Aaron Fong, EdD, is the vice president (VP) of schools for IDEA Public Schools in Midland, Texas, where he supervises principals in a network of Pre-K-12 public charter schools. Already empowering others, Dr. Fong aims to do more for what is historically one of the lowest performing educational regions in the state. “The thought of being able to flip outcomes and flip the story that is told about West Texas and the kiddos in our region is something that really, really motivates me,” he said. “The best way I see to do that is to eventually become a superintendent here in West Texas.”
Dr. Fong is a student in the online Superintendent Certification program at The University of Texas Permian Basin and will soon graduate and take the TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards) exam required for certification. We spoke with Dr. Fong, who was kind enough to share his experience in UTPB’s online program and his plans to improve student outcomes in the region.
The Need to Do More
Dr. Fong’s journey to become a superintendent began like many others. He pursued a teaching career straight out of college, and after learning the ropes as an assistant principal at San Jacinto Junior High, he was given the opportunity to lead Bush Elementary School. During his first year, Bush Elementary became the highest performing open enrollment school in Midland. “I quickly realized that my own impact on West Texas was just the 600 or so students that I had immediate influence over … which to me is great,” he explained, “but 600 kids every year is just not enough.” To have a greater impact on student success, he realized he would need to reach the next stage of his career path.
The Choice to Attend UT Permian Basin
His sights set on becoming a superintendent, Dr. Fong searched for an approved superintendent educator preparation program in Texas until stumbling upon ours. UTPB’s online Superintendent Certification program offers everything he needed: comprehensive curriculum, networking opportunities, a flexible format, and to his delight, an efficient pace. Dr. Fong is on track to graduate the very same year he joined the program, which can be completed in as little as two semesters.
A Leader Among Leaders
Dr. Fong is joined in UTPB’s program by principals, instructional coaches, chief financial officers, and other educational leaders from across the country. “Weekly, we’ll be given a topic and be expected to engage in the topic, engage in collaboration, debate — just bouncing ideas off each other,” said Dr. Fong. Online discussions are a chance for students to reflect on their experiences and refine their views on superintendency. “[T]hey’re all bringing just diverse ideas to the table, which in my opinion,” he added, “has been the biggest opportunity for learning.”
A Flexible Program
Apart from its practicum component, UTPB’s program is online and features asynchronous elements, allowing administrators like Dr. Fong to pursue their certification without upending their lives. “[W]e have the autonomy to engage as our schedule allows,” he said, noting that ample notice was given whenever one of the program’s few live virtual meetings was announced. School administrators aren’t known for having an abundance of free time, which is why so many attend UT Permian Basin online.
A Professor and Mentor
An online program, no matter how well designed, must be led by caring instructors if it’s to succeed. UTPB is fortunate to have Assistant Professor Rod Uzat, PhD, who makes a point of getting to know his students to provide them with the best possible learning experience. “It’s been incredible having such access to my professor throughout the program, so it’s as if he’s serving the role of not only my professor but my advisor,” said Dr. Fong, noting that although UTPB’s program has grown to a dozen aspiring superintendents since he joined, he can always reach his professor.
The Right Balance
He also commended Assistant Professor Uzat for striking the right balance between theoretical learning and practical application. “[T]here are certain competencies that we must learn on our way to [completing] the superintendency test,” he said, “and I think he does a good job of incorporating those into every course while also allowing for more organic learning and more experiential learning through readings, articles, and research papers.” Such is the case with Dr. Fong’s favorite course: Superintendency and the School Board.
A New Perspective on Superintendency
Superintendency and the School Board examines the complex relationship between these two powerful stakeholders and requires students to attend at least two school board meetings during the semester. “[T]his course challenged me to really consider the collaborative piece, so it’s not only that you’re a leader of the district; you are the partner of the school board and their constituencies,” he said. “[I]t really just brought to light the importance of fostering strong relationships … in order to lead by influence rather than control.”
“A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats”
As he works steadily toward graduation, Dr. Fong is confident that he will pass the TExES exam and earn his superintendent certification, and he credits UTPB’s program with preparing him for what comes next. We have no doubt that he will succeed. At no point during our discussion did his love for his community waver. “My hope is that given the opportunity, I can lead the charge with one district, one small piece of the pie,” he explained, “so that Region 18 can shake its reputation of being the worst performing educational region in the state of Texas to one of the best.”
Dr. Fong mentioned the aphorism “a rising tide lifts all boats,” and we can think of no better way to describe this essential, empowering role. Superintendents, as Dr. Fong learned, are not supreme rulers whose orders are law. They are leaders who promote a shared vision by collaborating with not only school boards but also students, teachers, parents, and other community members. UTPB’s online Superintendent Certification program offers many benefits: a flexible format, enthusiastic instructors, and experiential learning opportunities. What really sets UTPB’s program apart, however, is the new perspective graduates gain on superintendency.
Earn Your Superintendent Certification With the Help of UT Permian Basin
Are you interested in pursuing your certification, learning what it means to be a district leader, and taking a larger part in improving education outcomes in your community? If so, consider attending UT Permian Basin online and enrolling in the Superintendent Certification program. Accredited by the prestigious Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), UTPB’s program will provide you with the skills and competencies needed to meet Texas’ certification requirements. Graduate in as little as two semesters with the means to make a difference in education and your career.
Apply now if you’re ready to begin. We look forward to welcoming you as our latest graduate student and introducing you to the professors and peers you’ll be learning alongside.