Master of Science in Education – Teacher Education – Curriculum and Instruction – Teacher Leader online
Enhance student success and advance the teaching profession as a Teacher Leader.
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Program Overview
Insights into our online M.S.Ed. Teacher Education – C&I – Teacher Leader program
$12,450*
In-State Tuition
As few as 12 months
Program Duration
30
Credit Hours
Hone your teaching abilities and deepen your leadership expertise with a Master of Science in Education – Teacher Education – C&I – Teacher Leader online degree from YSU. In as few as 12 months, you can fulfill the requirements to obtain the Lead Professional Educators License, recognized by the Ohio Department of Education as the most prestigious licensing credential a teacher can achieve in Ohio. This is the only education program of this type aligned with the Ohio Department of Education Standards.
Designed for working educators, this online master's in teaching education in curriculum and instruction was created by Dr. Christopher Basich, a distinguished faculty member at YSU. Youngstown is at the forefront of the Teacher Leader Endorsement statewide effort, and Dr. Basich was on the founding committee that developed the Ohio Teacher Leader Framework.
To promote professional growth, real-world field experience is embedded within each course. Course hours count toward continuing education units in Ohio.
Upon completion of this master's in curriculum and instruction online, you will possess the knowledge and skills for higher level positions such as teacher leader, district leader, or state leader in teacher education, policies, and requirements for the Ohio Department of Education.
Earning the Teacher Leader Endorsement fulfills one of the criteria in pursuing the Lead Professional Educator License, the highest level of licensure for Ohio teachers.
The educator preparation programs at Youngstown State University meet rigorous national standards for educator preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). For more information, contact CAEP by mail at 1140 19th St. NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036 or by phone at 202-223-0077.
In this master's degree in curriculum and instruction, you will learn to:
- Promote an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative culture among staff members
- Implement evidence-based strategies and research to improve practice and student learning
- Facilitate professional learning by using adult learning principles
- Employ evidence-based leadership practices to drive school improvement initiatives
- Make effective data-based decisions which lead to school improvement
- Strengthen relationships and partnerships with school and community stakeholders
- Promote an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative culture among staff members
- Implement evidence-based strategies and research to improve practice and student learning
- Facilitate professional learning by using adult learning principles
- Employ evidence-based leadership practices to drive school improvement initiatives
- Make effective data-based decisions which lead to school improvement
- Strengthen relationships and partnerships with school and community stakeholders
- Promote an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative culture among staff members
- Implement evidence-based strategies and research to improve practice and student learning
- Facilitate professional learning by using adult learning principles
- Employ evidence-based leadership practices to drive school improvement initiatives
- Make effective data-based decisions which lead to school improvement
- Strengthen relationships and partnerships with school and community stakeholders
Graduate this online C&I – Teacher Leader program prepared for a variety of elevated roles, including:
- Instructional Coach
- Teacher Leader
- Educational Consultant
- Curriculum Developer
- Building and District Level Teacher Leader
In this master's degree in curriculum and instruction, you will learn to:
- Promote an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative culture among staff members
- Implement evidence-based strategies and research to improve practice and student learning
- Facilitate professional learning by using adult learning principles
- Employ evidence-based leadership practices to drive school improvement initiatives
- Make effective data-based decisions which lead to school improvement
- Strengthen relationships and partnerships with school and community stakeholders
- Promote an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative culture among staff members
- Implement evidence-based strategies and research to improve practice and student learning
- Facilitate professional learning by using adult learning principles
- Employ evidence-based leadership practices to drive school improvement initiatives
- Make effective data-based decisions which lead to school improvement
- Strengthen relationships and partnerships with school and community stakeholders
- Instructional Coach
- Teacher Leader
- Educational Consultant
- Curriculum Developer
- Building and District Level Teacher Leader
Nationally recognized by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council
Tuition
This online master's in education costs less than you think
YSU offers students the opportunity to earn their online degree with affordable, pay-as-you-go tuition.
Tuition breakdown:
$415*
Per Credit Hour
$12,450*
Total Tuition
*In-state tuition.
Note: No payment plans are available for accelerated online students.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | Per Program | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State | In-State | Out-of-State | In-State | Out-of-State | |
| M.S.Ed. Teacher Ed – C&I – Teacher Leader | $415 | $420 | $1,245 | $1,260 | $12,450 | $12,600 |
Additional Fees
Application: $45 (waived if you are an active/veteran military member)
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for those who qualify. The first step in applying for financial aid is to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). YSU's Federal School Code is 003145.
