“The practicum experiences, the support and guidance from the teaching faculty, the relationship built with other adult students from surrounding school divisions, and the ‘real life’ problems and issues addressed in the educational leadership program at JMU helped prepare me to be successful at my first administrative position. I still keep in touch with several of the professors and fellow students (that are now also administrators).
I am so glad I made the choice to get my advanced degree from JMU! This program helped prepare me to be the very best school principal I can be...and to remember to keep the students first in all my decisions!”
Principal Teresa Day, Page County Schools
What Students Think
As good as a program may seem from an outsider's perspective, a student's actual experience may not be what he or she expected. Feedback from past and current Educational Leadership students can help prospective students decide if the program is the right choice for you.
“The JMU program has enhanced my understanding of Educational Leadership from all angles. The class structure allows for the students to actively engage in the material, and work
through simulations of real world experiences. The professors within the program have years of experience working in different educational environments and have an extremely wide range of knowledge to help aid in what makes a good leader. The wealth of knowledge I have been able to acquire is unprecedented. I credit this to the instruction of the professors and the structure of the program. Students are pushed to think and analyze material, not just rote memorization of facts. I can't imagine a better program around, and I am grateful for the time spent by the professors to not only make me a better teacher, but to build my confidence to become a great leader.”
Tanner Boyle, Staunton City Schools
“I selected JMU because of my past learning experiences with the institution. During my time in the leadership program I have learned how to reflect on past experiences, along with utilizing best practices to inspire my future learning, allowing myself to become the best leader I can be.”
John Weeks, Rockingham County Schools
“I chose the JMU program because of the flexibility it offered me by offering classes at the Fishersville location in the evenings. Also, I like the idea that the cohort gets to decide collectively about the times the classes will meet. My experiences in the program thus far have been very positive. I have been challenged to think
deeply about my role as an instructional leader and view school issues through that lens. I am new to the program, but have experienced a great sense of joy from being in the program because I was in a place professionally where I needed a new challenge and each class offers me a time to be presented with issues that challenge me professionally and I am surrounded by a group of peers that freely share their thoughts and perspectives which encourage me to grow as a result. The professors are extremely knowledgeable and share real examples each class from their own experiences. I have learned so much already! I would highly recommend this program to anyone considering a career in administrative leadership.”
Shannon Shuey, Staunton City Schools