COHORT INFORMATION
Cohort 2006
Cohort 2007
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 years, and is designed for individuals seeking endorsement in the state of Iowa as a superintendent.
The program is unique in that it minimizes student class time and maximizes on-site skill development while working with a mentor/coach. 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.
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.
WebCT
Courses in this program have an online component utilizing WebCT, 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
270:340 Educational Finance, 3 hours, + 3 hours practicum*
Financial support for education; emphasis on Iowa.
270:346 School Business Management, 3 hours, + 3 hours practicum*
Develops the rationale for the function of school business administration. Assists school administrators in managing business affairs and auxiliary services of the school district.
*Each core course requires three credit hours of traditional class time in order to build a knowledge foundation and develop skills as well as a three-credit-hour practicum that is student district specific, has a work product planned with and supported by the mentor, and is of sufficient magnitude to have district-wide impact.
270:314 Introduction to the Superintendency, 3 hours
Introduction to study of the superintendency to gain familiarity with various aspects and challenges facing superintendents, to develop understanding of the dynamics which affect superintendent's behaviors, and to develop an understanding of the specific responsibilities of the superintendency.
270:389 Seminar in Educational Leadership, 3 hours
Offered on special topics as determined and scheduled by the department.
270:311 Educational Leadership and Systems Change, 3 hours
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.
270:310 Human Resource Administration, 3 hours
Teacher selection and placement, promotion, tenure, and retirement; administration of pupil personnel facilitating services.
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 the superintendent of schools (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 development with district mission, vision and goals; hiring, induction, retention and compensation of staff; curriculum 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 through at least one state and one national educational leadership conference.
One-day workshops provided by the University of Northern Iowa designed to lend knowledge and skill support during the internship will count toward completion of the internship. Workshops may include, but are not limited to, technology, special educational law, legal research and other high need areas as identified by students.
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.