University of Phoenix and the Ohio Educational Service Center Association Partner to Extend Access to Doctoral Education for Ohio's K-12 Educators

Partnership aimed at preparing next generation of Ohio education leaders

PHOENIX and COLUMBUS, Oh., Sept. 16, 2015 — From technological innovation to new assessments and standards, the learning environment and dynamics of today’s K-12 schools require teachers and staff to be empowered to affect change and serve as thought leaders in their schools. Recognizing this need, University of Phoenix® School of Advanced Studies and the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) today announced they are teaming up to provide flexible learning options for current educators to pursue doctoral degrees in education. As part of each organization’s shared commitment to identify, grow and support the next generation of strategic leaders, University of Phoenix School of Advanced Studies and OESCA have designed a cohort for Ohio educators interested in pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership online with University of Phoenix.

This announcement was made in conjunction with the OESCA-OTESCA Fall Conference, held in Columbus, Ohio on Sept. 15-16, 2015.

“University of Phoenix School of Advanced Studies is proud to partner with the Ohio Educational Service Center Association to provide Ohio teachers and education staff with advanced educational options that offer them the opportunity to reach the pinnacle in their fields as doctors to expand the next generation of K-12 leaders,” said Hinrich Eylers, executive dean for University of Phoenix School of Advanced Studies. “Through this unique doctoral program, students have the opportunity to pursue research that’s relevant and applicable to the challenges of today’s classrooms and school districts, while also fostering a strong bond and extending professional networks through collaboration among cohort members.”

The online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program, which also incorporates regional ground residencies, is designed to offer the flexibility current Ohio educators need to advance their careers while also providing an opportunity for participants to collaborate with colleagues and succeed in the program. The cohort will replicate real-world challenges and focus on the intricacies of communications needed to navigate the educational landscape to become leaders of the 21st Century K-12 education system. Through this unique opportunity, doctoral students will study online and perform independent research that addresses critical issues in today’s education system, while also working together as a learning team with colleagues to develop knowledge and skills throughout coursework.

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership is designed to prepare students and professionals to become effective leaders who value diversity, academic integrity and essential competencies for shaping the future within complex educational environments. Throughout the program, students will benefit from the University of Phoenix School of Advanced Studies’ Scholar, Practitioner, Leader ModelSM that combines theory, practice and leadership to foster innovation, collaboration, scholarship and service.

“Teacher and staff opportunities for advancement and leadership positions in their districts and communities continue to grow,” said Craig Burford, executive director for the Ohio Educational Service Center Association. “Through this partnership with University of Phoenix School of Advanced Studies, we’re proud to provide Ohio educators with the skills and support needed to advance in their profession, while providing the flexibility to maintain ongoing professional responsibilities including student development and meeting classroom needs.”

The partnership between University of Phoenix School of Advances Studies and OESCA is one of the many ways University of Phoenix is working to expand access to advanced degree programs to prepare educators to become future leaders.

To learn more about the degree programs offered by University of Phoenix School of Advanced Studies, including, the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, visit www.phoenix.edu/oesca. For more information about each of these programs, including on-time completion rates, the median debt incurred by students who completed the program and other important information, please visit phoenix.edu/programs/gainful-employment.

About the School of Advanced Studies

School of Advanced Studies is home to doctoral programs at University of Phoenix and develops leaders who create new models that explain, predict and improve organizational performance in their fields. The practitioner degrees offered through the School of Advanced Studies at University of Phoenix are designed around the Scholar, Practitioner, Leader™ Model, incorporating lifelong learning (scholarship), social and workplace contribution (practice), and the ability to exert positive influence (leadership). More information can be found at https://www.phoenix.edu/degrees/doctorate.html.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of  Apollo Education Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.

About OESCA

The Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) represents the superintendents, teachers, supervisors and other personnel of Ohio’s Educational Service Centers and seeks to promote excellence in education through the quality services provided by its member organizations.

OESCA provides legislative updates, coordinates member lobbying efforts and organizes communications among its member organizations. OESCA also provides professional development opportunities for service center administrators and personnel through issue-related seminars and major conferences.