College of Education and Human Development

Graduates of the Educational Leadership M.Ed. and Ed.S. programs at the University of Maine work as teacher-leaders, assistant principals, principals, special education directors, curriculum coordinators and athletic directors. In addition, our graduates are prepared to work for nonprofit and government agencies specializing in education policy.

Our Educational Leadership faculty is committed to educating competent and visionary leaders for educational institutions in Maine and beyond. We develop and sustain in-practice leaders who collaborate with, inspire and model for others the best qualities of learning, ethical conduct and commitment to student development. Educational leadership involves developing leaders’ awareness, knowledge, interpersonal skills, and personal/professional values that will enable them to influence their schools for positive student outcomes. We assist our students in fulfilling objectives encompassed in the following six knowledge domains that correspond to learning skills and knowledge in the cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal dimensions. Since we follow a developmental model, we know that people are at different points in their learning with regard to any standards or objectives; nevertheless, we and our students use these domains to gauge their growth and guide further learning.

1. An effective school leader has expertise in learning and teaching, assessment of learning, and instructional design and models and assists others in implementing strategies to improve learning for all children.
2. An effective school leader understands the manner in which schools improve their performance and facilitates processes that enhance student learning.
3. An effective school leader is skilled in creating effective working relationships with all constituents who support children’s learning.
4. An effective school leader understands and demonstrates skills essential to mobilizing others for action so the school can make significant gains in the learning of all children.
5. An effective school leader articulates a coherent leadership philosophy that supports high student and school performance.
6. An effective school leader assesses leadership capacities and demonstrates the self-management skills necessary to succeed at the previous five objectives and the overall goal of school transformation.

Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL)

Standard 1: Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Effective educational leaders develop, advocate, and enact a shared mission, vision, and core values of high-quality education and academic success and well-being of each student.

Standard 2: Ethics and Professional Norms

Effective educational leaders act ethically and according to professional norms to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.

Standard 3: Equity and Cultural Responsiveness

Effective educational leaders strive for equity of educational opportunity and culturally responsive practices to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.

Standard 4: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Effective educational leaders develop and support intellectually rigorous and coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.

Standard 5: Community of Care and Support for Students

Effective educational leaders cultivate an inclusive, caring, and supportive school community that promotes the academic success and well-being of each student.

Standard 6: Professional Capacity of School Personnel

Effective educational leaders develop the professional capacity and practice of school personnel to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.

Standard 7: Professional Community for Teachers and Staff

Effective educational leaders foster a professional community of teachers and other professional staff to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.

Standard 8: Meaningful Engagement of Families and Community

Effective educational leaders engage families and the community in meaningful, reciprocal, and mutually beneficial ways to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.

Standard 9: Operations and Management

Effective educational leaders manage school operations and resources to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.

Standard 10: School Improvement

Effective educational leaders act as agents of continuous improvement to promote each student’s academic success and well-being.