Educational Leadership :: Easy Links
Educational Leadership :: Welcome from the Department Head
Welcome from the Department Head
The Department of Educational Leadership graduates more than 200 students each year and is one of the largest administrator preparation programs in the state. Faculty utilizes a variety of innovative teaching processes to reach a diversified student population across the state.
Texas A&M University-Commerce has one of the highest graduation rates among Texas public institutions for doctoral programs. The Department of Educational Leadership ranks near the top in Texas in the preparation of K-12 Principals and Superintendents. Our programs are designed for the working practitioner while holding to the highest standards of scholarship and professionalism.
Educational Leadership :: Explore Our Programs
Explore Our Programs
Educational Administration (EDD)
The Doctor of Education degree in Educational Administration emphasizes K-12 public school administration. This program is one of the only online doctoral programs in the state.
4 Years
None
60 Hours
Dissertation required
Educational Administration (MED)
The Master of Education in Educational Administration degree program will equip you with the leadership, financial and administrative skills needed to become a knowledgeable principal and a great administrator.
1-1.5 years
No foreign language credits required
30 hours
No thesis required
Principal Certification
The Principal Certification program is designed for potential principals, assistant principals, administrators of curriculum and instruction, and all school administrators holding a position below that of superintendent.
1 Year
No foreign language credits required
21 Hours
No thesis required
Superintendent Certification
The Superintendent Certification program will equip you for key administrative roles. The program includes a practicum where you will put theory into practice as you work closely with your mentor/site supervisor in active leadership situations.
1-1.5 Years
No foreign language credits required
15 Hours
No thesis required
Urban School Leadership Graduate Certificate
The Urban School Leadership graduate certificate program at A&M-Commerce will help you gain the knowledge and skills to lead effectively in urban school environments.
1 year
No foreign language credits required
12 hours
No thesis required
EDL::Experienced Practitioners
Experienced Practitioners
Our faculty members have held various K-12 administrative positions, from assistant principal and principal to superintendent. We are eager to share our decades of experience to help you synthesize research findings, theory and praxis into a certification or degree that will position you to lead with confidence.
Educational Leadership :: Student Organizations and Involvement Copy copied not edited copied not edited
Student and Related Organizations
Phi Delta Kappa
Established in 1906, Phi Delta Kappa International supports teachers and school leaders by strengthening their interest in the profession through the entire arc of their career.
The Department of Educational Leadership is proud to be affiliated with these organizations.
EDL Student Resources
Student Resources
Access resources relevant to students in the Educational Leadership program.
Student Presentations
View a sample of recent professional presentations given by our doctoral students.
Presentations
Caston, J., & Thompson, J. R. (2021). A narrative inquiry to explore the experiences of African American male graduates from an alternative learning program [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership Conference Within A Conference, Texas Association of School Administrators.
Calderaro, L., & Thompson, J. R. (2021). Technology education: Teachers’ lived experiences for high school student career readiness [Presentation]. Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration Mid-Winter Conference (Conference within a Conference).
Morrison, S., & Thompson, J. R. (2021). Secondary principal leadership and the impact of engaging hands-on learning strategies [Presentation]. Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration TASA/TEA Mid-Winter Conference (Conference within a Conference).
Caston, J., & Thompson, J. R. (2021). A narrative inquiry to explore the experiences of African American male graduates from an alternative learning program [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership Summer Virtual Conference.
Meyer, E., & Thompson, J. R. (2020). An emerging international phenomenon: Schools of choice [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership Summer Virtual Conference.
Sladana, C., & Thompson, J. R. (January, 2019). Hispanic student graduation rate in college ready English language arts and mathematics in Texas’ lower Rio Grande Valley [Presentation]. TCPEA Conference within a Conference. TASA Midwinter 2019 Yearbook, 4(1), 18-29.
Oliver, J., Holt, W., & Thompson, J. R. (2018). Elementary teacher perceptions of instructional coach effectiveness in suburban Title I campuses: A Q methodology study [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership.
Spoon, D. F., Thompson, J. R., & Tapper, P. (2018). The principal instructional leadership: Meeting the challenge of inclusivity through an effective mentoring program [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership, San Antonio, Texas.
