Superintendent Certification
Superintendent Certification Programs
The Texas A&M University-Texarkana's Texas Superintendent Certification Preparation Program is aligned to the Texas Superintendent Standards and the Test Framework of the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) through four courses (12 SCH) and 20 additional hours of conferences and/or training approved by program faculty. The 160 practicum hours across both semesters must be completed in a Texas school district. The Superintendent Certification Program at A&M-Texarkana offers two delivery models: Fully Online Program or the Ratliff Academy.
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Superintendent Program Handbook
Benefits of A&M-Texarkana's Superintendent Program
Texas A&M System has been preparing professional educators for 100 years!
- We offer programs online and with Ratliff Academy.
- online using zoom technology with main campus faculty or
- face-to-face at Region 8 with Ratliff Academy
- Our pass rates are above 95% over the last five years!
- Superintendent courses can be applied towards A&M-Texarkana’s doctoral program in Education Leadership
Fully Online Program
Fully online program with comprehensive support for passing Superintendent certification exam. Flexible start dates.
The Texas A&M University-Texarkana Texas Superintendent Certification Preparation Program is aligned to the Texas Superintendent Standards and the Test Framework of the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) through four courses (12 SCH) with an ongoing 160-hour practicum. completed in a Texas school district. [Note: Faculty will assist students not living or working in Texas to find a suitable Texas district in which to conduct practicum.] For more information, please contact Dr. Kathy Lease at klease@tamut.edu or (903) 334-6686.
The program can be completed in two semesters, with new cohorts beginning each semester. The schedule of courses is provided below:
- First Semester:
- EDLD 690 Executive Leadership of the Education Community
- EDLD 694 Instructional Leadership
- Second Semester:
- EDLD 698 Administrative Leadership
- EDLD 691 Superintendent Internship in Public Schools
Featured Courses
EDLD 690 - Leadership of the Education Community
This course is designed to provide prospective public school superintendents/CEOs and other executive leaders with the knowledge and skills incorporated in Domain I of the test framework for Texas Superintendent Standards - Leadership of the Educational Community. The competencies included with Domain I address: (1) acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner; (2) the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning; (3) communication and collaboration with families and community members, including mobilizing community resources; and (4) responding to the political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context, including working with governance boards. The application of sound leadership principles developed in the business sector will be translated into effective strategies for the leadership of large governmental agencies.
EDLD 691 - Superintendent Leadership in Public Schools
Translating all Texas standards for superintendent certification into action is the focus of this experiential-based course. The course of study encompasses the culmination of the analysis, synthesis, and application of the skills and knowledge needed to begin a career as a Texas public school superintendent, assistant superintendent, or district administrator. The content of the course is designed into broad categories organized by the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) proficiencies for the Texas Superintendent’s Certificate into three domains: leadership of the educational community, instructional leadership, and administrative leadership. Within the three domains, all eight of the educator standards for the superintendency are organized and further defined by competencies required to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful entry-level superintendent or district administrator. Participating in leadership projects, activities, discussions, interviews, and shadowing experiences provide a context for students to garner the knowledge and skills necessary for successful executives. Learning sites include private businesses, local or state government and/or management, Texas public schools, Texas public school support institutions, non-profit organizations, and/or others as determined appropriate on an individual basis. In order to experience the whole year’s cycle of skills and knowledge required of superintendents, the assignments and experiences are woven throughout all four courses in the Superintendent Certification Program. Students document their learning with an electronic portfolio and mastery of the Comprehensive Examination.
Ratliff Academy Program
Texas A&M University – Texarkana is proud to be in a collaborative partnership with Region 8 Education Service Center for the Ratliff Academy for School Executives. Students in this program attend monthly seminars over four semesters held at Region 8 in Pittsburg, TX. Applications are accepted each fall and the start date begins in late January. The Ratliff Academy prepares future school superintendents using innovative tools and a cohort model. For further information, please contact Jeff Clark at jclark@reg8.net or (903) 640-6632.
"My experience in earning my Superintendent certification as part of the Ratliff Academy in partnership with Texas A&M-Texarkana has positively impacted my career in countless ways. The relationships established and built with colleagues and professors through this program are still growing to this day. The coursework and classes were challenging, practical, and provided me opportunities to grow as an instructional leader. The BEST Superintendent certification in the STATE!"
Todd MarshallPrincipal at Pleasant Grove ISD
"I am thankful to have had the opportunity to obtain my superintendent certification from Texas A&M-Texarkana. I was well prepared through the program and always felt supported by my professors. If i had to do it again, I would choose Texas A&M-Texarkana."
Dr. Larry GajewskeySuperintendent at Nursery ISD
"The support and guidance that I received at TAMUT was instrumental in providing me with the tools needed to help launch my career farther than I ever imagined."
Lamond DeanSuperintendent at Chapel Hill ISD
"As a Texas A&M-Texarkana alumni, I'm proud of the work the Educational Leadership Progam is doing. The program prepared me for my superintendency and the professors helped me along the way. In fact, they are still there for me to this day when I need help. The faculty really values the work we do as educational leaders."
Jon LaffoonSuperintendent at Farmington School District (AR)