Initial Administrator Certificate (Superintendent)

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.

The Superintendent Certification program is offered via synchronous class meetings utilizing Zoom on a monthly class schedule (Friday/Saturday). This career-embedded graduate degree allows you to apply immediately what you are learning in real time, while working at your current job.   

Student Resources

Website: Education Leadership

Advisor: Wayne Robertson, 425-238-5358, Wayne.Robertson@wwu.edu

Program Manager: Carola McGowan, Miller Hall 417A, 360-650-3714, Carola.McGowan@wwu.edu

Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.

Career Services Center: Connect major to a career

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

All applicants must complete the Graduate School online application.

1. Statement of purpose to include*:
   1. why you want to become a district-level leader;
   2. how your understanding of diversity relates to improving learning for all students;
   3. your understanding of diversity and equity and your leadership experiences related to student diversity and equity in your response, recognizing that your school/district has students with diverse backgrounds;
      *For this statement of purpose, diversity may include but not be limited to ethnicity/race and culture; religious affiliation; sexual orientation; socio-economic status; and students in highly capable, disability, and EL/ESL programs.
2. Résumé outlining your education and professional history.
3. Letter of recommendation from your prospective mentoring superintendent supporting your application and indicating their willingness to serve as your mentor.
4. 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.

Application Deadlines

To receive full consideration for admission to this program, applicants must submit all application materials by the following deadlines:

• Fall Quarter: August 1
• Winter Quarter: October 1
• Spring Quarter: February 1

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.