Contact Us
Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships1 Tressel Way
Meshel Hall, 203
Youngstown, OH 44555
Phone: 330-941-3505
Fax: 330.941.1659
Email: [email protected]
Calendar
Get to know the schedule for this online education program
At YSU, we offer multiple start dates throughout the year so you never have to wait long to get started on your online degree program. The chart below shows upcoming start dates, along with important deadlines, such as when your application should be submitted and when payments are due.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:
2/17/25
Next Application Deadline
3/10/25
Start Classes
| First Starts | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 | 1/6/25 | 12/16/24 | 12/23/24 | 1/1/25 | 1/3/25 | 2/16/25 |
| Spring 2 | 3/10/25 | 2/17/25 | 2/24/25 | 3/5/25 | 3/7/25 | 4/20/25 |
| Summer 1 | 5/12/25 | 4/21/25 | 4/28/25 | 5/7/25 | 5/9/25 | 6/22/25 |
| Summer 2 | 6/30/25 | 6/9/25 | 6/16/25 | 6/25/25 | 6/27/25 | 8/9/25 |
| Fall 1 | 8/25/25 | 8/4/25 | 8/11/25 | 8/20/25 | 8/22/25 | 10/12/25 |
| Fall 2 | 10/20/25 | 9/29/25 | 10/6/25 | 10/15/25 | 10/17/25 | 12/7/25 |
Admissions
Read the details of our admissions criteria
YSU's online master's degree programs in curriculum and instruction have specific requirements that applicants must meet to enroll. Please read the admission guidelines to ensure you qualify.
Online application
Minimum 2.7 GPA
3 references
Online application
Minimum 2.7 GPA
3 references
- Complete online application for admission
- Pay $45 application fee ($90 International). Waived for active/veteran military members or for applicants who have attended the College of Graduate Studies in the past.
- A cumulative grade point average in undergraduate work at the degree granting institution of at least 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Names and contact information for 3 professional references (in online application)
- Submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework from regionally accredited institutions
- Students having a cumulative undergraduate GPA below 2.7 may be required to present a satisfactory score on the general test of the Graduate Record Exam, the Miller Analogies Test, or graduate-level subject-specific exam as specified by the department of the major. In lieu of a standardized test, program directors can provide evidence that suggests likelihood of success in the program for provisional admission.
- Valid teaching certificate
Transcripts must be mailed from the granting institution or sent electronically through a secured server vendor.
Mailing Address:
YSU College of Graduate Studies1 Tressel Way
Coffelt Hall
Youngstown, OH 44555
Email Address:
[email protected]
Courses
Explore our online master's in Curriculum and Instruction – Teacher Leader classes
For the Master of Science in Education – Teacher Education – Curriculum and Instruction – Teacher Leader online, you are required to take 10 courses for a total of 30 credit hours.
TCED 6933: Brain Based Teaching and Learning
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A critical appraisal of dealing with learning and teaching. Each learner constructs his/her brain as learning occurs. Teachers reconsider their practices in light of the science of learning research provided by education, neuroscience and socio-psychology.
TCED 6905: Intro to Digital Teaching and Learning
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Digital teaching and learning is much more than knowing some great apps for the smart board or IPad. It is understanding a new paradigm that promotes a new pedagogy. It takes educators beyond the formal traditional classroom of lecture and paper/pencil into an interactive, student-centered environment. This course will introduce students to the paradigm of digital teaching and learning and provide the framework and foundation for change within districts and classrooms to meet 21st century learning.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Develop an action plan for their classroom that aligns with 21st century learning and integrates digital technology including acceptable AI for a district.
- Determine technologies, including AI that support content learning and skills for 21st century learning.
- Plan differentiated learning in a content by choosing digital learning experiences, including AI that support each student.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of digital learning within their own classroom.
- Apply research-based principles to establish positive, safe, and secure student-centered learning environments where students understand their responsibility as digital citizens.
- Navigate through the LMS platform and various technologies successfully including AI.
TCED 6932: Action Research in Urban and Rural Education
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on action research as it applies to urban and rural education. Topics include reflecting to identify a problem, reviewing literature, planning and implementing interventions, data collection and analysis strategies, and sharing outcomes with others. Course may be offered onsite, online, or as a combination of both. Field experience in an appropriate educational setting is required.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply different types of reflection throughout the action research process.
- Align action research studies with personal goals and values.
- Articulate research questions that are action-oriented and outcome-based and seek support for this using AI.
- Evaluate and synthesize published research to inform practice, with the support of an AI.
- Write an action research proposal that can provide a positive intervention in a school setting, including urban and/or rural settings.
- Follow ethical guidelines in action research studies.
