Education Specialist Program

The Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) is a degree and licensure program leading to Indiana’s P-12 district level administrator’s license. The program identifies outcomes and expectations based on current school leadership principles and practices and enables interns to engage in inquiry, research, dialogue, team learning, reflection, problem-based learning, collaboration, and standards-based assessment from a comprehensive P-12 perspective. The program is aligned to Indiana’s Rules for Educator Preparation and Accountability (REPA) for district administrators and also aligned to the national Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) Standards. Candidates will develop and demonstrate proficiency through a variety of field experience activities and performance assessments. The culminating research-based thesis and district administrator internship reflects a standards-based emphasis and will prepare candidates to pass Indiana’s district level administrator exam. The program curriculum consists of 30 foundational hours (transferred in from a master's degree) and 30 hours taken at IWU.

The Education Specialist Degree Program provides a clinical and school-based adult learning experience for aspiring school district leaders by encouraging, empowering, and equipping them as visionary servant-leaders who model Christlikeness. They must be able to facilitate a culture of optimal social, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being; continuous improvement; and successful learning for all students and adults.