The EdS Online and Hybrid Cohort Program is a 30-semester hour program (3 semesters) designed to extend and expand the candidate’s level of professional competence beyond that attained at the master’s level. Courses are designed to bring the candidates up to date on matters relevant to the field of leadership, to enable the candidate to read and understand research pertaining to their field, and to apply relevant research findings to further their impact in their leadership roles. The goal of all the assignments, activities, discussions, and projects in each course is to prepare candidates for their future leadership role.
The 3 Semester Program offers both a Hybrid and Online option for IP (Instructional Practice, previously known as Curriculum & Instruction), EL (Educational Leadership), and IL (Instructional Leadership) concentrations.
· Instructional Practice (IP): NOT leading to Initial Tennessee Leadership Licensure
· Educational Leadership (EL): NOT leading to Initial Tennessee Leadership Licensure
· Instructional Leadership (IL): LEADING to Initial Tennessee Leadership Licensure
Our unique Educational Specialist Degree program is designed for the practicing professional providing two relevant and current coursework models with an emphasis on collaborative learning experiences:
· Hybrid Model offers seven Saturday classes with three online classes per semester at the LMU Cedar Bluff campus
· Online Model offers coursework to be completed in modules explained in each course syllabus
Initial Program Admittance (Level 1) for Educational Leadership (EL) and Instructional Practice (IP) in the EdS program:
● Complete and submit the program application by semester target date deadline – Applications must be submitted online at https://www.lmunet.edu/index.php and click on Apply
● A $50 non-refundable application fee is due at the time of the application submission, or you can request a fee waiver. Returning LMU students should submit a fee waiver.
● Financial hardships are considered for the fee waiver. Fee waiver requests should indicate the reason.
● Request 1 official transcript for your master’s degree – Due by the semester target date
● Request 1 official transcript for any coursework completed since your master’s degree - Due by the semester target date
● TBI-L1 fingerprint background check.
● Official transcript(s) can be submitted to Lisa Horton via email at lisa.horton@lmunet.edu or they can be mailed to:
LMU - Graduate Education Department, Attention: Lisa Horton, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway – BE Suite 237, Harrogate, TN 37752
Initial Program Admittance (Level 1) for Instructional Leadership (IL) majors:
● Pre-Admissions Packet – contained within each program information packet. Completed packets will be emailed to Lisa Horton at lisa.horton@lmunet.edu after submission of your online application. The Recommendation for Consideration form and the Employment of Verification form will be emailed to you after your application is submitted – Must be completed by the semester due date.
● Instructional Leadership Admission Portfolio - applicants will be provided with the requirements and directions needed to complete the Admission Portfolio after
acceptance of the application. The Admission Portfolio must be completed by and evaluated at the scheduled mandatory in-person DAP interview.
● Instructional Practice (EdS) and Educational Leadership (MEd and EdS) candidates will complete and submit a resume and participate in a mandatory in-person DAP Interview
● DAP Interview – an interview will be conducted with every candidate. DAP Interview date(s) and location: TBD each semester – LMU Cedar Bluff Campus, 421 Park 40 North Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37923.
● In the event you are unable to attend the scheduled DAP Interview, an alternate date will be provided.
● TBI-L1 fingerprint background check.
● Cumulative Master’s Degree GPA: 2.75 or above. Minimum 2 years education experience. Student Teacher experience is not considered as applicable state-approved experience. Must have a valid TN Teaching License or other state issued Teaching License.
● Conditional/Provisional acceptance, with Program Director approval, for candidates who have less than a 2.75 Cumulative Master’s Degree GPA.
● Complete and submit the program application by semester target date deadline found in the Program Information Packet– Applications must be submitted online at https://www.lmunet.edu/index.php.
● A $50 non-refundable application fee is due at the time of the application submission, or you can request a fee waiver. Returning LMU students should submit a fee waiver.
● Financial hardships are considered for the fee waiver. Fee waiver requests should indicate the reason.
The Instructional Practice concentration is suitable for candidates seeking to advance their skills as classroom leaders by focusing on innovative curriculum design and best practices within the classroom. This program is tailored for educators with a passion to advance their skills as leaders in today's classroom.
The Educational Leadership concentration is suitable for candidates already holding Leadership Licensure, out-of-state candidates, higher education personnel, and practitioners seeking improvement with best practices in organizational leadership, innovative strategic school improvement, organizational alignment, and data collection analysis to improve the overall school community. This program is
tailored for educators with a desire to lead in an educational, community, or business setting.
The Instructional Leadership concentration is suitable for candidates with the state-required teaching experience seeking to obtain Leadership Licensure. Additionally, the candidate will develop the necessary leadership skills in an education environment, focusing on leading and developing teachers at either the building or district level. This focus provides the tools to increase teachers’ effectiveness, instructional strategies, and student assessment. This program is tailored for licensed teachers with the state required experience and the desire to lead as a licensed principal in the state of Tennessee. LMU offers SLLA help sessions multiple times throughout each semester. Sessions are offered in person and online. These are not mandatory; however, they are highly recommended. Ultimately it is the candidate’s responsibility to be prepared for the SLLA.
Lisa Horton Academic Support Assistant, Graduate Education, Carter and Moyers School of Education 423-869-7057 lisa.horton@lmunet.edu Lincoln Memorial University
6965 Cumberland Gap Pkwy.
BE Suite 237
Harrogate, TN 37752
School Leadership Licensure Assessment Examination
The SLLA (6990) is required for Instructional Leadership (IL) concentrations in lieu of the comprehensive examination. Leadership licensure candidates must pass the exam as a graduation requirement. Study sessions are given throughout the semester to assist the candidates in preparing for the examination. This examination may be taken more than once. The exam will be administered through ETS.
