Post-Master’s Degree Superintendent Certification
Estimated Completion
15 credit hours, 18 months
Application Process
Our program application process includes several steps, which you must complete in order to be considered for the program. View the full application process.
Cost
Overview
The superintendent certification program is a certification-only program for individuals holding a master’s degree and principal certification who aspire to be district level leaders, designed to prepare district level leaders such as chief administrative and executive officers in Texas public school districts via an executive-style model. The model is an online learning experience with interactive technology lessons embedded in coursework.
What Can You Do With Your Superintendents Certification?
If you choose to earn a superintendent certification, you will be qualified to work in administration positions in central office roles that do not require specific certifications as well as work in the role of the CEO of the district which is the Superintendent of Schools.
These are just a few examples of jobs for those obtaining a Superintendent’s certification:
- Superintendent of Schools
- Assistant, Area, or Deputy Superintendent
- Executive Director’s (See school district posted requirements)
How Much Do Superintendents Make?
The average salary of an assistant superintendent in Texas ranges between $81,000 and $171,000 depending on location, district size, pay scales and other factors. The average salary of Texas public school Superintendent ranges between $100,000 and 275,000. Most Texas school districts use a salary scaled based on years of experience to determine beginning salaries for all positions except the Superintendent. The Superintendent salary can be negotiated between the candidate for hire and the local Board of Trustees. Consideration is given for number of years in the profession, skill set, education (Masters vs. Doctors) and district size/location. (Salary averages can be found on payscale.com and TEA reports.
Delivery
Online delivery: utilizing Tarleton course delivery system, Canvas, you will complete modules related to specific content as determined by the State of Texas (superintendent competencies) and a superintendent advisory committee.
Site-based projects: course-related projects to be completed using local district data.
Simulations: activities related to competencies identified by the State of Texas and a superintendent advisory committee.
Field Experience: planned activities at the school district level designed to provide you with practicing school superintendents. A minimum of 60 clock hours of field experience is required.
Updated Program Components
Instruction in detection and education of students with dyslexia:
2018 Dyslexia Handbook
Dyslexia in Texas
Instruction regarding mental health, substance abuse, and youth suicide:
Kognito Texas Youth Suicide Prevention Project
Texas Behavior Support Initiative (TBSI)
Evidence-Based Prescription Drug Awareness Programs
Updated program components include instruction in digital learning to be aligned with ISTE (International Society of Technology in Education)
Information will be located in Canvas courses.
Recommendation for Certification
Recommendation for certification by Tarleton State University and the Department of Educational Leadership and Technology will be forwarded to the State Board for Educator Certification only after the student has successfully completed:
- Designated course of study and activities
- Documentation of teacher and principal certification,
- Successful performance on the Superintendent Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES).
Student regulations for recommendation of Certification.
Application Process
- Admission to Tarleton State University – Graduate Studies to be granted conditional admission (new Tarleton graduates students only)
- Submit Superintendent Certification Program Application
Prior to enrolling in the subsequent fall or spring semester after conditional admission, you must be granted full admission by Tarleton’s Educator Preparation Council.
Note: Certification is for Texas Residents Only.
| Semester (session) | Deadline Date |
|---|---|
| Spring (1st 8 week session) | Nov 1 |
| Late Spring (2nd 8 week session) | Feb 1 |
| Summer | April 1 |
| Fall (1st 8 week session) | July 1 |
| Late Fall (2nd 8 week session) | Sept 1 |
All program applicants should email their completed applications to [email protected] or mail to the Department of Educational Leadership & Technology at the following address:
Tarleton State University
Attn: Superintendent Certification Program Applications
Box T-0815
Stephenville, TX 76402
1. Texas State House Bill 1508, effective September 1, 2017, requires notice regarding the consequences of a criminal conviction on eligibility for an occupational license: View more information.
Curriculum
Students will complete 15 semester credit hours at Tarleton in five online courses with the practicum being supervised by University faculty and School District leadership.
- Superintendent Leadership and Communication
- Superintendent Leadership and Human Resources
- Superintendent Leadership and Resource Allocation
- Superintendent Leadership and Accountability
- Superintendent Practicum
It is highly suggested that students attend statewide events scheduled by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). During online courses, participants will meet with course instructors and with external personnel, via Zoom, video and other methods. External personnel videos uploaded to Canvas may include job search firms, lobbyists, prominent state policymakers, current school superintendents, and experts in budgeting, visioning, and leadership.