Initial Administrator Certificate (Superintendent)

32 credits

(26 credits of coursework plus a 6 credit, 6 quarter field experience)

See wce.wwu.edu/edad/initial-superintendent-certification for specific details.

Introduction

Designed for aspiring superintendents and other school district leaders, such as assistant superintendents, executive directors and program managers. Candidates earn the Washington State initial superintendent’s certificate.

Why Consider a Certificate in Initial Administrator (Superintendent)?

How to Declare (Application and Declaration Process):

All applicants must complete the Graduate School online application.

1. Unofficial transcripts from the institution that awarded your master’s degree. If you are a current or former Western Washington University student, please generate an unofficial WWU transcript through Web4U to upload. Official transcripts will be required of candidates upon acceptance of an offer of admission.
2. Letter of intent stating (a) your goals and objectives as a district-level leader and (b) how your understanding of diversity relates to improving learning for all students.
3. Résumé outlining your education and professional history.
4. Letter of recommendation from your prospective mentoring superintendent supporting your application and indicating their willingness to serve as your mentor.
5. Valid Washington State certificate (teacher, ESA, principal, or program administrator).

Program Requirements

Eligibility

1. Master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. Valid teacher, educational staff associate (ESA), program administrator, principal certificate, or superintendent certificate from another state.

Internship

1. Washington State Requirement: All candidates for the initial superintendent’s certificate must complete a six-credit, six-quarter field experience.
2. Mentor Supervision: The intern shall be under the supervision of a mentoring superintendent with a minimum of three years of professional experience in the role they are supervising. Candidates are to discuss leadership goals and administrative career aspirations with the mentoring administrator before, or commensurate with, application to the program.
3. District Approval: Candidates must initiate and satisfy any internship approval procedures required by their district.
4. University Credit: 540 hours of field experience (EDAD 692) translates to (6) credit hours across six quarters of (1) credit each.

Additional Information

Note: Evidence of good moral character and personal fitness is required if the candidate does not hold a valid Washington educator certificate at the time of recommendation for the administrator certificate. Instructions and forms are available through the certification office located in Miller Hall 254F.

Grade Requirements

All coursework and demonstration of state-required competencies must be completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better and within a five-year span.