Transformational School Leadership (MS)
Bringing highly-effective transformational leadership to schools: for the benefit of students, parents, and school professionals.
Bringing highly-effective transformational leadership to schools: for the benefit of students, parents, and school professionals.
The Masters of Science in Transformational School Leadership is designed to meet the need for leaders in diverse educational settings, who will not only be effective administrators but also visionary leaders capable of creating highly-effective school cultures. The program promotes a collaborative approach to leadership that empowers stakeholders to attain individual and institutional goals. Upon completion, students are eligible for administrator certification in Michigan.
Why did you choose Madonna University?
I chose Madonna University because it was close to home and it had an excellent reputation.
What do you think makes the experience and education at Madonna Special?
All of my professors were extremely dedicated and passionate professors. They truly
cared about students, which included me the student and the students I would be entrusted
with. The small class size was also a plus for personalized attention.
What have you been doing since graduation, career wise?
When I first graduated 11 years ago, I started working at Plymouth High School in their FCS department. I was there for seven years and then I moved over to East Middle School. I have been here for five years. Just recently I accepted a position at Ohio University as an associate lecturer and program coordinator.
How has your Madonna degree played a role in your current position?
My Madonna degree has led me to a new challenge in my career. I will be lecturing
and also responsible for growing a department.
What has been your most rewarding professional or personal experience since graduating?
My most rewarding experience is that I now will have the opportunity to be like the
professors that so greatly inspired me. It is my turn to inspire the next generations
of educators.
Madonna University partners with the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Sacred Heart Major Seminary in offering this specialized leadership program with four courses that define leadership in Catholic Schools: Leadership in Catholic Identity, Leadership in Christian Development, Catechetical Leadership, and Formation of the Christian Community.
Program Director, Transformational School Leadership
Assistant Professor
Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University
Ed. S., Wayne State University
M.A. Eastern Michigan University
B.S. Northern Michigan University
lsharon@madonna.edu
734-432-5334, Room 2230F
Dr. Les Sharon is the Director of the Masters of Science in Transformational EducationalLeadership and the Director of Student Teaching. His professional background includesthirty-three years in K-12 education as a special education teacher, general education teacher,Reading Recovery teacher, and building principal. His work focuses on the formal preparation offuture educational leaders that will someday transform struggling schools into effective,high-achieving learning communities that meet the needs of all students. He received his Ph.Din Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University and holds endorsements inelementary and secondary administration, general education (K-8 all-subjects), and specialeducation including cognitively impaired and learning disabilities.
Dr. Sharon’s research interests include examining the role status functions play in schoolorganizations as they relate to curriculum enactment as well as role of language in effectiveschool leadership. He works closely with the Beijing Comparative Educational Institute and withcolleagues at the Xi’an University to provide educational opportunities for school leaders andteachers all over China. Dr. Sharon served as an adjunct professor before joining MadonnaUniversity full-time as an assistant professor.
Associate Dean of University Assessment
Associate Dean for Institutional Effectiveness
Professor
B.Ed. Bishop Grosseteste College
M.Ed. University of Sheffield
Ph.D. University of Michigan
734-432-5645, 2002
Stewart Wood is the Associate Dean for University Assessment, Associate Dean for Institutional Effectiveness, Professor of Education, and Chair of the Faculty Professional Development Committee. Stewart joined the full-time faculty at Madonna University in 1994. He teaches Educational Research and Practice in the HEA program, drawing on his expertise in teaching and learning theory, educational psychology, lifelong learning, achievement motivation, and assessment. Dr. Wood is an active member of the American Educational Research Association and serves as a reviewer for the Lilly Conferences on College Teaching. Dr. Wood has served on numerous advisory boards and published articles in Phi Delta Kappa and the Journal of Early Adolescence. Stewart earned his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Michigan and M.Ed. from the University of Sheffield, U.K.
