Reputation for Quality: A Drake degree prepares students to lead. Nearly 70 percent of schools districts in Iowa have at least one administrator who holds a Drake degree.
Hybrid Course Delivery: Courses in the program are offered both face-to-face and virtually. Each course is utilizing both methods to meet the needs of diverse learners. Our program is powerful in part because of the relationships built through the cohort model.
Valuable Connections: In a cohort program students make instant connections with other future leaders in the field and have a built-in network of professionals with whom to interact for years to come.
Licensure: In addition to receiving a master’s degree, the program provides a Principal Endorsement, which leads to licensure in Iowa.
Versatility: The program helps students hone leadership and decision-making abilities and provides them a diverse skill set that will prepare them to work in a variety of leadership positions within the field of education.
Mentorship: All students are paired with a practicing administrator who serves as a mentor throughout the program.
Convenient scheduling and locations: Classes are generally offered through a combination of in-person, on-campus sessions on Saturdays and virtual evening sessions.
Practical Experience: Each student completes a clinical internship, which is designed to tie together a student’s background and career goals in a real-world setting. Since the majority of students are full-time educators, the internship is accomplished through a combination of field-based classroom assignments and on-site time spent with practicing administrators.
Focus: Students take one course at a time in a cohort-model allowing working educators the opportunity to focus their studies and more effectively manage the graduate school experience.
To build capacity and inspire Iowa educational leaders to transform learning systems.
Educational Leadership graduates will be growth-minded ethical leaders who effectively leverage their learning and resources to guide systemic improvement.
"I am appreciative of the wonderful education I received from the Drake EDL program. Now that I am in my first administrative position and getting my feet wet, I feel that I was very well prepared for my first principal job."
Teresa Beenblossom, Principal
Assure Center
Washington, Iowa
"After 25 years of teaching, I decided I was ready for a new challenge. The EDL program at Drake prepared me well for my new career as a 5-12 principal. The instructors respected my experience, valued my time and challenged me to broaden my views on educational leadership. The curriculum was rigorous and relevant. The cohort format allowed me to quickly develop relationships with the other professionals in my program. This facilitates deep and meaningful dialog about important issues. Drake will be my choice again as I continue on my professional journey."
Eric Trager, 5-12 Principal
Audubon Schools
"The EDL program is designed with the perpetual learner in mind. Facilitated by Drake faculty and current school administrators, the coursework is challenging, relevant and practical. The field-based learning experiences threaded throughout the program provided further support of my development by allowing me to learn side-by-side with other school leaders."
Josh Moser, District Curriculum Director
Martensdale-St. Marys Community Schools
"I feel very fortunate that I wound up in Drake's EDL program after exploring all possibilities. I'm finding it to be practical, relevant, thought-provoking, challenging and energizing."
Jenifer Phelan, current MSE student
Vocal/General Music Teacher
Wilson Elementary/Middle School
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Contact Dr. Amber Graeber
Email: amber.graeber@drake.edu
Phone: 515-271-2618
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