FCS offers LEAD Initiative to teachers

For a few years now the University of North Alabama has partnered with different schools to offer their educators the chance to obtain master’s degrees at a discounted rate through their LEAD Initiative program. Franklin County Schools Superintendent Greg Hamilton said he is happy to announce FCS are now involved in this program, partnering with UNA.

“I think it’s something that could be very beneficial to our teachers,” Hamilton said.

This initiative saves UNA administrative costs by having the school systems handle some of the paperwork, and it benefits the educators by waiving certain fees and allowing them to take a majority of online and hybrid classes, according to associate professor Jeffrey Cornelius.

“We’re taking research and practical experience and merging them to help develop well-rounded instructional and teacher leaders,” Cornelius said.

The total cost, which includes tuition and fees, for the UNA master’s program is $14,752. With the LEAD Initiative discounts, the total is $9,834 – a savings of $4,918, or approximately 34 percent. This would apply to a Master of Arts in education or an education specialist degree.

UNA’s MAED program offers 20 traditional and 13 alternative certification options, and the EDS program focuses on instructional leadership, teacher leaders and elementary education.

“Our goal is to increase student achievement, and to do that you need quality teaching and leading,” Cornelius said.

All applicants must apply online to UNA, apply for participation through their district central office, sign the LEAD Initiative contract and complete the checklist they will be given of program specific requirements.