Teacher Leadership: Doctorate – Program Features
Project-Based Learning
Maryville’s nationally accredited program is recognized throughout the St. Louis region as a leader in administrator preparation. With a strong foundation of theory, practical application, and a developed personal philosophy about leadership, the program produces highly respected leaders.
The program’s cohort plan, consisting of 18 to 22 students who advance through their classes together, builds a permanent network of trusted colleagues as they proceed through the two-and-one-half year program and into a new career. Cohorts will focus exclusively on the teacher leadership concentration.
A capstone project is begun early in the doctoral degree program and is completed at the conclusion of the last class. Through their research and investigation, students improve on their practices, and institute procedures that will increase student achievement. The capstone should be supported at the district or school level and has a practical, positive impact for the school.
This program includes an internship and school experience where small groups of candidates design and implement an instructional workshop of three to five days duration in their area of specialization for current teachers or Maryville teacher candidates. The institutes are designed to be presented during the summer of the candidates’ second program year.
Professional Partnerships
Maryville is proud to work with numerous corporate and civic organizations in St. Louis and beyond through partnerships created in support of our academic programs and student opportunities. The list of the University's partners is long, impressive, and ever expanding: Rawlings, Mercy, St. Louis Public Schools, Parkway School District, Edward Jones, Northwestern Mutual, RGA, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, and Maritz, just to name a few.
Our partners provide students with opportunities to experience hands-on involvement in real-world projects, requiring them to hone market-ready skills even before they graduate. Students also experience a variety of work environments and develop a network of industry contacts through these partnerships, so Maryville graduates often have a competitive edge in the job market. In fact, many of our partners provide valuable internships—which can lead to full-time jobs with the firm or agency.