San Diego State University’s Department of Administration Rehabilitation and Postsecondary Education offers a program leading to a Master of Arts (MA) in Education with a concentration in Postsecondary Educational Leadership. The proposed American Samoa cohort would offer specialization courses in Curriculum and Instruction designed specifically to support and improve the skills of practicing classroom teachers.
Students who pursue the MA degree are prepared for effective management and leadership positions in changing multicultural societies and in varying organizational environments. Students experience courses and learning experiences that are relevant and practical given the unique educational needs represented in their country. Related student research associated with the program is targeted to respond to critical educational issues facing American Samoa.
The emphasis in Postsecondary Education Leadership with specialized courses in curriculum and instruction prepares individuals to serve as effective classroom teachers as well as leadership roles in government, human resources, community colleges, universities, technical schools, the military and adult schools in both national and international settings. Some of these roles will include positions such as administrators, trainers, human resource directors, public administration department directors, college and technical school teachers, community college deans, and college directors.
At the request of the Department of Education in the Territory of American Samoa (ASDOE), the Interwork Institute will work collaboratively with the ASDOE to provide the MA in American Samoa using a hybrid model of distance education. A cohort of at least 25 individuals will be carefully selected, with priority given to classroom teachers, by ASDOE. The ASDOE will contract with SDSU and the SDSU Research Foundation for the Interwork Institute to cover tuition, fees, books and associated costs for delivering the ten-course masters program using a variety of on-site and distance supported instruction. The program will commence in July, 2010 and will be completed by May 31, 2012.
Any questions about the program should be sent to Dr. Steve Spencer, Director, Center for Pacific Studies.
