The Mico University College and Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) in the US announced last week that they are partnering to offer a doctoral programme in the island starting next spring.

The “EdD in Educational Leadership – Jamaica Strand” is a 63-credit programme designed for pre-kindergarten to grade 12 teacher leaders and administrators. It was approved by the University Council of Jamaica in July.

“It integrates course work in leadership, learning, and research with field studies grounded in authentic inquiry. Using a cohort approach, faculty and doctoral candidates will work together, providing mutual support for their shared responsibility to improve educational opportunities for the children and young people of Jamaica,” CCSU, said in a statement to the media.

“CCSU, recognised as a leader in educator preparation, has a long history preparing Jamaican teachers for expertise in educational leadership, reading, and language arts. Since 1998, CCSU has offered a master’s degree programme that has served more than 1,000 teachers in Jamaica,” it added.

Among those who have studied at CCSU is Mico president, Dr Asburn Pinnock, one of three Jamaican educators to have completed the EdD programme in Connecticut.

He is credited with working closely with CCSU’s School of Education and Professional Studies to develop the new programme.

CCSU explained that the admission process requires submission of materials to both the CCSU graduate school as well as to the EdD Jamaica programme office.

Full details are accessible at www.ccsu.edu/JamaicaEdd or from Dr Jean Beaumont, Jamaica on-site programme coordinator, at jeanie.beaumont@gmail.com or Dr Penelope Lisi, Jamaica director, at lisip@ccsu.edu.

The deadline to apply is January 25, 2018.