Educational Leadership :: Featured News
FEATURED NEWS
TAMUC Alum Selected as Finalist for National Principal of the Year
Colleyville Middle School principal David Arencibia, Ed.D., was selected as one of three finalists for the National Principal of the Year award by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Arencibia graduated from A&M-Commerce in 2004 with a Master of Education in Secondary and Higher Education. The award recognizes outstanding middle and high school […]
Lion’s Lecture Speaker Series Returns at A&M-Commerce
A&M-Commerce faculty, staff and students gathered on Sept. 29 to welcome the return of the Lion’s Lecture Series presented by the Graduate School and First-Year TRAC. Drs. Matt Wood and Sharonda Pruitt entertained the audience with two 20-minute presentations in the popular TED Talk format. Wood, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, […]
A&M-Commerce Faculty Member Receives Prestigious Award
The Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration (TCPEA) granted A&M-Commerce Regents Professor Julia Ballenger, Ph.D., with its James A. Vornberg Living Legend Award at the organization’s fall meeting in San Antonio, Texas. TCPEA established the award in 2006 to recognize members who have contributed outstanding service and commitment to the organization. Learn more about […]
TAMUC Faculty Member Published in Management Teaching Review
The September 2022 issue of Management Teaching Review, a journal published through SAGE Journals, features an article co-authored by A&M-Commerce faculty member Peter Williams, Ph.D., and Robert Morris University faculty member Stuart Allen, Ph.D. “Remote Oral Doctoral Dissertation Defenses in Management, Leadership, and Business: Benefits, Pedagogy, and Practices” discusses the challenges and benefits of moving […]
TAMUC College of Education and Human Services Publishes Online Journal
The College of Education and Human Services at A&M-Commerce has published the first issue of Literature Reviews in Education and Human Services. The peer-reviewed, online journal endeavors to provide a collection of high-quality literature reviews for topics related to education and human services as a learning resource for students, faculty, scholars, administrators and policymakers. Issues […]
A&M-Commerce Personnel, Alumni Honored by Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education
The Texas A&M University-Commerce chapter of the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education (TABPHE) honored several of the university’s personnel and alumni at an awards ceremony on April 30 in the Rayburn Student Center on campus. Awards and awardees included: Charles Goodall Distinguished Public Service AwardWillie Edwards, Ph.D., Department of Sociology and Criminal […]
TAMUC Doctoral Student Named Executive Director at Ector County ISD
A&M-Commerce doctoral student Cindy Retana has been a teacher, counselor and principal during her more than 25 years in education. She joined Ector County ISD in October 2021 as an executive director of leadership and principal supervisor. She discussed her experiences so far in an interview published in the Odessa American newspaper. Retana is currently […]
A&M-Commerce Alum Named Finalist for Plano ISD Superintendent Position
An alumna of Texas A&M University-Commerce was recently named as the sole finalist to take over the position of superintendent of the Plano Independent School District in Plano, Texas. Theresa Williams, Ed.D, was announced as the finalist by the Plano ISD Board of Trustees on February 28. State law requires a 21-day waiting period before […]
TAMUC Employees Build Bridges to Student Success
Nearly a quarter of Texas A&M University-Commerce employees are Bridge Builders, a term referring to current faculty and staff who give financial gifts to the university. The Philanthropy and Engagement team at A&M-Commerce is hoping to boost that percentage over the next three years. The name “Bridge Builder” was inspired by a 19th-century poem by […]
A&M-Commerce Offers Multiple Pathways for Aspiring Latino Educators and Leaders
Texas A&M University-Commerce is committed to growing the number of Latino educators in Dallas ISD and school districts throughout the region. Rene Martinez, community activist and special assistant to A&M-Commerce President Mark Rudin, said Latino educators have a measurable impact on Dallas’s minority population. “Students thrive academically when they see teachers and leaders who look […]
Educational Leadership :: Meet our Faculty and Staff copied not edited copied not edited
Meet our Department
Educational Leadership :: FAQS copied not edited
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the master’s degree in educational technology offered online?
How do I apply for financial aid?
First complete and return the Free Application for Student Financial Aid to the Department of Education. Second check with the school’s financial aid department to complete any required documentation. Then complete and return all required forms to the financial aid office of the particular college/university.
For more information, visit How to Apply for Financial Aid.
How many students are normally accepted into each program? What is the rate of acceptance?
There is no limit in the acceptance rate. Applicants are accepted or rejected based upon their credentials.
Can I check my admission status?
You can check your admission status online through our My Leo system.
Just click on “Registration/Student Information Access”. Enter your Student I.D. number (Social Security Number). Your initial PIN number will be your six-digit birth date (MMDDYY). You will be asked to change this PIN number to another six digit number.
Under “Student Records” click on “Application Status”. Select the term for which you have applied.
Note: If departmental approval is the only missing item, all documents have been received and the file is with the department for review and recommendation.
What is the Department of Educational Leadership mission?
The Department of Educational Leadership at A&M-Commerce prepares graduates for teaching, service and leadership roles in a variety of educational, business, governmental and industrial contexts.
What is the Department of Educational Leadership vision?
The Department of Educational Leadership at A&M-Commerce envisions exemplary programs that challenge highly qualified students to excel in their respective disciplines and careers through engagement in a rigorous and transformative learning environment linking theory to practice while expanding the knowledge base of the learner, the profession and the respective academic discipline.
What are the Department of Educational Leadership beliefs?
- We believe faculty lead by example.
- We believe department success is directly attributable to individual program quality and competitiveness.
- We believe that high-quality programs are achieved through faculty expectations that instill academic rigor, specific measurable outcomes, student accountability and deliberate evaluation and feedback.
- We believe that faculty have a major role in mentoring student entry into the ranks of academia.
When will my application be reviewed for Admission?
Applications are reviewed as they are received. Depending on the time of year, it takes approximately one month to process an application. However, once the application deadline has passed, applications will be reviewed somewhat more quickly.
Educational Leadership :: Contact
Contact Us
- Department of Educational Leadership
- 903.886.5520
- [email protected]
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011