The Master of Science in Education in Teacher Leadership provides a post-baccalaureate opportunity for licensed teachers who seek to expand content, pedagogical knowledge, and leadership role. The degree provides a pathway to the instructional facilitator license and the LEAD teacher designation.
Our faculty members, whether they teach Teacher Leadership Core courses or specialty courses, possess rich and unique backgrounds as teachers, researchers, and administrators. They are committed to helping classroom teachers enhance their teaching effectiveness.
The MSE in Teacher Leadership provides you with the opportunity to expand your teaching abilities and grow in your content knowledge with the goal of providing your students with the best education possible.
Program Options
Admission Requirements
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Bachelor's Degree
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
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License
Must possess a current teacher’s license
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Recommendation Letter
Submit a letter of recommendation from the superintendent, principal, or his or her designee at the school district
- Signature of an administrator or designated supervisor is required on the letter
- Required to document teacher effectiveness and leadership abilities prior to admission
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Science of Reading
Required to provide documentation of Science of Reading Phase I Prescribed Pathway for Proficiency documentation
- Phase I outlines professional learning that meets the knowledge and practices in scientific reading instruction approved by the DESE
- If a candidate does not have this credential at admission, he or she will be required to complete Phase 1 training prior to completion of the program
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Interview
An online entrance interview will be conducted during the fall or spring orientation for new candidates
Career Paths
- Instructional Specialists
- Curriculum Specialists
- Classroom Supporters
- Learning Facilitators
- Mentors
- School Team Leaders
- Data Coaches
Learning Outcomes
Candidates will gain the skills and knowledge to demonstrate proficiency with the Arkansas Teacher Leader Model Standards through real-world application in K-12 settings. The majority of concentrations can result in an endorsement awarded by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) and/or a certificate awarded by Henderson State University.
Arkansas Teacher Academy Scholarship
The Arkansas Teacher Academy Scholarship is a program that offers aspiring teachers up to $6,000 for tuition and program fees each semester. For every year a student receives funding, the student is required to teach in an Arkansas public school.
Who is eligible?
An applicant must:
- Be an Arkansas resident (at least 12 months prior to enrollment and a US citizen/lawful permanent resident)
- Be enrolled with a participating Teacher Academy institution
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Commit to teaching in an Arkansas public school
- Must specialize in ESOL, Early Childhood, or Special Education Resource
**Failure to complete required teaching requirement will result in awarded money converting into a loan that must be repaid by the recipient.
Henderson State Books Waiver
Not only could you receive full tuition coverage through the Arkansas Teacher Academy Scholarship, but, starting fall 2026, Henderson State will also waive all book fees for students entering this degree program, whether starting fresh or pursuing an additional master’s degree (for MSE in Teacher Leadership students only). This waiver will be automatically applied for eligible students.
Resources
Feedback from school district partners served as a basis for the program design as did the Arkansas Teacher Leader Standards. Program advisory groups consisting of district leadership described the need for teachers licensed as LEAD teachers.