The Ursuline College Educational Administration program prepares individuals to function as principle-centered leaders in a school setting, focusing on the unique challenges facing today's schools.
The program philosophy and mission incorporates the principles found in the research on effective schools: best practice in teaching and learning; the principles of organizational development; and the principle-centered approach to leadership and administration.
These four cornerstones provide a core emphasis that direct the mission of this educational administration program.
The main objectives include:
- Learning to work with others through the development of positive relationships
- Identifying values and operating out of a value-based system as a basis for the school mission
- Developing personal and professional skills necessary for effective leadership
- Understanding and integrating knowledge required to lead an effective school
- Understanding the role of instructional and curriculum leadership through a thorough knowledge of effective teaching and learning at all educational levels
- Acquiring the necessary managerial skills to administer an effective school
This emphasis includes the mission and philosophy of effective education; leadership and management; curriculum and instruction; personnel and resource management; contract as well as state law; funding and fundraising along with state and federal funding; and educational theories that apply to all education.
Educational research indicates that the principal of a school is vital in establishing a quality educational program for the challenges of today's society. The leadership necessary for school administration calls for a unique preparation. Integral to the program is the emphasis on a shared mission and vision for the school. The mission and vision are developed in collaboration with the school community and are implemented by the administration, faculty, and staff of the school. Students in the program experience collaborative interactions with faculty, experienced school administrators in both private and public schools, and their colleagues in a variety of classes, seminars and field work opportunities.
