School Executive Leadership
and Superintendent Certificate

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
PETERSON HALL
206-281-2214
GRADADMISSIONS@SPU.EDU
SPU.EDU/DEPTS/SOE

The School Executive Leadership and Superintendent Certification programs emphasize the knowledge and skills appropriate to district-level administrative assignments in the P–12 setting such as superintendent, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent, directors, and other similar roles. 

While both programs prepare educational leaders, the two programs differ in the fact that the executive leadership program does not necessarily lead to superintendent certification unless the candidate possesses the prerequisite certification requirement.

SUPERINTENDENT CERTIFICATION

The superintendent program is based on the National Policy Board for Education Administration standards and, as a result, those completing the program should be able to:

• Develop and implement a vision for learning that is supported by school and community stakeholders.
• Ensure there is a culture that sustains a coherent professional development and instructional program conducive to student learning.
• Effectively manage the organization and resources for a safe and effective learning environment.
• Collaborate with families and community members to mobilize resources in responding to diverse community interests and needs.
• Act with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner.
• Understand and appropriately respond to the political, social, and cultural dynamics of a school district.

A candidate who possesses the necessary prerequisite certificates and successfully completes this program will qualify for the Washington Residency School Superintendent's Certificate.

SCHOOL EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

The School Executive Leadership program is intended for those who wish to prepare to become educational leaders but do not meet the prerequisite certification requirements necessary for superintendent certification. Students in this program will take the same coursework as the Superintendent Certification program but will not be eligible for a superintendent’s certificate at the completion of the program.

Program Design

The program consists of a sequence of six 3-credit courses offered over a two-year period, a series of professional growth planning seminars conducted over two years,  and an internship consisting of at least 360 hours of field experience. Classes meet three times per quarter in a Friday-afternoon/Saturday-morning format. Readings and case studies are assigned in advance to maximize the amount of time for discussion, dialogue, and reflection. This program has three key components:

• Team Building. Participants go through the six-course sequence as a cohort. Monthly meetings with these same individuals also provide opportunities for networking and team building.

• Weekend Coursework. Classes meet three times per quarter, Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon. Monthly sessions include (1) review of in-district internship work; (2) discussion of case studies; and (3) best-practice presentations by current practitioners. Participants are involved in selecting topics and planning the activities.

• Field Experience. Field experience is an integral part of the coursework and takes place over the same two-year period as the coursework. The goal of the internship is to develop the hands-on experience and skill needed to increase student learning through district-level leadership. The major focus of the internship is a meaningful, districtwide project that will make a difference in improving the district and address the portfolio criteria for the internship. In addition, shadowing, teamwork, and reflection are part of the internship process.
  
  

Items Required for Admission
The following materials are to be submitted for admission into the program:

• A graduate application.
• A $50 processing fee.
• Official transcripts from all institutions where a degree was conferred or where post-master's graduate coursework was completed. (To maintain their official status, transcripts must remain sealed in their original envelopes.) Each candidate for the school superintendent's certification program must have completed a master's, doctorate, or other advanced degree.
• A copy of the applicant's most recently earned professional teacher, ESA, principal, or program administrator certificate. Proof of three years experience as a school administrator.
• Two letters of recommendation. These must represent a current assessment of the applicant's qualifications. It is preferred that one recommendation be from the applicant's supervisor. The other may be from an instructor, another supervisor, pastor, or a colleague. Recommendations must remain sealed in their original envelopes.
• Approved Site Agreement signed by the superintendent of the applicant's district, indicating that the district will work with him or her to make an internship experience possible. (If no internship site is available, the applicant should include a note to this effect with the application.)

Exceptions to the above requirements should be approved through the program chair, William Prenevost, before application materials are submitted. Contact him at 206-281-2370.  

General Admission Information

The two tracks of this program — school executive leadership and superintendent certification — are set up on a cohort format, with coursework beginning Autumn Quarter.

• About 15 applicants are admitted each year. Candidates are admitted as application materials are completed and reviewed.
• Candidates may begin the program in that fall of the academic year and complete the program in a cohort model.

All items required for applicant evaluation are to be sent together in one packet. These materials should be directed to:

The Graduate Center
Seattle Pacific University
3307 Third Avenue West, Suite 111
Seattle, Washington 98119-1922

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