Sophia Lafayette, Ed.D.

Adjunct Faculty,
Department of Professional Educational Studies

My name is Sophia Lafayette-Lause, but professionally I usually go just by Sophia Lafayette. I earned my Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University in Instructional Technology and Distance Education. I also hold an Ed. Specialist from Saint Louis University in Educational Leadership, a Master's from Lindenwood University in Library Media, and Bachelor's from Washington University in St. Louis in Elementary Education and African & African American studies.

I have been a teacher and administrator in public school K-12 education systems for 25 years. I started out as a classroom teacher and moved into library media and held my first administration position as a district library media coordinator. I have subsequently held many positions including director of technology, chief of staff, school principal, and curriculum coordinator. My current full-time position is as an executive director of instruction for a small district located in SouthEast Michigan. My passions and responsibilities in this role include social justice, restorative practices trainer, professional development, school improvement, teacher evaluation, instructional technology, and student leadership. 

I also have five years of experience teaching courses to aspiring administrators through the Michigan Path to Leadership program. This is an online alternative administrative certification program.

Education

  • Doctorate in Instructional Technology and Distance Education
    Nova Southeastern University
  • Degree in Educational Leadership
    St. Louis University
  • Master's in Education
    Lindenwood University
  • Bachelor's in Elementary Education
    Washington University

Research Interests

Program Affiliations

Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction Doctor of Education

This customizable degree is designed to help you advance your understanding of a wide range of curriculum development and instructional methods that can improve teaching and learning in diverse educational settings.

64

Semester Credits

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Ed.D. in Instructional Technology Doctor of Education

This customizable degree is designed to help you advance your understanding of methods of instructional technology for a wide range of educational settings. Through a tailored approach to the dissertation process, you can complete the program in as little as three years.

64

Semester Credits

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Ed.D. in Leadership Doctor of Education

The Doctor of Education in Leadership program is designed to help you advance your leadership and research skills within your chosen discipline, whatever that may be. Through a tailored approach to the dissertation process, you can complete the program in as little as three years.

64

Semester Credits

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Ed.D. in Nursing Education Doctor of Education

The Doctorate in Nursing Education is for master’s degree nurses who want to help address the growing need for more RNs in today’s ever-expanding healthcare system. The American College of Education Ed.D in Nursing Education program is a fully online curriculum to prepare nurses as educators in either an academic or professional development setting. The program uses a unique interdisciplinary approach to focus on the science of teaching and learning. Students will engage in scholarly research to support their dissertation while developing the competencies to create and evaluate curriculum, develop effective teaching strategies, use innovative technology to promote learning and much more as they prepare to educate the next generation of nurses.

64

Semester Credits

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Ed.D. in Public Health Education Doctor of Education

The customizable Doctorate in Public Health Education is designed for healthcare educators and professionals who wish to address public health issues through education in local, national and international communities at the post-master’s level.

64

Semester Credits

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Ed.D. in Second Language Instruction Doctor of Education

The Doctorate of Education in Second Language Instruction is designed for professionals with a master’s degree who wish to advance their second language instruction skills and knowledge at the post-master’s level. Through a tailored approach to the dissertation process, you can complete the program in as little as three years.

64

Semester Credits

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Ed.S. in Instructional Technology Educational Specialist

The Educational Specialist in Instructional Technology degree for leaders who want to advance their knowledge in instructional technology at the post-master’s level without needing to complete a dissertation. You will use theoretical foundations and current real-world practices to support the development of relevant technology that meet the needs of diverse learners.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Educational Technology Master of Education

The Master of Education in Educational Technology program prepares educators and other professionals to serve as technology leaders by teaching them to track trends and leverage technology as an effective tool to support learning and meet the needs of school staff, teachers, and students.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Elementary Education Master of Education

Specifically designed for elementary teachers who wish to advance their expertise and skills, the Master of Education in Elementary Education degree will build on their current understanding of young students’ learning needs and introduce them to new ways of incorporating technology into the classroom.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Elementary Education for Graduates of the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Master of Education

19

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Higher Education Master of Education

Designed for individuals who wish to advance their skills or career in higher education, this program focuses on the ever-changing global, economic, and technological environments that impact the field of higher education.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology Master of Education

This degree is designed for students wishing to use technology to pursue a career in instructional design. You will learn how to evaluate, develop, and implement effective instructional design in a variety of educational settings.

31

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Integrated Curriculum for Graduates of the M.Ed. in STEM Leadership Master of Education

2018 Catalog Release

22

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership Master of Education

This degree is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to help other teachers reach their full potential. You’ll learn to interpret research on leadership models, teacher evaluation, and motivation, and use it to develop professional learning opportunities that promote continuous improvement

31

Semester Credits

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M.A. in Elementary Teaching Master of Arts

The Master of Arts in Elementary Teaching degree is designed for those who want to be elementary teachers but have bachelor’s degrees in non-education fields. By building a solid foundation in elementary education, you’ll earn a master’s degree and be prepared for a career of working with young learners.

34

Semester Credits

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M.A. in Secondary Teaching Master of Arts

The Master of Arts in Secondary Teaching is designed for students who have bachelor’s degrees in non-education fields but want to be teachers at the secondary level. By building a solid foundation in secondary education, you’ll earn a master’s degree and be prepared for a career in teaching at the secondary level.

34

Semester Credits

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Certificate in Adult Education and Corporate Training Certificate

This certificate is designed to help you utilize teaching skills in an environment that requires professional development, team building, or training to improve personal, collaborative skills in adults. Theories of interaction are taught through experiential activities that you can apply to training opportunities.

18

Semester Credits

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Certificate in Teacher Leadership Certificate

Developed to enhance professional skills, this program provides an opportunity for teachers to learn how to support other teachers through learning how to help them reach their potential in teaching.

18

Semester Credits

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Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Elementary Education Certificate

This program is designed for those who want to be elementary teachers but have bachelor’s degrees in non-education fields. By building a solid foundation in elementary education, it will prepare you for a career of working with young learners.

24

Semester Credits

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Certificate Transition to Teaching in Secondary Education Certificate

This Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Secondary Education program is designed for those who want to be teachers but have a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field. By building a solid foundation in secondary education, it will prepare you for a career in teaching at the secondary level.

18

Semester Credits

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Certificate in Virtual Instruction Certificate

The Certificate in Virtual Instruction will help you transform your teaching strategies to fit virtual formats. Grounded in current research and best practices, your assignments will help you become a leader in this rapidly evolving field. This transferable certificate can lead to a full degree by adding additional coursework.

22

Semester Credits

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Micro-Credential in Digital Learning and Teaching Micro-Credential

The micro-credential in Digital Learning and Teaching is designed to help educators re-examine technology, student learning, and classroom structure, as well as the roles of teacher and student. The micro-credential explores how to design learning environments supported by technology, integrate digital technology into curriculum to maximize student learning, and evaluate emerging technology for personal and professional productivity.

9

Semester Credits

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Micro-Credential in Educational Technology Micro-Credential

In the Educational Technology, micro-credential attention is given to the broader elements needed for an effective technology program including strategies to assess components, ways to design the virtual environment, and how to lead and guide the process when program change is required.

9

Semester Credits

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Micro-Credential in Information Systems Micro-Credential

This micro-credential addresses the notion that technology is a way of life in the 21st century. Information is gathered, stored, processed for reports and retrieved from data warehouses to be analyzed and acted upon by decision-makers. The quality of the information is critical for effective action in face-to-face environments and in the virtual world of content delivery.

9

Semester Credits

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