Southeast introducing master's program in teaching leadership

Teachers who pursue a graduate degree do not always want to leave the classroom to be counselors or administrators.

Starting in the fall, educators pursuing graduate training at Southeast Missouri State University will have another option now that the institution is adding a master's degree in teacher leadership to its range of graduate options.

The degree's curriculum caters to teachers who want to continue their education but would rather become leaders among their peers as they continue teaching, said Dr. Margaret Noe, dean of the college of education.

"It builds on the premise that teachers can and should be leaders," she said.

Because burnout and frustration are part of the profession, teachers need an outlet for their classroom abilities, she said. The program will empower teachers to take leadership roles in their school, whether in the classroom, on committees or in their department.

"Many teachers in their careers are frustrated because they have many skills," she said.

Previously, the university had a specialist degree in teacher leadership for teachers with master's degrees who wished to continue their education.

Noe said the degree program will meet an increasing demand throughout this region of Missouri. Courses will be available at the university's regional campuses in Sikeston, Kennet and Malden, Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, Mineral Area College in Park Hills and Jefferson College in Hillsboro. If needed, courses may be offered in public school districts around Cape

Girardeau.

Southeast will become one of four state universities offering the program. The University of Missouri at Columbia, Missouri State and Northwest Missouri State already have similar programs.

The program will help teachers develop skills to direct activities within their school, said Dr. Rita Fisher, assistant superintendent for the Jackson School District.

"It takes more leaders than just that building principal," she said.

In Jackson schools, teachers meet by grade level or subject area once a week for 50 minutes, she said. There are also leadership teams for each building that organize professional development training, develop curriculum and plan building events.

"You have to have some leadership there to stay on track," Fisher said.

abusch@semissourian.com

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