Department of Educational Leadership
Lead with Confidence
Guide future generations through leadership roles in K-12 education in Texas and beyond through our educational leadership programs.
The Department of Educational Leadership is committed to helping you guide future generations through leadership roles in K-12 education in Texas and beyond. Our programs include master's and doctorate degree plans as well as principal and superintendent preparation programs.
Addressing the needs of a wide range of students, we offer course delivery modes that are mindful of your time, geographic and economic considerations. Most coursework is now fully online, while some certification courses incorporate onsite learning to satisfy state requirements for principal and superintendent preparation programs.
Explore Our Programs
Educational Administration (EDD)
The Doctor of Education degree in Educational Administration emphasizes K-12 public school administration. This program is one of the only online doctoral programs in the state.
Educational Administration (MED)
The Master of Education in Educational Administration degree program will equip you with the leadership, financial and administrative skills needed to become a knowledgeable principal and a great administrator.
Principal Certification
The Principal Certification program is designed for potential principals, assistant principals, administrators of curriculum and instruction, and all school administrators holding a position below that of superintendent.
Superintendent Certification
The Superintendent Certification program will equip you for key administrative roles. The program includes a practicum where you will put theory into practice as you work closely with your mentor/site supervisor in active leadership situations.
Urban School Leadership Graduate Certificate
The Urban School Leadership graduate certificate program at A&M-Commerce will help you gain the knowledge and skills to lead effectively in urban school environments.
Experienced Practitioners
Our faculty members have held various K-12 administrative positions, from assistant principal and principal to superintendent. We are eager to share our decades of experience to help you synthesize research findings, theory and praxis into a certification or degree that will position you to lead with confidence.
Student and Related Organizations
Phi Delta Kappa
Established in 1906, Phi Delta Kappa International supports teachers and school leaders by strengthening their interest in the profession through the entire arc of their career.
The Department of Educational Leadership is proud to be affiliated with these organizations.
Student Resources
Access resources relevant to students in the Educational Leadership program.
Student Presentations
View a sample of recent professional presentations given by our doctoral students.
Caston, J., & Thompson, J. R. (2021). A narrative inquiry to explore the experiences of African American male graduates from an alternative learning program [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership Conference Within A Conference, Texas Association of School Administrators.
Calderaro, L., & Thompson, J. R. (2021). Technology education: Teachers' lived experiences for high school student career readiness [Presentation]. Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration Mid-Winter Conference (Conference within a Conference).
Morrison, S., & Thompson, J. R. (2021). Secondary principal leadership and the impact of engaging hands-on learning strategies [Presentation]. Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration TASA/TEA Mid-Winter Conference (Conference within a Conference).
Caston, J., & Thompson, J. R. (2021). A narrative inquiry to explore the experiences of African American male graduates from an alternative learning program [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership Summer Virtual Conference.
Meyer, E., & Thompson, J. R. (2020). An emerging international phenomenon: Schools of choice [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership Summer Virtual Conference.
Sladana, C., & Thompson, J. R. (January, 2019). Hispanic student graduation rate in college ready English language arts and mathematics in Texas' lower Rio Grande Valley [Presentation]. TCPEA Conference within a Conference. TASA Midwinter 2019 Yearbook, 4(1), 18–29.
Oliver, J., Holt, W., & Thompson, J. R. (2018). Elementary teacher perceptions of instructional coach effectiveness in suburban Title I campuses: A Q methodology study [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership.
Spoon, D. F., Thompson, J. R., & Tapper, P. (2018). The principal instructional leadership: Meeting the challenge of inclusivity through an effective mentoring program [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership, San Antonio, Texas.
FEATURED NEWS
A&M-Commerce Alum Takes on Leadership Role at KISD
Dr. Terri D. Osborne stepped into the new role on Sept. 30.
Pair of TAMUC Alumni Named to Quinlan ISD Hall of Fame
The Quinlan Independent School District in Quinlan, Texas recently announced their 2024 Hall of Fame inductees, which include a pair of Texas A&M University-Commerce alumni.
A&M-Commerce Alums Honored with New Middle School in Forney ISD
The couple are noted Forney ISD alums and educators.
A&M-Commerce Alum Named Region 10 Principal of the Year
Creel will now vie for the title of Texas Principal of the Year.
