Special Education Administrator MEd/Post-Master’s Licensure Programs
Based on the expressed needs of New Hampshire school districts, Keene State has developed a core of educational leadership courses that may be used by individuals seeking administrator licenses or just seeking to grow as educational leaders.
The program was developed based on feedback from superintendents, principals, special education directors, and other administrators who expressed the need for high-quality educational leadership programs in the southwest region of New Hampshire.
Also, Keene State has collaborated with the New Hampshire Association for Special Education Administrators (NHASEA) to add a master’s degree and a post-master’s degree in special education administration. Candidates may enroll in degree tracks or choose specific courses that meet their individual needs.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will be competent in special education administration skills, knowledge, and dispositions as outlined in the following areas:
(1) Special education Laws, Regulations, Rules, and School Policies;
(2) Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment;
(3) Building Partnerships and Community; and
(4) Management of Budgets and Grants (Ed 506.04).
Students will also meet the competencies for the NH Professional Education Requirements for Educational Administrators (Ed. 505.04).
When you enroll in a Keene State College Educational Leadership program, will become part of a professional learning community. You will be joining a supportive network of future colleagues, coaches, mentors, and transformational leaders.
Regional School Leadership Consortium
Looking to earn an MEd and license to become a principal? Or, do you already have a master’s and are seeking a post-MEd principal license? You can accomplish either at Keene State College. Our educational leadership programs meet New Hampshire licensure competencies for School Principal (grades K-12). The Educational Leadership program is approved by the NH Department of Education and nationally recognized by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC), a division of the National Policy Board for Educational Administration.
- Master of Education: with endorsement for NH Department of Education Principal (K-12) license
- Post-Master’s Licensure Program: with endorsement for NH Department of Education Principal as Instructional Leader (K-12) license
Our licensure programs in principal instructional Leader require supervised clinical experiences. Keene State faculty serve as clinical supervisors for these placements so applicants for these programs are limited to our geographic region. Applicants must live within the New England region to be considered for these licensure programs. Within New England, graduate program coordinators will evaluate whether requirements can be met for the specific applicant before admitting them to the program.
A Hands-On Approach
The Keene State educational leadership program is designed to encourage the development of school principals who are actively involved in school transformation as catalysts for educational change and leaders in educational reform. The programs prepare future school principals to work as advocates for all members of their school community and to create learning environments that focus on equity and success for all students.
The program is field-based; courses require students to directly apply theory and content to actual school settings through a project-based learning approach. Two semester-long internships for a total of 300 hours, include seminars and require students to demonstrate proficiencies as a beginning school principal.
Become an Effective Leader: Benefits of a Keene State MEd or Post-Master’s Program in Educational Leadership
- Convenient schedules for working classroom teachers. Online/blended, evening, and weekend classes.
- Full-Year Intensive Internship. Students participate in an internship that is connected to leadership activities in the school and district. Candidates can complete their internship as while in their teaching or administrative job.
- Choose and design projects to meet your specific professional goals. The educational leadership programs offer flexibility and individualization for highly motivated teachers looking for a leadership role in an area of their choice. The final year of the M.Ed. focuses on action research connected to individual scholarly and professional choices. Students use the findings from their research to support school change initiatives in a chosen area – for instance, safe schools, budget and facility planning, protocols for crisis management, and others.
- An MEd in two years. Start in the summer term and complete your 36-credit master's or a 27-credit post-master's certification in two years, including two summers.
- An exceptional tuition value. Tuition and fees are competitive with and lower than surrounding schools, and a minimal premium for non-residents.
- A highly regarded faculty holding classes in one of New Hampshire’s most comfortable, friendly, and exciting small cities.
- Individual attention from admissions interview to graduation and beyond.
- We want to hear your unique story. Every applicant receives an interview, setting the tone for an educational relationship with faculty mentors who take explicit interest in their students’ goals and their self-expression. These mentorships continue as graduates enter the field.
Admissions Requirements
- Candidate must be employed in an approved educational setting
- Candidate must have completed at least three years of experience as a special educator (a related field may be considered) upon entry into the program (must demonstrate five years upon completion)
- Candidates must have a current educator license(s)
- Candidates must have completed a master’s program in education or special education-related field and demonstrate NHED Professional Education Requirements (for post-MEd candidates only)
- GPA of 2.75 or higher.
- All candidates for graduate education programs are required to complete an application, interview, essay, and provide three recommendations.
- Keene State may require a candidate background review and/or have their professional background review by NHED prior to application or admission to the program. This may be the case for educational instructional specialists who apply to the program (e.g., school counselors, school psychologists, literacy teachers, BCBAs, etc.).
- Interested candidates from private schools, charter schools, or special education private providers should contact the program coordinator prior to applying to see if their workplace is an appropriate educational setting for the internship requirement in the program.
Our licensure programs in special education administrator require supervised clinical experiences. Keene State faculty serve as clinical supervisors for these placements so applicants for these programs are limited to our geographic region. Applicants must live within the New England region to be considered for these licensure programs. Within New England, graduate program coordinators will evaluate whether requirements can be met for the specific applicant before admitting them to the program.
See degree requirements.