(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today’s teachers are forming young minds, preparing them for jobs and industries that do not exist yet. Yet, the American education system has not shifted much to accommodate the new needs of students.

To meet the changing needs of educators and students, the University of St. Thomas – Houston has created the Doctor of Education in Ethical Leadership program, an innovative program that provides a platform to analyze administrative practices and promote socially responsible leadership in schools and organizations with an educational purpose.

The program is a three-year, part-time program designed for public and private school educators currently working in K-12 and higher education. The program is tailored for individuals who aspire to address social justice issues in educational environments through advocacy and action.

“We were interested in the ethical part of the program, because we are interested in how to help educational leaders aspire to help disenfranchised populations—children of color and children of poverty,” said Ray Garcia, Ed.D. program developer. “We owe it to all types of communities to do the best that we can to give them equal chance at succeeding.”

Flexible Doctorate for Full-time Educators

The program is flexible to accommodate the needs of those working full time while balancing family life as well. By structuring the program so students develop their dissertation while they attend classes, Garcia can guarantee students will complete the program in three years while keeping the program rigorous and scholarly.

The coursework sequence creates a cross-disciplinary platform leading to a research focus. Students have the opportunity to explore an array of educational interests including—multicultural education, linguistically diverse populations, technology, organization and leadership, and learning and instruction.

Superintendent Certification Preparation

Additionally the coursework required prepares individuals to sit for the superintendent certification test, the top certification in education, to allow students to assume senior administrative positions in educational settings.

The program will prepare students to fulfill the superintendents twofold purpose— the political by addressing concerns that may come up in the community, and the symbolic by providing the vision and direction for the school district.

“Through this program, our graduates will become leaders in their educational systems,” Garcia said. “I envision that a student who completes this program can be in a meeting with the superintendent and board members and talk about school policy and the next hour go into the classroom and sit with a teacher and talk about instructional strategies.”

The program admits new students once per year for the summer semester, and classes will begin June 2016. The deadline to apply is March 31. For more information, contact Dr. Ray Garcia at [email protected].

Dr. Ronald Holmes is the author of 12 books: Jacob’s Dream! “A Lesson on Numbers and Birds,” “Jacob’s Dream! A Lesson on Alphabets and Continents,” “How to Eradicate Bullying,” “Education Questions to be Answered,” “Current Issues and Answers in Education,” “How to Eradicate Hazing,” “Professional Career Paths,” “Your Answers to Education Questions,” “How to revitalize the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.” “Completing the Dissertation: Tips, techniques and real-life experiences from Ph.D. graduates.” “Jacob’s Dream, A Story of Careers for Children” and Jacob’s Dream, A Story of Animals in Africa. He is publisher of “The Holmes Education Post,” an education focused Internet newspaper.  Holmes is a former teacher, school administrator and district superintendent. He can be reached at [email protected]