A Master of Education in Educational Leadership (With New Jersey Certifications) from William Paterson University prepares teachers to take their next professional step. The degree equips experienced educators with the skills and knowledge they need to lead a school as a principal with either a New Jersey Principal Certificate of Eligibility (Endorsement 0200) or the Supervisor Standard Certificate (Endorsement 0106), depending on how much professional experience candidates have and whether or not they’ve passed the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) praxis exam.
The College of Education at William Paterson University (WP) is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and eligible for accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
The Master of Education in Educational Leadership program consists of three modules: leadership, curriculum and supervision, and a 4-credit-hour embedded internship. Taught entirely online, the program’s 34 credit hours provide a balance of management and leadership aligned with National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) program recognition standards. While other programs require a field-based experience or internship that takes place during a distinct semester, William Paterson University provides continuous experiences throughout the program. The entire master’s program can be completed in as few as 12 months.
The M.Ed. program provides experienced educators the leadership skills they need to develop, implement, and maintain an inclusive school vision and mission. Program candidates learn to lead by example, demonstrating ethical and professional behavior and decision-making that foster a diverse and responsive school culture. Graduates will be prepared to take charge of curriculum, instruction and assessment systems that serve the needs of all students. By completing the program, educators can build a foundation for professional success as the head of a school that serves its students, their families, teachers and the broader community.
Eligible students for the Master of Education in Educational Leadership (With New Jersey Certifications) online program will have completed a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university; hold a provisional and/or standard instructional, educational services, or administrative certification; and will have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. No Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score is required.
WP’s M.Ed. in Educational Leadership prepares educators for two New Jersey state certifications, each with specific requirements and career paths:
Principal Certificate of Eligibility (Endorsement 0200): This endorsement authorizes an educator to be employed in a position that involves services as an administrative officer of a school or other comparable unit within a school or district in public schools serving preschool through 12th grade students.
Such positions include principal, assistant principal, vice principal, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and director. The Principal Certificate of Eligibility is available to educators with a minimum five years of educational experience under a valid provisional or standard New Jersey certificate or equivalent out-of-state certificate. Eligible educators must also complete a 300-hour internship in educational leadership aligned to the professional standards for school leaders, in accordance with the roles and responsibilities of a school principal. They must also pass the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) praxis exam.
Coursework within the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (With New Jersey Certifications) from William Paterson University meets the certificate’s criteria for required master’s degree/graduate study.
Supervisor Standard Certificate (Endorsement 0106): This endorsement authorizes an educator to be employed as a supervisor of instruction and athletic director (for those who do not hold a Principal Certificate of Eligibility). The supervisor has the authority and responsibility for the continuing direction, evaluation and guidance of teaching staff members.
The Supervisor Standard Certificate is available to educators with a minimum three years of successful, full-time teaching or educational services experience under a valid provisional or standard New Jersey or equivalent out-of-state instructional, educational services or administrative certificate.
A master’s degree or higher is required from a regionally accredited college or university. Coursework within the Master of Education in Educational Leadership from William Paterson University (With New Jersey Certifications) meets the certificate’s criteria for required master’s degree/graduate study.
WP’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership (With New Jersey Certifications) prepares educators to lead schools in a number of roles, including principal, vice president, supervisor of instruction and athletic director. Coursework with a focus on leadership and curriculum/supervision, alongside an embedded internship, provides educators the theoretical framework and practical skills to advance their careers and make meaningful impacts on students and teachers alike.
Learn more about William Paterson University’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership (With New Jersey Certifications) online program.
