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Master of Educational Leadership: Independent School Pathway

Independent schools face unique needs and challenges, so Wake Forest SPS designed this non-licensure, part-time program for educators who currently lead or aspire to lead in independent schools.

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At a Glance

8 days left to apply
Average 2 Years to Completion
Expert Faculty Mentorship
  • Format: Online
  • Tuition: $37,320 / $32,320*
  • Term: Fall 2026
  • 10 Courses

Why Choose the Independent School Pathway?

You’ve already developed a foundational skillset, and this program will only build on that as you develop the tools to take on new leadership opportunities and make an even greater impact.

In this online cohort-based model, you will work alongside other independent school professionals who are advancing their careers and tackling real-world challenges within independent schools at the same time.

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Master of Educational Leadership: Independent School Pathway Core Courses

You’ll complete 9 required online courses, including a capstone that brings everything together. Each course lasts 7.5 weeks. There’s no required order for these courses, so you are free to take courses in the sequence that works best for your schedule, depending on availability.

In the Independent School Pathway, you will take four specialized courses tailored specifically for independent school educators and taught by an experienced independent school leader.

Principles of Effective School Leadership
Course ID: EDL 710
Begin your program with an introduction to foundational concepts and challenges of educational leadership. The course focuses on school-level leadership and accountability, roles and responsibilities, and the principles of educational leadership.
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Instructional Leadership
Course ID: CUI 724
Study and implement strategies to be an effective instructional leader and analyze how these approaches yield positive teaching and learning outcomes. The course emphasizes the skills to build productive relationships and effective mentoring among educators, and consensus-building among a course design team.
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Social Foundations of Education
Course ID: CUI 712
A critical examination of the political, social, and economic goals of schooling and their intersection with educational equality and student diversity through the lens of educational philosophy and positionality with a view to developing a culturally responsive multicultural pedagogical praxis that enhances student success.
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Using Research and Data to Lead School Improvement
Course ID: EDL 714
Focus on how data can be used to enhance equitable decision-making processes for comprehensive school improvement, including instruction, school culture, and community involvement. The course uses assessment and research data to identify school improvement needs and to design projects that respond to those needs.
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Education Law and Ethics
Course ID: EDL 720
Explore legal and ethical responsibilities of the school leader and implications of federal, state, and local education policies. The course focuses on regulations and responsibilities in areas such as special education, confidentiality, liability, due process, finances, search and seizure, employment matters, and church/state conflicts.
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Administration, Supervision, and Community
Course ID: EDL 722
Learn more about organizational theories, the politics of education, and building safe, supportive, and inclusive environments in schools and communities. The course allows students to reflect on various theories and how these concepts inform their practice as school leaders. Additionally, students will focus on distributive leadership, developing skills for team management, and collaborative analysis of community building.
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Human Resources and School Finance
Course ID: EDL 724
Examine the management of an organization's workforce planning through the design and implementation of effective human resources policies and procedures, including in the financial implications. This course introduces students to the processes and systems related to performance management, talent management, diversity, and employee wellness.
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Capstone in Education
Course ID: EDL 799
Thread together what you have learned throughout the program in a culminating capstone experience. This course allows students to demonstrate knowledge and competencies of educational leadership.
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Master of Educational Leadership: Independent School Pathway Electives

You will choose 1 elective to take at any time during the program when your selection is available. Wake Forest SPS designs electives with flexibility and relevance in mind. You’ll have access to a wide range of courses across all programs, so you can tailor your learning and deepen your expertise to meet your goals.

Assessment and Evaluation
Course ID: CUI 714
This course is designed to introduce students to the variety of assessment and evaluation techniques and their purpose, including how these techniques are used in instructional planning, decision-making, and curriculum development.
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Instructional Design and Digital Learning Technologies
Course ID: CUI 720
This course will provide an overview of the digital tools, techniques, opportunities and challenges associated with learning technologies and leading teams. The course will also introduce learning technology applications, provide tools to evaluate learning technology solutions and related multimedia learning design models, address digital accessibility, and engage in best instructional technology practices.
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Differentiated Instruction
Course ID: CUI 722
This course will focus on the practice of differentiating instruction as a way for educators to meet diverse learning needs and preferences without having to individualize instruction for every student. In this course, students learn how to differentiate five instructional elements—content, product, process, affect, and learning environment—according to students’ interests, readiness, and learning profile.
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Curriculum Mapping for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Course ID: CUI 726
This course will focus on curriculum mapping, the practice of ensuring that teaching is structured in a meaningful and logical sequence to build knowledge and achieve desired curricular outcomes. This process includes charting and tracking academic program priorities and redundancies, and identifying educational gaps
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My time in the SPS program didn’t just offer theoretical knowledge but truly pulled back the curtain on the intricate realities of school leadership, providing invaluable insights that have already proven crucial in my new Assistant Principal role. Thanks to the comprehensive training and practical exposure, I’ve transitioned into this leadership position with a profound sense of confidence and a clear vision, equipped to immediately contribute to a positive school culture and tackle challenges head-on.
Kathy Dye, Assistant Principal of Union Middle School in Sampson County and Educational Leadership Alum
The program’s flexible design has allowed me to pursue my leadership goals while balancing the demands of work, motherhood, and family life. The emphasis on reflective leadership and meaningful collaboration has transformed the way I lead. As I step into a new role as an assistant principal, I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills learned through this program.
— Kali Cooper, M.Ed, 4th Grade Teacher and Lower School Assistant Principal of Operations, St. David’s School in Raleigh, NC

Ready to
start your tomorrow?

Your goals are within reach—and we’re here to help you get there.

Meet the Master of Educational Leadership Academic Director

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Meet the Experts Guiding Your Journey

Adam Dovico, D.Ed.
Academic Director, Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership
Wake Forest University
Kate Kieres
Kate Kieres, Ed.D.
Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership Faculty
Wake Forest University
newton miller
Newton Miller, Ph.D.
Director of Education Studies, University of Arizona Global Campus, and Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership Faculty
Wake Forest University
Tanya Skalecki
Tanya Skalecki, J.D.
Educational Leadership Faculty
Wake Forest University
Daniel Shepherd
Dan Shepherd, Ed.D.
Associate Professor, Missouri Western State University, and Curriculum & Instruction Faculty
Wake Forest University
Tim Holland
Tim Holland, Ed.D.
Educational Leadership Faculty
Wake Forest University
Yvette Freter
Yvette Freter, Ph.D.
Curriculum & Instruction Faculty
Wake Forest University
Stephanie Keaney
Stephanie Keaney, MBA
Executive Director
North Carolina Association Of Independent Schools
Tara Terry
Tara Terry, Ph.D.
Head of School
The Fletcher School
Imana Sherrill
Imana Sherrill
Head of School
Trinity Episcopal School
Headshot - Nicolette Grant
Dr. Nicolette Grant
President & CEO
Inspire Excellence Consulting
Dr. Beverly Emory Britton
Retired Administrator & Consultant
Retired
Dr. Patrice Faison
Dr. Patrice Faison
Assistant Superintendent of High School Performance
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
Courtlyn Reeves PAB for Wake Forest Educational Leadership
Courtlyn C. Reeves
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Cabarrus County Schools

Where Your Master of Educational Leadership Can Take You

A Master of Educational Leadership opens up avenues for you to move your career forward while making an impact in a time where the demand has never been higher. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates an annual average of 20,000 principal and education administrator job openings between 2022 and 2032. This includes:

  • Head of School
  • Division Head
  • Dean
  • Director
  • Chair
  • Learning and Development Coordinator/Manager
  • Curriculum Facilitator

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