An Inside Peek into Jessup’s MAEd Program which has the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) Embedded

Jessup University is equipping graduates to become leaders in administration in schools and districts by offering a Masters of Arts in Education (MAED) with an embedded administrative credential program. Students in Jessup’s School of Education (SOE) can apply for a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) in their Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) degree.  This program is now offered asynchronously (online) to accommodate working professionals. 

I had the opportunity to interview three key educators in this program and learn a little more about their journeys to Jessup and the exciting benefits of this credential. 

David Bills, Director of Teacher Credentialing for the School of Education. Professor Bills spent 18 years as a public school teacher before becoming the principal at Rocklin High School. He finished his public school experience (31 years) as an Assistant Superintendent in the Yuba City School District. Prior to joining the faculty at Jessup’s School of Education, he served on the SOE Advisory Board. 

Professor Bills, could you tell me a little bit about the new administrative credential and your role within this program? 

The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) is for educators looking to serve in leadership roles within their schools, district, and state.

How does servant leadership and ethics play a role in this credential?

Leaders are always the ones who must make ethical decisions. It’s important they look at all sides of an issue, listen well and have empathy before deciding the next steps in any situation. In these classes, students wrestle with real-life issues that have multiple paths forward and learn how to navigate the most difficult situations.

We [Jessup] use the model of Christ. We come to serve, not to be served. Our candidates learn they are alone at the bottom of an upside-down pyramid. They’re supporting the school, not at the top being served.

Dr. Pam Castleman, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies in the School of Education.  Dr. Castleman enjoyed a career in public education for twenty-six years.  She served  as teacher, assistant principal, district coordinator, county director and ended her K12 career as a program consultant for the California State Board of Education on curriculum and career technical education topics.  In this role, she wrote bill analysis for the Governor.  She joined the Jessup family in 2019 as an adjunct professor and moved into a full-time position in 2022.

Dr. Castleman, what makes your teaching style/this credential program different from other credential programs?

Like other CTC-approved credential programs across the state, Jessup offers an MAED program fully aligned with state standards for school administrators. The option to submit an application for the Preliminary Services Credential (PASC) allows students to serve in K12 administrative positions.  The PASC option is embedded in the MAEd program. In addition to coursework, Jessup graduate students are supported individually throughout their program with mentoring, providing for a solid foundation for success. Based on the Fruits of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23, each course is grounded in Biblical principles for leadership.

What types of careers do students with this credential typically pursue?

The Preliminary Services Credential (PASC) opens doors not only for school-based administration, such as Principals and Assistant Principals, but also district administrative positions such as content specialists, directors (curriculum, special programs, technology), as well as county office of education administrative roles.  I also encourage our students to consider state positions in education, which also require a PASC credential. 

Tell me a little about the mentoring aspect of this program. Why is mentoring so important?

New leaders are sometimes too eager and hesitant when placed in a new position and a mentor provides valuable feedback, guidance and support throughout the program.  The program offers real-life scenarios from professors with experience or currently serving in education leadership positions throughout the state in both public and private education. 

Patrick McDougall, PASC Coach of the Administrative Credential Program for the MAEd. Prior to Jessup, McDougall served for 35 years within the K-12 public school system, the last 29 years as a school administrator and principal. He had the opportunity to speak in a number of classes at Jessup and, through that experience, he decided to apply for a faculty position within the School of Education. 

Professor McDougall, why are you excited about this new credential? 

The addition of the administrative credential enhances the attractiveness of the MAEd program and ensures Jessup is positioned to train the next generation of transformational leaders to serve within the public, private and charter schools. Our scholar/practitioner model is uniquely designed to prepare our candidates for the challenges they will face when they assume a leadership role within the public school system. The mentorship, academic preparation and leadership development we provide for our credential candidates makes Jessup an excellent option for candidates wanting to become transformational leaders within an educational context.   

This administrative credential focuses on leadership and mentorship. How will you help develop capable and wise educational administrators? 

The small class sizes at Jessup ensure candidates will receive incredible access and support from faculty. The average cohort within the MAEd program has 12 students. This creates a powerful context for teaching and learning. Candidates learn research skills and apply these skills to tackle complex leadership challenges. Candidates are given opportunities to practice these emerging research/leadership skills in the context of a supportive, collaborative and intellectually rich environment, where the professor and other students can provide feedback and hone the leadership style of each student. Students learn best by doing, and the MAEd program is designed to place candidates in authentic situations they will face in the field and then help develop the skills, professional dispositions and competencies they will need to provide exceptional leadership for the students and staff they serve.

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There is not only a shortage of teachers in California, there is a shortage of administrators as well. Jessup’s School of Education’s goal is to offer credential programs for all positions in the field of education. The administration credential is the next step toward this goal. For more information about this credential, visit the MAEd program page.