TAMUC Alum to Join Arlington ISD as Deputy Superintendent
The Arlington Independent School District (AISD) recently named Dr. Jennifer Collins, an A&M-Commerce alum, its new deputy superintendent. Collins has an extensive background in education. She taught sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students in Sunnyvale, Forth Worth and Marshall. She served as assistant superintendent for education services at Highland Park ISD and director of student services […]
A&M-Commerce Alum to Head New School for Student Empowerment
The Cheltenham School District in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, has named Texas A&M-Commerce alum Dr. Christine Zubairu (‘23) as principal at its newly established Cheltenham Empowerment Center (CEC). Aimed at students facing challenges in the traditional school setting, the center’s mission is to empower students to reach their potential through personalized assistance, credit recovery opportunities, wraparound […]
A&M-Commerce Alum Joins Renowned Architecture Firm
Texas-based Pfluger Architects recently announced its selection of A&M-Commerce alum Dr. David Young (’98) as communications and engagement manager. The retired superintendent and 29-year educator brings a wealth of experience in community engagement, board communications and bond planning. Young will serve as a firm-wide leader assisting communities and schools with communications, bond planning and campaign […]
TAMUC Alum Named Superintendent of Schools for Abilene ISD
A&M-Commerce alum Dr. John Kuhn (’16) is the new superintendent of Abilene Independent School District. He previously served as superintendent at Mineral Wells ISD, overseeing approximately 3,000 students compared to Abilene’s 15,000. “This will be a challenge because there is so much going on,” Kuhn said in an article published by ABC affiliate KTXS. “It’s […]
TAMUC Well-Represented at Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education Annual Conference
A&M-Commerce had a strong showing at the 51st annual Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education conference held Feb. 11-14 in Frisco, Texas. Numerous faculty and staff presented at the conference, with two receiving some of TABPHE’s highest awards. Additionally, A&M-Commerce student Forrest Coleman received the Ivory Moore Undergraduate Scholarship. Dr. Julia Ballenger, Regents […]
TEA Appoints TAMUC Alum as Deputy Commissioner of School Programs
The Texas Education Agency recently confirmed its appointment of A&M-Commerce alum Dr. Shannon Trejo (’23) as deputy commissioner for its Office of School Programs. In her new role, Trejo will oversee three departments tasked with providing resources, services and program models designed to improve educational quality, access and opportunity for all public school students in […]
Meet our Department
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the master’s degree in educational technology offered online?
How do I apply for financial aid?
First complete and return the Free Application for Student Financial Aid to the Department of Education. Second check with the school’s financial aid department to complete any required documentation. Then complete and return all required forms to the financial aid office of the particular college/university.
For more information, visit How to Apply for Financial Aid.
What is the Department of Educational Leadership mission?
The Department of Educational Leadership at A&M-Commerce prepares graduates for teaching, service and leadership roles in a variety of educational, business, governmental and industrial contexts.
What is the Department of Educational Leadership vision?
The Department of Educational Leadership at A&M-Commerce envisions exemplary programs that challenge highly qualified students to excel in their respective disciplines and careers through engagement in a rigorous and transformative learning environment linking theory to practice while expanding the knowledge base of the learner, the profession and the respective academic discipline.
How many students are normally accepted into each program? What is the rate of acceptance?
There is no limit in the acceptance rate. Applicants are accepted or rejected based upon their credentials.
Can I check my admission status?
You can check your admission status online through our My Leo system.
Just click on “Registration/Student Information Access”. Enter your Student I.D. number (Social Security Number). Your initial PIN number will be your six-digit birth date (MMDDYY). You will be asked to change this PIN number to another six digit number.
Under “Student Records” click on “Application Status”. Select the term for which you have applied.
Note: If departmental approval is the only missing item, all documents have been received and the file is with the department for review and recommendation.
What are the Department of Educational Leadership beliefs?
- We believe faculty lead by example.
- We believe department success is directly attributable to individual program quality and competitiveness.
- We believe that high-quality programs are achieved through faculty expectations that instill academic rigor, specific measurable outcomes, student accountability and deliberate evaluation and feedback.
- We believe that faculty have a major role in mentoring student entry into the ranks of academia.
When will my application be reviewed for Admission?
Applications are reviewed as they are received. Depending on the time of year, it takes approximately one month to process an application. However, once the application deadline has passed, applications will be reviewed somewhat more quickly.
Contact Us
- Department of Educational Leadership
- 903.886.5520
- [email protected]
- Frank Young Education North Building, 113
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011