The Department of Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Postsecondary Education is proud to announce an Advanced Studies Certificate Program leading to Superintendent Certification. The program typically starts each spring semester, continuing for approximately two and a half years, and is designed for individuals seeking endorsement in the state of Iowa as a superintendent.
The performance-based program is unique in that it minimizes student class time and maximizes on-site skill development while working with a lead mentor and mentors with special expertise. Students entering this program will be required to devote a considerable amount of time in an internship experience where work products and skills will be developed.
View/download a program flyer (pdf) for the 2010 cohort program
Iowa Communications Network (ICN)
Courses in this program are offered primarily via the ICN. Delivery of ICN programs is limited to the state of Iowa.
UNI campus
Summer sessions in this program may involve some on-campus or central site study.
eLearning
Courses in this program have an online component utilizing eLearning, a computer conferencing program requiring Internet access and a web browser — no additional software is required. Students may need access to someone who can assist with computer set-up.
By enrolling in this program, you will also be able to apply for the doctoral program and have the credit hours apply toward the doctoral degree. Learn more about the doctoral degree program
33 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED
270:XXX Leading Teaching, Learning and Assessment – 3 hrs.
Focuses on what Boards need to know, be able to do, and believe and the Leadership role of the board/superintendent team.
270:389 Seminar in Educational Leadership—Superintendency – 4 hrs.
Develops a knowledge base in leadership and district culture, communication and community relations, instructional leadership, curriculum planning and development, policy and governance, organizational management and human resource management.
270:XXX Power, Politics and Ethics in School District Leadership – 3 hrs.
Identifies the critical roles of the superintendent and the network of individuals, agencies, and organizations that impact an educational system.
270:391 Internship – 9 hrs.
The 450 hour Internship should include work intensity in governance including improvement of board/superintendent relations; alignment of curriculum, instruction, student achievement and professional development with district mission, vision and goals. The internship should cover a minimum of 12 consecutive months as an intern working
in concert with a lead mentor and critical friends.
270:311 Educational Leadership and Systems Change – 3 hrs.
Examination of knowledge base for both change and leadership. Emphasis on understanding how change factors and leadership styles Interact to influence receptiveness to and acceptance of change.
270:340 Funding the Educational Program for Improved Student Achievement – 3 hrs.
Financial instruction focuses on district financial support for improved student achievement; emphasis on Iowa.
270:XXX Evaluation of Administrators – 2 hrs.
Provides superintendents and other educational leaders with valuable Information and skills in the supervision and evaluation process.
270:310 Human Resource Administration – 3 hrs.
Teacher selection and placement, promotion, tenure and retirement; administration of pupil personnel facilitating services.
270:346 School Business Management – 3 hrs.
Assists school administrators in managing business affairs and auxiliary services of the school district.
A 1 1/2 year performance-based internship (a minimum of 12 months) requiring a minimum of 450 hours as an intern working in concert with a lead mentor and his/her staff. The internship should include work intensity in governance including improvement of board/superintendent relations; alignment of curriculum, instruction and professional assessment and accountability, instructional leadership with a focus on improvement of student achievement; and identification of future needs and challenges with appropriate planning. The internship should also include networking and attendance at at least one state and/or one national educational leadership conference.
A performance-based program requires evidence that Standards for School Leaders (SSL) are met. Standards must be demonstrated through work products that clearly show skill development and an expansive knowledge base.