EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP & POLICY STUDIES - University of Houston
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College of Education

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP & POLICY STUDIES

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LEADING THE WAY

The Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies at the University of Houston College of Education prepares compassionate, transformative leaders committed to the success of all students. As part of a Tier One public research university in a diverse, dynamic city, we strive to inform policy and practice to improve outcomes across the educational pipeline. ELPS offers graduate programs for aspiring principals, superintendents, special education professionals, higher education administrators, policymakers and researchers. We also offer undergraduate minors in special populations and Asian American studies.

ELPS DEGREES & PROGRAMS

The department’s graduate-level programs help educators and other professionals specialize and advance their careers. Our minors help undergraduate students gain critical knowledge and stand out among their peers.

Higher Education
K-12 Leadership
Special Populations
Asian American Studies

 

NEWS & FEATURES

  • A black man and a black boy being interviewed for a documentary

    Professor’s Docuseries Focuses on Better Schooling for Black Youth

    To shine a light on the challenges facing Black students and to offer solutions, Professor Kmt Shockley directed and produced a five-part docuseries called “Cultural War: Focus on Black Youth,” recently released on the free streaming app Tubi.

  • Black male typing on a laptop

    College of Education Online M.Ed. Programs Earn Top 15 Ranking

    The College’s online master’s degree programs ranked among the nation’s best on the 2024 U.S. News & World Report list. The top placement reflects the credentials of the faculty, effective use of technology, student engagement and more.

  • UH Campus with red flowers in the foreground

    UH College of Education Welcomes New Faculty in Fall 2023

    “The faculty joining the College this year represent an amazing depth and breadth of expertise and experience,” said Dean Cathy Horn. “Their superpowers will join with our already amazing faculty to move the College forward in ensuring that everyone has access to outstanding public education and a healthy environment in which to thrive.”

  • Ayana Lebron and Khechara Bradford

    Sisters Set to Earn Doctoral Degrees Together

    Ayana Lebron and Khechara Bradford juggled raising children, working and school, all amid COVID, Winter Storm Uri and family loss. They’ll graduate together, equipped with new tools to support students with special needs. “Our goal is to leave a legacy for our children,” Lebron said.

  • Jacqueline Hawkins

    Special Populations Professor Wins National Leadership Award

    Jacqueline “Jacquie” Hawkins earned recognition from the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate for her work to transform the College’s Ed.D. program. “It has been the joy of my life to lead this kind of transformation of doctoral students,” Hawkins said.

  • Teacher at the classroom door

    Educator Certification Programs Earn New Accreditation

    The College’s programs earned full accreditation from the nationally recognized Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation. “Our faculty are providing best-in-class experiences, and our graduates are the ultimate beneficiaries,” Interim Dean Cathy Horn said.

SHORT TAKES

A sampling of faculty, staff, student and alumni happenings:

Rhaniece Choice, who earned an M.Ed. in special populations in 2022, won 2023-24 District Teacher of the Year at Alief ISD. Choice also won Teacher of the Year from Cummings Elementary in Alief ISD in February.    

Deirdre Riordan, who earned an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction – learning, design and technology in 2016 and an Ed.D. in professional leadership – K-12 in 2022, has been named principal at Cage Elementary in the Houston Independent School District. 

Emily Messa, who serves as UH’s senior associate vice president for administration, earned the 2023 Robert F. Newton Award for Distinguished Service from the National Association of College Auxiliary Services. She earned a Ph.D. in 2015 and an M.Ed. in administration and supervision in 2012.

Hope Rigby-Wills, a lecturer in the special populations program and a doctoral alum, has been selected for the Council for Learning Disabilities Leadership Institute. The program is designed to support career development, grant writing and teaching skills.

BY THE NUMBERS

  • 300+ELPS students
  • 100%Pass rate on principal performance assessment
  • 89%Pass rate on superintendent certification exam
  • 3ELPS research centers and institutes
  • #10Best online M.Ed. program (U.S. News & World Report)
  • 1.5MHouston-area K-12 students

ELPS Quick Links

Waterfall outside Farish Hall

CONTACT US

Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
University of Houston College of Education
3657 Cullen Blvd.
Farish Hall, Suite 112
Houston, Texas 77204-5023

Department phone: 713-743-7846
Email: delps@uh.edu

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