The Master of Education in Instructional Facilitator / LEAD Teacher at Southern Arkansas University is designed for current teachers seeking to enhance their classroom teaching and leadership role. This program offers a performance-based, practitioner-focused curriculum to help you demonstrate proficiency in the Arkansas Teacher Leader Model Standards in K-12 settings.
Why Choose SAU for your M.Ed. in Instructional Facilitator / LEAD Teacher?
The program specifically targets the unique needs of K-12 teacher leaders, incorporating a DESE-approved coaching program directly into the coursework.
- Affordability: Ranked among the most affordable graduate degrees in the nation.
- Flexibility: Designed for working professionals with a fully online structure.
- Career Growth: Aligns with documented, growing opportunities for teacher leadership across regional schools and districts.
- Supportive Faculty: Learn from experienced instructors who prioritize practical application, performance-based competency, and authentic field experiences.
Skills You Will Gain
- Instructional Leadership: Developing advanced competencies to guide and uplift teaching teams.
- Curriculum Design & Assessment: Implementing research-based instruction and assessment practices to improve student achievement.
- Coaching & Mentorship: Gaining proven coaching skills to support teacher growth and student success.
- Organizational Development: Bridging the link between classroom teachers and school administration.
Faculty & Digital Learning Environment
Our faculty are committed educators, including specialists in counseling and professional studies with extensive knowledge of teacher leadership and K-12 administration.
Online Community: Use modern online tools to collaborate with peers, sharing school-based experiences to enhance the learning process.
Curriculum
Required Courses (30 hours)
- EDAS 6013 – School and Community Relations
- EDAS 6023 – Supervision of Instruction in Elementary and Secondary Schools
- EDAS 6033 – Organizational Development, Evaluation, and Action Research
- EDUC 5033 – Classroom Assessment
- EDUC 5203 – Strategies for Content Area Reading
- EDUC 5273 – Classroom and Group Management
- EDUC 6003 – Educational Research
- EDUC 6213 – Curriculum Planning
- EDUC 6253 – Foundations of Teacher Leadership
- EDUC 6863 – Teacher Leadership Capstone
Admissions
- Online Application: Submit your Graduate Studies Application.
- Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- GPA Requirement: Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (Conditional admission may be available for 2.5+).
Prerequisites:
- Unconditional admission into Graduate Studies, a current standard Arkansas teaching license, and evidence of an Effective or Highly Effective rating on your most recent summative teacher evaluation (within the last four years).
- Experience Requirement: To add the Lead Teacher designation to a current license, a teacher must document at least three (3) years of licensed teaching experience.
- Documentation of teaching experience and evaluation ratings from the Educator Effectiveness System.
Career Outcomes
An M.Ed. in Instructional Facilitator / LEAD Teacher provides a high return on investment by opening doors to leadership roles in high-growth educational sectors:
- School & District Leadership: Instructional Facilitator at the K–12 building level, Lead Teacher, Department Chair, Mentor, or Academic Coach.
- Regional & State Administration: Regional Instructional Specialist through educational cooperatives, or Program Coordinator/Director at state departments of education.
- Diverse Learning Environments: Education Coordinator in faith-based institutions/non-profits, Community Director in educational outreach, or Corporate Training and Development Specialist.
ROI: With SAU’s low tuition rates, regional relevance, and pathways that keep strong teachers in the classroom while increasing their impact, students maximize their career growth with minimal debt.
