to the needs or problems in their schools and communities.

Program information

The bulk of this degree (18 credit hours) is delivered on-site in a two-year cohort model.  Teachers enrolled in this degree will meet periodically, in the same cohort (though in different courses), with teacher colleagues enrolled in the same associated Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning (MATL) degree and also with other teacher colleagues who want only the graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning.  Cohorts will identify common needs or concerns, deepen collaboration, and strengthen supportive collegial relationships.  Degrees feature an inquiry project-based approach via an action research framework.  Each student will choose an emphasis or elective area (12 credit hours- with a wide range of options) and will have direct sustained involvement with SMU Education faculty.

Explore similar programs

If you want to improve your teaching practices and participate in important school community decisions but do not want a master’s degree, consider the teacher leadership graduate certificate.

Students interested in this degree - and who think they also might want to acquire the Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning - may qualify for the Accelerated Pathway.