Superintendent, certification

Educational Specialist

As an administrator, you can already see the influence of your decisions on the school community — whether in test scores, attitudes or programs. To expand your reach, Mizzou Online's educational specialist (EdSp) in educational leadership and policy analysis program with a PK–12 educational leadership and administration, superintendent certification emphasis gives you a holistic look at the multilevel workings of school districts and what’s needed to drive change on a broader scale.

In preparation for roles as principal or superintendent, you’ll focus on policy and policymaking, including how proposed measures shape district operations and translate to more effective schools. At the same time, you’ll strengthen your managerial foundation — from communication, organizational development and ethics to fiscal and legal considerations — to make meaningful, research-backed decisions from the top down. Through this lens, you’re positioned to empower different elementary and secondary learning environments and instill a culture of achievement and continual improvement across schools and the community at large.

Reflecting the inherently collaborative nature of modern-day leadership, Mizzou’s superintendent certification program uses a 100% online format that incorporates asynchronous courses with virtual face-to-face meetings and project-based learning. Completion qualifies you to pursue building- or district-level certification in Missouri, as well as in other states.

Certification

Students may pursue one of two certifications based on their professional background:

• Building-level: Students who complete the superintendent certification program become eligible for a Missouri Career Administrator’s Certificate (building-level) and/or a Missouri Initial Superintendent Certificate (district-level) if they currently possess a Missouri Initial Administrator Certificate (building-level), have at least four years of experience as an administrator, have been mentored for at least two years by a state-approved mentor and successfully completed performance and certification examinations at the conclusion of all program course work. Those who have yet to earn a Missouri Initial Administrator Certificate may apply their course work toward building- and district-level certifications before fulfilling the remainder of all requirements.
• District-level: Individuals who complete the EdSp program and pass the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s superintendent certification exam are eligible for district-level certification.

About the Online Superintendent Certification Program

Leadership isn’t just about direction. It requires you to think about how you nurture and encourage others, as well as the effects of your decisions. The superintendent certification program places these principles within the context of the school or district environment, supplying you with the mindset to promote achievement, evaluate instructional plans, design professional development opportunities and connect with teachers, families and the surrounding community.

To whichever position you aspire, you learn to:

• Structure and create processes that support teachers and enhance school performance.
• Develop decisions rooted in data and examine their immediate and long-term impacts on students and families.
• Discuss educational trends, issues and changes with a range of audiences — from parents to teachers and administrators.
• Celebrate diversity among students, staff, families and your community and promote equitable, inclusive learning environments for all.
• Cultivate a district-wide culture of school pride and continuous achievement, learning and personal improvement.
• Foster collaborative, responsive relationships with teachers, parents and administrators.