Speakers Lined Up for Specialist of Education Program

1/7/2004 Mary Ann Beahon
(573) 592-1127

 

They’re set to learn from the pros. Several knowledgeable speakers have been lined up to address students participating in the Specialist of Education in School Administration program offered by William Woods University at its Jefferson City campus, 3405 W. Truman Blvd.

Judy Brown is the course facilitator. She has arranged for the following speakers:

Jan. 7 Phyllis Chase, superintendent of Columbia Public Schools

Jan. 14 Russ Thompson, president of State Board of Education Vickie Riback Wilson, state representative from Boone County

Jan. 21 Chuck Headley, Columbia school board member

Jan. 28 Jan Watson, Missouri School Boards Association policy coordinator Melodie Friedeback, director of special education for the department of elementary and secondary education (DESE)

The Ed.S. degree was introduced by WWU last year and has proven to be extremely popular. The degree prepares educational administrators to be certified for the superintendent’s certification. A level higher than the master’s degree, it prepares recipients to pursue the doctorate degree.

The reasons behind implementing the program were fairly simple.

“In Missouri, we have a shortage of people certified to be superintendents, and a lot of superintendents are close to the retirement age,” explained Deedee Schlichting, WWU director of graduate education programs. “There are no young leaders in the field to replace those leaving.”