TCED 6936: Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction to Improve Learning
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Focus on the instructional design process from a practical perspective. Emphasis on planning the curriculum to include content analysis, learning objectives, instructional strategies, and measurement of student achievement.
EDAD 6901: Instructional Leadership Beyond the Classroom
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Teacher leaders will lead both from within their own classrooms and beyond; therefore, it will be important to equip candidates with the knowledge and skills that will assist them in any leadership situation that they may face. Candidates will be introduced to the theory and practice of teacher leadership in order to assist in building teacher commitment, teacher efficacy, teaching competence, and instructional practices. There will be an additional emphasis on developing teacher leaders, specifically in the areas of adult learning principles, reflective practice, and professional learning communities. Candidates will be introduced to the importance of self-directed teacher professional development, taking on leadership roles at school, district, state, and national levels, as well as learning how to lead in both formal and informal ways. 15 hours of field experience will be required.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Develop effective leadership behaviors that encourage teacher leadership, commitment, and competence.
- Demonstrate adult learning principles that assist in the professional development of teachers.
- Develop the capacity to lead professional learning communities, encourage reflective practice in others, and improve teacher efficacy.
- Identify school improvement needs which can be facilitated by formal and informal teacher leaders.
- Promote practices which aim to improve instruction and student learning.
EDAD 6903: Building Capacity of Adult Learners
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Learning is an extended, intricate, and lifelong process. Adult learners have a unique way of learning, one that varies from learning done in primary grades. As such, teacher leaders will need to have strong command of adult learning principles to effectively collaborate with others and to assist adults in their own professional development. A study of current theories and research in the areas of social cognition, human development, interpersonal relationships, group processes, and motivation will assist candidates in meeting the needs of the adults that they will work with. This course will be particularly helpful to those who mentor others, lead professional development sessions, serve on building or district leadership teams, and participate in professional learning communities. 15 hours of field experience will be required.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify school improvement needs which can be facilitated by formal and informal teacher leaders.
- Promote practices which aim to improve instruction and student learning.
- Develop effective leadership behaviors that encourage teacher leadership, commitment, and competence.
- Demonstrate adult learning principles that assist in the professional development of teachers.
- Develop the capacity to lead professional learning communities, encourage reflective practice in others, and improve teacher efficacy.
EDAD 6905: Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Educational leaders must practice professional, ethical values of equity, integrity, honesty, fairness, and dignity. The purpose of this course is to build candidate knowledge and skills in the area of culturally responsive leadership. Candidates will develop the ability to promote collaboration with faculty, administration, families, and community members and partners. This course will help candidates lead in culturally competent ways in order to make necessary changes in curriculum, culture, and school policies and practices. Additionally, candidates will learn how to assist others in providing individual learning opportunities for students where diverse perspectives are welcomed in addressing challenges. 15 hours of field experience will be required.
EDAD 6906: Data Coaching and Decision-Making
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Educators must learn how to collect, analyze, use, and communicate the wide array of student assessment data available in their schools to improve teaching and learning. This course prepares educators to use data to catalyze and support improvement in K-12 schools. The purpose of this course is to provide opportunity for educators to learn the nature of multiple data sources to identify improvement needs, to conduct descriptive analysis, to monitor and correct progress, and to demonstrate success to stakeholders. Educators in this course will have authentic experiences to lead collaborative analysis of a wide range of data sources – including annual standardized tests, school demographic data or schooling process, perceptions and learning outcomes of students– and facilitate productive conversations about how to act on what they learn from this analysis. This course centers around working on data-driven decision making as a cyclical process and has a significant practicum component, as the work in the course is based on each educator’s unique decision-making situations. Educators in this class are expected to use technology to create tables and graphs to communicate data results effectively to a wide range of audiences. 15 hours of field experience will be required.
EDAD 6933: Educational Leadership and Organizational Change
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Significant theories, research, and professional practices in the leadership of schools and school systems. Detailed analysis of primary sources and application of sources to reflection on issues and problems of administrative practice. This course reviews the main research, theories, and practices that have been proven to facilitate effective organizational leadership. Change theory and processes will be studied to acquire knowledge and skills related to develop, implement and evaluate a continuous, responsive, sustainable, data-based school improvement process to achieve the mission of the school.
EDAD 6954: Educational Marketing and Community Relationships
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Leadership skills that build community support and recognize the value of message delivery to targeted audiences in the community will be related to collaborative partnerships with the school, families, and community. skills to establish strong systems for communicating with their various school constituencies and to improve public relations at all levels. Teaches the ways in which administrators and school leaders can effectively engage and enlist partnerships with teachers, staff, students, parents, and community members.
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