Education, Superintendent Certification

The Superintendent Certification program prepares students to be fully equipped to enter practice as a school district superintendent; to enter practice as any upper level, central office administrator in any school district; and to take and pass the State of Texas certification exam for superintendents. The superintendent certification program consists of five courses, two in the first semester and three in the second semester. The entire program can be completed in two semesters. Three of the courses provide 3 hours semester credit while the other two provide 4 hours semester credit for each. The third course in the second semester is the practicum course which counts for three hours. The specific practicum requirements are directly related to the Superintendent Standards promulgated by the Texas Education Agency and must be completed under the direct supervision of an onsite mentor (supervisor) who is certified as a superintendent and has a minimum of three years’ experience in a Texas school district as a district superintendent.

The structure of this certification allows students to complete the certification requirements in two semesters and all course offerings are in an on-line asynchronous format. There are no face-to-face classes or class meetings. However, the one exception to this is that during the practicum you will be required to develop a project which will involve demonstrating your ability to lead and direct group activities and you will develop three videos which involve both you and your group along with you onsite supervisor appearing in the videos. I will observe and grade your leadership and practical ability via the videos rather than making site visits or spending three different periods of time with you and your onsite supervisor. At the conclusion of the program, I will have a video conference in real time with you and your onsite supervisor in which we will review your practicum performance and activities and your final grade will come from this conference, with your onsite supervisor contributing to the development of that grade.

Contact
Dr. Galen Privitt, Program Coordinator
email: gprivitt@sulross.edu
Phone: 432-837-8002 or 903-229-9529

Superintendent Certification Admission Requirements

1. Application for Admission, available online sulross.edu.
2. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities previously attended.
3. Submission of all departmentally required documentation and applications (i.e., professional certifications, department/program application, letters of recommendation, etc.).
4. Must meet ALL TEA requirements for superintendent certification (The 17-hour Superintendent Certification program offers the academic preparation necessary to serve as a superintendent or central office administer in Texas.

The SBEC requirements for superintendent certification include:

• Full Principal or Mid-management certification, or a waiver letter from TEA which must be filed with the university BEFORE being accepted into the program.
• A minimum of three years teaching experience in a public or private accredited elementary and/or secondary school
• Pass the Superintendent TExES Exam