Malaspina offers new Master’s degree in Educational Leadership

Vancouver Island teachers have an exciting opportunity to upgrade their education.

Malaspina University-College is launching a new Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at the Nanaimo campus in September 2008.

“Malaspina brings its reputation for excellence in teacher education to this new program,” said Dr. Harry Janzen, Dean, Faculty of Education at Malaspina.

“This program will help address the severe shortage of school principals and vice-principals in BC. The Ministry of Education predicts 1,400 vacancies over the next five years.”

It’s the first time a Master’s program in Educational Leadership is being offered in the mid-Vancouver Island or north Island region by a local post-secondary institution. “Many American universities have offered Educational Leadership degrees, but these programs are not embedded enough within the BC context,” Janzen explained.  “Vancouver Island school districts have been asking for a made-in BC program for years.”

The two-year program, delivered part-time, will allow teachers to enhance their practice with a clear focus on the BC context and engage in active research of importance to themselves, their students, and their schools.

The program consists of eight courses (five credits each) including Foundations of Educational Leadership, Research in Education, Leadership in the BC context, Leadership Values and Ethical Decision-making, Educational Change and Supervision for Learning.

Classes meet Friday night, Saturday and during summer session at Malaspina’s Nanaimo campus. There will be online work and collaboration between classes. Graduate students will work in learning teams in their home school districts, and mentors will assist students in applying their learning to professional contexts.

Janzen said the new Master’s degree was developed after an extensive review of Malaspina’s Education programs. He said plans are underway to develop another Master’s program in Special Education.

The internal review also resulted in other improvements in the way teachers are trained at Malaspina. For example, Malaspina is rolling out a new Bachelor of Education five-year degree program in September, which has been re-designed for elementary school teachers. “The revamped program includes more practicum teaching time for students,” Janzen said.

Malaspina is also adding a new post-baccalaureate program to train teachers for the secondary school system. This 18-month program will give preference to applicants with degrees in math, science, information technology, French immersion and home economics.

“These are the areas that are most in demand at the secondary level,” Janzen added.

To apply for the Master's degree in Educational Leadership, or for more information about Malaspina’s other Education programs, contact Dr. Harry Janzen, Dean, Faculty of Education at janzenh@viu.ca or or visit the website at viu.ca/leadership.