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Develop strong school leadership skills

Excellence in leadership in our nation’s public schools is vital to the success of our youth. The graduate-level superintendent preparation cohort program will prepare you to offer strong, successful school leadership in a superintendent role.

As a superintendent, your goal will be to ensure that students in your district are learning and achieving at a high level. You’ll need to continually reassess what’s best for all your students, know the best practices for maximizing the achievements of your students and support the teachers in your district.

Cohort design

The superintendent certificate program is offered in a cohort design that precludes self-selection into any required course related to the program of study. All students granted admission to the program will be members of a cohort and are expected to complete all coursework as a member of the cohort for which they were admitted. The student must reapply to SFA Graduate School if the student wants to resume coursework after not taking courses the preceding fall or spring semester.

Curriculum

The superintendent certificate program consists of 15 hours of courses, 12 of which can be used toward a doctoral degree in educational leadership. Experiences are built on the Texas Professional Standards for the Superintendent and are developed by the State Board for Educator Certification in conjunction with a cross-section of community, business and school administrators. 

Multicultural educational experiences and technology skill development are integrated into each course. The learner-centered curriculum focuses on:

  • the values of integrity, fairness and ethics of leadership
  • leadership and district culture
  • communications and community relations
  • policy and governance
  • curriculum planning and development
  • instructional leadership and management
  • human resources leadership for staff evaluations and performance through staff development
  • leadership and management of districts’ physical plants and support
  • systems for safe and effective learning environments in relation to budget, personnel, resource utilization and financial management and technology
  • and organizational leadership and management.
Course and NumberCourse Description
EDLE 6311The Superintendency
EDLE 6347Public School Finance and Resources
EDLE 6351School Assets and Capital Management
EDLE 6394Superintendent Seminar
EDLE 6396Practicum for the School Superintendent

To be eligible for this program option, the student must meet the following criteria:

  • a master’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • two years of teaching experience
  • a principal certification
  • and a passing score on the standard principal Examination for Certification of Educators in Texas.

Program Coordinator:

Dr. Barbara Qualls
Email: quallsba@sfasu.edu
Office: 936.468.1592

Program Administrative Support:

Email: edle@sfasu.edu
Office: 936.468.6478
Human Services Building, Suite 312

Contact

Department of Human Services and Educational Leadership
936.468.2906
HSEL@sfasu.edu
Faculty Directory

Human Services Building
Suite 302

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 13019, SFA Station
Nacogdoches, Texas 75962