The educational specialist (EdS) degree provides opportunities for those who wish to increase their knowledge and skills beyond the master's level. Course-work, action research and internship experiences enable students to develop and demonstrate competencies required to move from a specific focus in teaching, curriculum or support services in schools to the broader view of the educational leader in the community. The EdS program encourages educators to think outside the box, seek solutions to challenges in schooling, to make the world different and find the courage to do what is best for all students.

Schools are a microcosm of society. The problem schools face today whether urban, suburban or rural connect to societal issues. In order to meet the needs of today's students, principals need to be able to navigate in a labyrinth of rapidly shifting demographics and societal issues to find solutions that work for all stakeholders in their school communities. The EdS in educational leadership effectively prepares 21st-century school leaders by providing opportunities for principal candidates to synthesize the traditional aspects of school leadership with critical issues of diversity, self-awareness and reflective practice.

Successful candidates will become educational leaders who have high expectations for all students and are powerful advocates for the inclusion, understanding and encouragement of marginalized student groups. Principal candidates will have opportunities to engage in ongoing dialogue and reflection on issues of social justice, democracy and equity throughout their coursework and internship experiences. By challenging students to be active participants in difficult conversations about social justice and to immerse themselves in unfamiliar environments, the EdS program encourages aspiring principal candidates to develop a socially responsible leadership mindset transforming them into culturally responsive school leaders who are dedicated to realizing the vision of equity in education and the expectation of success for all learners.

In the educational leadership (EdS) program at Webster University, graduate students are learning to become administrators who are learning focused while developing positive relationships and understanding and appreciating diversity. The curriculum focuses on problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, research based instructional strategies as well as innovation, collaboration and educational culture.

The educational leadership (EdS) program is designed for students who want to develop their leadership skills and earn a post-master's degree. Successful graduates are able to integrate ethics and global perspectives into their professions to optimize the learning environment for teachers, students and their communities. Prepared to become educational leaders, graduates are ready to strive for positive outcomes in the preK-12 setting.