[Bethany, OK]—Southern Nazarene University’s Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MAEL) program is thrilled to report the successful start-up of its partnership with Bixby Public Schools. The expansion of the partnership program to Bixby, which began in April 2024, is an exciting step for the MAEL program in its ongoing efforts to make advanced education more accessible to educators. The program has previously successfully partnered with Oklahoma City and Putnam City public schools and plans to expand to Norman and Claremore in October 2024 and Owasso in January 2025.

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Established to make an advanced education degree more accessible to Oklahoma teachers, the school partnerships program was initiated in response to the state’s shortage of teachers and school administrators. SNU’s partnerships with local public school systems offer educators an affordable Master’s in Educational Leadership degree. This degree is required for school principal certification, preparing educators for school leadership positions. Facilitating a supportive pathway for future school leaders to pursue advancement in their careers through the partnership will significantly benefit Bixby Public Schools.

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Founded after SNU professors and program directors spoke with superintendents in Oklahoma, the partnership program was created in response to concerns expressed by the superintendents about their districts’ shrinking pool of qualified future leaders. The program makes a Master’s degree more accessible to educators by offering the degree program locally in the school district’s own facilities and taught by school administrators. The program is also offered at a reduced cost, making the program an excellent opportunity for educators to pursue an affordable advanced degree in a convenient location.

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“We are excited to help shape the future of educational leadership right here in Bixby,” says Mr. Rob Miller, Superintendent of Bixby Public Schools. “Our partnership with Southern Nazarene University allows us to focus on delivering meaningful, relevant content tailored specifically to our community and aligned with the Spartan motto, ‘Learn Well, Live with Honor,’” he explains. “By offering courses on our own campus, we lower costs for our students and create a more engaging and connected learning environment. This collaboration is a strategic investment in Bixby Public Schools and will have a lasting impact on our district for years,” says Mr. Miller.

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The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership degree program is designed by educators for educators. With full-time teachers in mind, classes occur one six-week course at a time and one night a week. This makes it possible for students to graduate in as little as 20 months. The program is tailored specifically to Oklahoma students seeking professional licensure/certification. It prepares them to sit for Oklahoma licensure /certification exams and fulfill the academic requirements necessary for licensure/certification.

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For more information about SNU’s educational leadership partnership programs, please contact MAEL Program Director Dr. Stephoni Case at [email protected].

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About Southern Nazarene University

Southern Nazarene University is a private Christian university located in Bethany, Oklahoma. Committed to a values-driven education, SNU offers students an environment where they can develop academically, spiritually, and socially. With a history of academic excellence, SNU continues to prepare students to become impactful leaders through its rigorous programs and close-knit community. For more information, please contact [email protected].