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Post-Master’s Degree Superintendent Certification

The superintendent certification program, a 15 semester hours certification-only program for individuals holding the master’s degree and principal certification who aspire to be district level leaders, is designed to prepare individuals for roles as chief administrative and executive officers in Texas public school districts through quality educational experiences that stimulate and encourage intellectual, personal, and professional growth and commitment to education and those served.
Admission to a Professional Teacher Certificate Program:

Professional teacher certificate programs, including the superintendent certification program, are open only to graduate students. Admission to a professional teacher certificate program is granted upon the recommendation of the head of the department in which the program is offered and the submission of a certificate plan approved by the University Teacher Certification Officer.

Students who are not seeking a master’s degree are not required to submit scores on the GRE or the GMAT. However, official transcript(s) that indicate the conferral of the highest degree and good standing at the last college attended are required.

Admission to the Superintendent Certification Program

Students will submit a formal program application to the Coordinator of the Superintendent Certification Programs prior to enrollment in classes. This application serves as a basis for advising the student with regard to general graduate and certificate requirements. The application requires that students submit three (3) letters of reference, a copy of the service records, and a copy of the certificate. 

Curriculum for Post-Master’s Superintendent Certification Program:
601-3

Public School Finance and Fiscal Management. (3)

The principles of school finance, budgeting, and accounting procedures. Prerequisite: Superintendent/Mid-management certification or approval of department head. A field experience will be required as part of the course.  Prerequisite:  Principal/Mid-management certification or approval of department head.  Field Experience Fee: $25.00
602-3

Administrative Law and Personnel Administration. (3)

A comprehensive study of public school law as it relates to contractual and at-will personnel. Emphasis is placed on advertising, interviewing, selecting, and evaluating personnel. Additional attention is given to employee induction and student records. A field experience will be required as part of the course.  Prerequisite:  Principal/Mid-management certification or approval of department head.  Field Experience Fee: $25.00
603-3

The School Superintendency. (3)

A detailed study of the multiple roles and responsibilities of the chief school administration, including the leadership role with the community, school board, professional staff, and students. Some observations and activities in the public schools and community will be required. A field experience will be required as part of the course. Prerequisite: Principal/Mid-management certification or approval of department head. Field Experience Fee: $25.00.
604-3

Educational Planning and Facility Development. (3)

Study of major administrative systems in public schools including transportation, distribution and food service systems, energy management, health services, security, and safety-related issues. Topics also include the study of present and future building and equipment needs of public school systems, including operations, maintenance, and planning for new facilities. A field experience will be required as part of the course. Prerequisite: Principal/Mid-   management certification or approval of department head.  Field Experience Fee: $25.00
605-3

Instructional Development and School Improvement. (3)

A study of research and state policy affecting instructional improvement in public school systems. Special emphasis on result-based accountability systems, including curriculum planning and evaluation, professional development, and student assessment processes. A field experience will be required as part of the course.  Prerequisite:  Principal/Mid-management certification or approval of department head.  Field Experience Fee: $25.00

Note:  Superintendent internship activities are integrated into the courses in lieu of a separate internship course.  Students must satisfactorily complete both course and internship activities to receive credit for each course.

Transfer Work

Transfer work is not accepted in the superintendent certification program.

Recommendation for Certification

Recommendation for certification by Tarleton State University and the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies will be forwarded to the State Board for Educator Certification only after the student has successfully completed:

  • the designated course of study and internship activities,
  • documentation of teacher and principal certification,
  • successful performance on the Superintendent Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES).

Students will be allowed to register for the TExES during the last semester of the course of study. Students who fail to register and take the TExES within 24 months after the date of completing the requirements listed must request permission from the Department Head prior to registering for the TExES. The Department Head may require additional study to ensure that the student is current in the knowledge and skills delineated in the Standards for the Superintendent Certificate. The additional study may include, but is not limited to, additional coursework.

Students who fail to satisfactorily complete the TExES must receive permission from the Department Head prior to registering for a subsequent attempt on the TExES. The Department Head may require additional study to ensure that the student is current in the knowledge and skills in delineated in the Standards for the Superintendent Certificate. The additional study may include, but is not limited to, additional coursework.