Conceptual Framework
I. Mission Statement
The Master of Science in Education degree program at the University of Maine at Farmington prepares professional educators for leadership roles in educational settings.
Exceptional educational leaders model respect and uphold ethics in the pursuit of authentic education for all learners.
II. Guiding Principles
The Master of Science in Education program is grounded in the belief that exceptional educators are visionary leaders who champion supportive educational cultures and continuous professional growth in order to translate theory into respectful and effective practice.
Visionary Leaders: Exceptional educational leaders recognize that educational systems arise from political and historical contexts. Working with this knowledge, educators demonstrate moral leadership that values diversity. Diversity is defined as differences among groups of people and individuals based on ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, gender, exceptionalities, language, religion, sexual orientation, and geographical area. Leaders articulate their vision and create positive change. They:
- Understand politics and systems
- Practice moral leadership
- Respect the value of diversity
- Create shared visions for learning
- Lead for results
Supportive Educational Cultures: Exceptional educational leaders understand that a variety of factors influence educational cultures. They examine cultures from the perspective of students, faculty, families and local and global communities. Exceptional leaders seek out and honor a wide diversity of voices in order to create change in a climate of respect. They:
- Build a climate of respect among staff and students
- Create positive change while sustaining effective practices
- Collaborate with families and communities
Continuous Professional Growth: Exceptional educational leaders understand that cultivating professional growth is essential. Leaders foster dialogue and support collaborative forums for reflection and learning. Leaders create and participate in professional learning communities that promote innovation in education. They:
- Cultivate leadership in the educational environment
- Encourage continual investigation of practice
- Support professional learning communities
Theory into Practice: Exceptional educational leaders understand the dialogic relationship between theory and practice. They challenge themselves and others to support innovation and promote best instructional practice. They:
- Develop a critical stance
- Differentiate curriculum and assessment for all learners
- Challenge themselves and others