Description: This course is designed for students who are completing the Teacher Leadership Program. It provides students with the opportunity to: (1) complete a capstone inquiry project in an area related to teaching and learning and that is of particular concern or interest, (2) to develop a final product that describes the topic of inquiry, methods, and findings or insights, and (3) to make public the process of inquiry and its results. The final product will take the form of an action research project. The course takes the form of a professional community where students and the instructor engage in collegial interaction, peer learning, and reciprocal feedback. Prerequisite: Completion of at least 24 of 30 credits towards the Ms. Ed in Teacher Leadership. Cr. 3.

Description: This course is designed to be one of the initial courses taken in the Educational Leadership Program leading to certification as a principal, special education director, and/or curriculum coordinator, or as part of the Teacher Leadership Program. The course is organized around the domains, qualities, and values of leadership work that research and practice have shown to contribute to students¿ academic success and well-being. Graduate students will gain understandings of themselves and of their potential to function effectively as leaders. This course gives participants a clear understanding of the decisions faced by educational leaders, the skills and knowledge necessary to perform effectively, and the opportunity to explore strategies for balancing the demands of the job and personal commitments and responsibilities. Cr 3.

Description: Organizational Behavior is the utilization of theory and methods of academic disciplines of understanding and influencing behavior of people in organizations. In general, this course will explore the interactions between individuals and the systems in which they live and work. Individual and group levels of analysis are included in covering such topics as diversity, communications, motivation, power, conflict, school culture, group development and performance, innovation, quality, individual effectiveness & development, leadership, and intergroup behavior. In addition to conceptual inputs, this course will utilize structured activities, simulations, case analysis and student presentations in order to: 1) provide opportunities to actually experience the behavioral dynamics being studied; and 2) to provide situations wherein students can assess the relevance of the dynamics being studied. Cr 3.

Description: This course, through the use of case studies, simulations, readings, presentations, and discussions will focus on students: (1) learning the nuts and bolts needed for daily management, (2) examining current issues facing the principalship, (3) learning strategies for managing and understanding oneself within the principal's role, (4) studying specific financial skills required of the principal and, (5) articulating positions on current educational practices, and developing an educational leadership philosophy. Prerequisite: instructor permission. Cr 3.