Specialist in Education Leadership
Program Highlights
Reputation for Quality A Drake degree prepares students to lead. Nearly 70 percent of school districts in Iowa have at least one administrator who holds a Drake degree. Approximately one-third of superintendents in Iowa are Drake graduates.
Face-to-face instruction Students learn from Drake faculty members who are experienced administrators and experts in their fields.
Valuable Cohort 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.
Versatility Drake offers three options with the Specialist of Education Leadership program to help students achieve their individual goals: superintendent and AEA administrator endorsement, PK-12 administrator endorsement and general specialist.
Licensure In addition to receiving the degree, students in the program gain an Iowa superintendent license.
Mentorship All students are paired with a practicing administrator who serves as a mentor throughout the program.
Convenient scheduling Classes are designed to meet the needs of working adults. They are offered on weekends (Friday evening and Saturday) with two to three weeks between sessions.
Practical Orientation A rich clinical experience is central to the program design, with multiple hands-on experiences embedded in the coursework.
Technology Enhanced Courses feature hybrid learning, with web-based activities and discussions supplementing face-to-face weekend classes.
Praise for the Program
"The strengths of the program are in the faculty hired to teach the courses. The professors had both a strong command of the curriculum and practical application knowledge. Each professor was skilled in asking thought-provoking questions and carrying on meaningful class conversations."
Shane Scott
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
West Des Moines Community School District
"All courses were interesting and worthwhile. The field-based learning experiences were great experiences as well. Face-to-face interaction is key."
Matthew W. Dunsbergen
Oskaloosa CSD
2-3 Principal
"The courses did a great job of preparing us for the superintendent position. The Friday and Saturday courses worked out well, and each instructor genuinely understood that we were also currently working. Each course provided a good understanding of the different aspects one may face in the workplace, and I am very confident that I am prepared to handle the superintendent position."
Abe Maske
PreK-8 Principal
West Fork School – Rockwell Campus
