Master of Education

MEd in Educational Leadership: Indigenous Resurgence

Method of delivery:
TBD
Applications open:
TBD
Applications close:
TBD
Next start date:
September 2026 (tentative)

Collaboratively developed by Simon Fraser University (SFU), the Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) and Nicola Valley Institute Of Technology (NVIT). This two-year MEd Educational Leadership program takes place on the traditional unceded territories of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band (Cawston, B.C.). 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Designed for

Members of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band who are currently employed in Advanced Education and Training positions within the community.

Other applicants outside this membership may be considered.

Program Structure

  • 2 year, 35 unit program (seven 5-unit courses)
  • In-person classes, normally five or six weekends on Friday evenings and Saturdays

INTAKE SCHEDULE

Next Start Term
Fall 2026 (tentative)

PROGRAM DESIGN & COURSES

Program Design

Designed with working professionals in mind, this two-year degree program offers the opportunity to obtain a high-quality master's degree in your own community. Our cohort-based model allows students to work through the program and coursework together (18-24 students).

Students will have opportunities to bridge theory, research, policy and practice within a community of inquiry as a cohort. Students will also conduct research projects that directly connect to professional practice. 

This program centers Indigenous ways of knowing and being and will engage the cohort in learning from their traditional ways and stories throughout each of the courses.

In a cohort, students will:

  • engage in conducting research projects related to their own professional practice and connection to the LSIB community
  • study Indigenous scholarly works related to educational leadership theories and practices, organizational theory, and policy processes—and research design.

Courses

Students complete:

EDUC 818-3 LEADERSHIP STUDIES

This course examines three interrelated aspects of educational leadership studies of conceptual and theoretical foundations, with a particular emphasis on ethics of leadership; current research in the field, including feminist and cultural critiques; and topical issues and problems of leadership practice. Considerations of leadership character and role, power and authority in organizational relationships, and organizational goal achievement are central to the course.

EDUC 817-3 POLICY PROCESSES

This course examines three interrelated aspects of policy studies as a critical function of the educational leadership role: conceptual and theoretical foundations concerning policy, policy actors, and policy processes; current research in the field; and topical issues and problems. It also considers social, economic and political contexts (e.g. technologization, corporatization, pluralism) and how they affect education.

EDUC 719-3 RESEARCH APPROACHES IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Covers research methods, with special reference to research in Education Leadership. Fundamental theories, practices, and ethical issues of educational research are discussed. The course addresses some of the fundamental challenges and decisions in designing and using educational research.

EDUC 806-5 SELECTED PROBLEMS IN HIGHER EDUCATION

This course draws together key theories and ideas explored throughout the program. A focus of this course is to connect theory and its practical application in students' professional practice.

EDUC 813-3 ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY AND ANALYSES

This course critically examines organizations in which educational leaders work from different theoretical perspectives and in light of research evidence. It also critiques several past and current reform initiatives, and explores specific topics in-depth. A central and pervasive question of the course concerns organizational purposes, especially with respect to learning, and how these purposes are served by organizational structures and processes.

EDUC 904-5 FIELDWORK III

The Faculty Sponsor will provide further information regarding the Fieldwork course.

EDUC 889-10 EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP RESEARCH PROJECT

An action research or original research project dealing with a specific problem in education practice, leadership, administration, organizational theory, or policy. The study must result in the preparation of a formal paper and public presentation. Projects are evaluated per SFU Graduate General Regulation 1.9.1 and submitted to the library. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Students with credit for EDUC 881 may not take this course for further credit. Prerequisite: EDUC 719.

LOCATION

Learn where you live. The Faculty of Education strives to bring programs to communities outside the Lower Mainland.

Cawston, B.C.

The Educational Leadership: Indigneous Resurgence MEd program take places in Cawston, B.C.  

The Faculty of Education respectfully acknowledges the  traditional unceded territories of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band on which this program takes place.

FACULTY

Meet the faculty sponsor for this program.

FUTURE PATHWAYS

Where can this program take you? The world is changing rapidly and so is the full range of career and academic opportunities that await.

Occupations

  • Education administrators
  • Directors of instruction
  • Educational consultants and analysts
  • Training and development specialists

Further Studies

Student Experiences

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

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UPCOMING INFORMATION SESSIONS

QUESTIONS?