Superintendent Letter of Eligibility, Post Masters Certificate

Location(s): Online

The Superintendent Letter of Eligibility Certificate program provides an opportunity for a graduate student to obtain certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a superintendent. The coursework and related experiences prepare the candidate to promote the success of all students by becoming a district level leader within the K-12 school system.

Student Learning Outcomes

Collaboratively lead, design, and implement a district mission, vision, and process for continuous improvement that reflects a core set of values and priorities that include data use, technology, values, equity, diversity, digital citizenship, and community. (NELP District Level Standard 1, 2018).
Advocate for ethical decisions and cultivate professional norms and culture. (NELP District Level Standard 2, 2018).
Develop and maintain a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive, and inclusive district culture. (NELP District Level Standard 3, 2018).
Evaluate, design, cultivate, and implement coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, supports, assessment, and instructional leadership. (NELP District Level Standard 4, 2018).
Understand and engage families, communities, and other constituents in the work of schools and the district and to advocate for district, student, and community needs. (NELP District Level Standard 5, 2018).
Develop, monitor, evaluate, and manage district systems for operations, resources, technology, and human capital management. (NELP District Level Standard 6, 2018).
Cultivate relationships, lead collaborative decision making and governance, and represent and advocate for district needs in broader policy conversations. (NELP District Level Standard 7, 2018).
Complete an internship under the supervision of knowledgeable, expert practitioners that engages candidates in multiple and diverse district settings and provides candidates with coherent, authentic, and sustained opportunities to synthesize and apply the knowledge and skills identified in NELP Standards 1-7 in ways that approximate the full range of responsibilities required of district-level leaders and enable them to promote the current and future success and well-being of each student and adult in their district. (NELP District Level Standard 8, 2018).

Admissions Requirements

Individuals seeking admission as graduate students in this program must comply with the general admission requirements for graduate students at PennWest and with the following specific admission requirements for this program:

Master’s or Doctorate degree with a GPA of 3.00 or higher (Students with a GPA below 3.00 may apply for conditional admission)
Official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution
Copy of all certifications
- Should include Administrative Certification (i.e. Principal’s K-12 Certification) or Supervisory Certification (i.e. Curriculum Supervisor, Special Education Supervisor). Applicants should review PDE guidelines to assure they can meet certification requirements.
A letter of endorsement from applicant’s Superintendent
A current resume or curriculum vitae
A completed Applicant Data Sheet
Statement of career goals and degree objectives

Note: At the completion of the program and upon application for endorsement for certification from PDE, you will be required to provide verification of completion of the required years of relevant administrative/supervisory experience from your district as per PDE guidelines. Currently this requirement includes “evidence of six years of satisfactory school experience, of which three must be in a supervisory or an administrative capacity.” Also, applicants must currently hold an administrative/supervisory position in order to be able to meet internship requirements and PDE certification guidelines. Please refer to the PDE website for the most current details to assure you can meet the work service requirement.

Curriculum Requirements

Core