High school principal listens to student's concerns.

Department of Educational Leadership

Lead with Confidence

Guide future generations through leadership roles in K-12 education in Texas and beyond through our educational leadership programs.

The Department of Educational Leadership is committed to helping you guide future generations through leadership roles in K-12 education in Texas and beyond. Our programs include master's and doctorate degree plans as well as principal and superintendent preparation programs.

Addressing the needs of a wide range of students, we offer course delivery modes that are mindful of your time, geographic and economic considerations. Most coursework is now fully online, while some certification courses incorporate onsite learning to satisfy state requirements for principal and superintendent preparation programs.

Professional talking with students sitting at a table.

Explore Our Programs

Experienced Practitioners

Our faculty members have held various K-12 administrative positions, from assistant principal and principal to superintendent. We are eager to share our decades of experience to help you synthesize research findings, theory and praxis into a certification or degree that will position you to lead with confidence.

Phi Delta Kappa

Established in 1906, Phi Delta Kappa International supports teachers and school leaders by strengthening their interest in the profession through the entire arc of their career.


The Department of Educational Leadership is proud to be affiliated with these organizations.

Student Resources

Access resources relevant to students in the Educational Leadership program.

Student Presentations

View a sample of recent professional presentations given by our doctoral students.

Caston, J., & Thompson, J. R. (2021). A narrative inquiry to explore the experiences of African American male graduates from an alternative learning program [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership Conference Within A Conference, Texas Association of School Administrators.

Calderaro, L., & Thompson, J. R. (2021). Technology education: Teachers' lived experiences for high school student career readiness [Presentation]. Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration Mid-Winter Conference (Conference within a Conference).

Morrison, S., & Thompson, J. R. (2021). Secondary principal leadership and the impact of engaging hands-on learning strategies [Presentation]. Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration TASA/TEA Mid-Winter Conference (Conference within a Conference).

Caston, J., & Thompson, J. R. (2021). A narrative inquiry to explore the experiences of African American male graduates from an alternative learning program [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership Summer Virtual Conference.

Meyer, E., & Thompson, J. R. (2020). An emerging international phenomenon: Schools of choice [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership Summer Virtual Conference.

Sladana, C., & Thompson, J. R. (January, 2019). Hispanic student graduation rate in college ready English language arts and mathematics in Texas' lower Rio Grande Valley [Presentation]. TCPEA Conference within a Conference. TASA Midwinter 2019 Yearbook, 4(1), 18–29.

Oliver, J., Holt, W., & Thompson, J. R. (2018). Elementary teacher perceptions of instructional coach effectiveness in suburban Title I campuses: A Q methodology study [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership.

Spoon, D. F., Thompson, J. R., & Tapper, P. (2018). The principal instructional leadership: Meeting the challenge of inclusivity through an effective mentoring program [Presentation]. International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership, San Antonio, Texas.

More Educational Leadership News

Meet our Department

Alum Melissa Arrambide, Ed.D. Department Head, Professor, Master’s Program Coordinator
Alum Julia Ballenger, Ph.D. Regional Professor, Educational Leadership Senator
Alum Danna Beaty, Ed.D. Associate Professor
Teresa J. Farler, Ed.D. Assistant Professor, Region 10 Superintendent Certification Coordinator, Doctoral Program Coordinator
Mack Hines, Ed.D. Assistant Professor
Chuck Holt, Ed.D. Associate Professor Emeritus
Kriss Kemp-Graham, Ph.D. Professor
José Parra, Ed.D. Assistant Professor
Alum Sharonda Pruitt, Ed.D. Assistant Professor
Sharon Ross, Ed.D. Assistant Professor, DILI Coordinator
Nathan Templeton, Ed.D. Professor, Senior Associate Director of University Partnerships
Elsa Villarreal, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Principal Certification Coordinator
James Vornberg Professor Emeritus
Peter Williams, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Doctoral Program Coordinator
Alum Dana Kruger Administrative Associate
Heather Camp Administrative Associate
Mattie Willingham Attaining College Entry and Success Advisor
Alum Taia Netherly Attaining College Entry and Success Advisor

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the master’s degree in educational technology offered online?

Yes, our program is offered completely online.

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How do I apply for financial aid?

First complete and return the Free Application for Student Financial Aid to the Department of Education. Second check with the school’s financial aid department to complete any required documentation. Then complete and return all required forms to the financial aid office of the particular college/university.

For more information, visit How to Apply for Financial Aid.

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What is the Department of Educational Leadership mission?

The Department of Educational Leadership at East Texas A&M prepares graduates for teaching, service and leadership roles in a variety of educational, business, governmental and industrial contexts.

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What is the Department of Educational Leadership vision?

The Department of Educational Leadership at East Texas A&M envisions exemplary programs that challenge highly qualified students to excel in their respective disciplines and careers through engagement in a rigorous and transformative learning environment linking theory to practice while expanding the knowledge base of the learner, the profession and the respective academic discipline.

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How many students are normally accepted into each program? What is the rate of acceptance?

There is no limit in the acceptance rate. Applicants are accepted or rejected based upon their credentials.

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Can I check my admission status?

You can check your admission status online through our My Leo system.

Just click on “Registration/Student Information Access”. Enter your Student I.D. number (Social Security Number). Your initial PIN number will be your six-digit birth date (MMDDYY). You will be asked to change this PIN number to another six digit number.

Under “Student Records” click on “Application Status”. Select the term for which you have applied.

Note: If departmental approval is the only missing item, all documents have been received and the file is with the department for review and recommendation.

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What are the Department of Educational Leadership beliefs?

  • We believe faculty lead by example.
  • We believe department success is directly attributable to individual program quality and competitiveness.
  • We believe that high-quality programs are achieved through faculty expectations that instill academic rigor, specific measurable outcomes, student accountability and deliberate evaluation and feedback.
  • We believe that faculty have a major role in mentoring student entry into the ranks of academia.

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When will my application be reviewed for Admission?

Applications are reviewed as they are received. Depending on the time of year, it takes approximately one month to process an application. However, once the application deadline has passed, applications will be reviewed somewhat more quickly.

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Contact Us

  • Frank Young Education North Building, 113
  • P.O. Box 3011
  • Commerce, TX 75429-3011
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