Shapemaximize playTriangle
Watch The College Tour
Contact Us
Visit
Apply
Give
Search

Superintendent Certification Program

At Asbury University, we understand the unique challenges facing educators. That’s why we’re committed to equipping teachers with the skills, resources and support they need to thrive and combat burnout effectively. Earning your Superintendent Certification through Asbury allows you to enjoy more leadership opportunities in your school district and also an increased salary!

The Superintendent program is a certification-only pathway. This program is for certified school administrators who hold a master’s degree and have completed Level 1 and Level 2 certification for Principal Licensure, Supervisor of Instruction, or any other administrative certifications.

Through our Clinical-Based Preparation Model, we provide educators with hands-on, real-world experiences through courses that prepare them for the dynamic landscape of education today. By engaging in clinical learning environments, teachers have the opportunity to apply theory to practice, develop practical skills and grow in their abilities. Our emphasis on spiritual integrity and servant leadership provides teachers with a strong foundation for resilience and well-being, nurturing their spiritual health and empowering educators to find purpose and fulfillment in their work even in the midst of challenges and pressures in their profession.

Ready to get started? Apply today!

Course Plan

Fall 1

▾ LDG 708 - Roles/Responsibilities of the Superintendent

This course is a combination of clinical field experiences and class work, offered in an online environment but utilizing ‘face to face’ opportunities as well (hybrid model). Course themes include the study of the specific tasks of a school district superintendent, including leadership theory/development, school-based councils, board leadership and its impact on student learning, time management, culturally responsive leadership, capacity building, and ethics. Candidates will collaborate with a current school superintendent in designing and developing a Capstone Project that can be utilized by the participating district.

Credits: 3

▾ LDG 709 - Instructional Planning for Student Learning

This course is a combination of clinical field experiences and class work, offered in an online environment but utilizing ‘face to face’ opportunities as well (hybrid model). Course themes include the study of community engagement focused on student learning, board leadership and its impact on student learning, district-wide aligned and rigorous standards-based curriculum that prepares students to be globally competitive for post-secondary education and work, and empowering school and district staff to provide academic and holistic support to at-risk students. Candidates will collaborate with a current school superintendent in designing and developing a Capstone Project that can be utilized by the participating district.

Credits: 3

Spring 1

▾ LDG 711 - School District Management

This course is a combination of clinical field experiences and class work, offered in an online environment but utilizing ‘face to face’ opportunities as well (hybrid model). Course themes include the study of school finance, working with personnel, food service, transportation, school safety, district management of programs and services, and school based councils. This course is grounded in the principals of organizational health and servant leadership. Candidates will collaborate with a current superintendent in designing and developing a course project that can be utilized by the participating district.

Credits: 3

▾ LDG 712 - Systems for Change

This course is a combination of clinical field experiences and class work, offered in an online environment but utilizing ‘face to face’ opportunities as well (hybrid model). Course themes include developing skills that facilitate rigorous curriculum, engaging instruction, professional development, a comprehensive and effective assessment system, and design of preschool, early childhood, middle childhood, adolescent and adult education that is based on research and best practice. Candidates will collaborate with a current school superintendent in designing and developing a course project that can be utilized by the participating district.

Credits: 3

Unique Features

  • Learn from a team of Asbury educational leadership faculty and current/retired school superintendents
  • Alternate Administrative Certification (formerly Option 6) is available for candidates who begin serving as school superintendents before completing the program
  • Classes delivered through a co-taught online platform

Exit Requirements

  • Completion of four course sequence with a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Complete a minimum of 60 clinical hours with an experienced superintendent
  • Successful completion of the Capstone Project and presentation
  • Complete the ETS School Superintendent Assessment (6021)
  • 2 years of administrative experience (as principal, instructional supervisor, guidance counselor, DPP, DoSE, school business administrator, or supervisor of district-wide services)
  • Cumulative passing score of 3 or above on a 5 point scale on the faculty dispositions evaluations

Admissions Process

Superintendent Program Requirements

  • Master’s Degree (3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale)
  • Current qualifications for KY Teaching Certification
  • Completion of Levels I and II preparation and certification for the position of school principal, or supervisor of instruction; OR for a candidate who completed preparation for principal prior to 1988, completion of the assessments for administration; and completion of at least three (3) years of full-time teaching experience, including at least 140 days per year.

Applicant Portfolio

  • Written letter of recommendation from a supervisor/education agency representative attesting to applicant’s suitability for school leadership
  • Completed online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Character and Fitness Form (digitally sent after applying)
  • University Screening Committee Interview

Begin your application today!