States across the U.S. are grappling with a superintendent shortage, with over 60 vacancies in Texas alone. After overcoming unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, many superintendents retired or moved to smaller districts, fueling the shortage. Now that students and teachers are back in the classrooms, a new generation of superintendents is needed to lead school districts.  

Superintendents are in high demand, but is it the right time in your career to pursue your superintendent certification? That’s what we’re here to answer. Skip to the end if you’re set on earning your certification and taking on the role of a district leader.  

Ask Yourself: Am I Doing This for the Right Reasons?  

We’d love to say that you should pursue superintendent certification for no other reason than to advance your career, but that wouldn’t be sound advice. Instead, we suggest that you carefully weight the pros and cons of superintendency before committing to this career path. 

Superintendents are the leaders of their school district and, accordingly, face tremendous pressure from their community and school board. There are no “typical days,” as superintendents contend with high-level challenges while overseeing daily operations including leading meetings, coordinating with team members, and managing budgets. Superintendents will encounter many of the challenges you’ve faced as school administrators, only on a larger scale.  

We say this not to discourage but to encourage you to transition from principalship to superintendency for the right reasons. If you’re feeling burned out, superintendency likely won’t be the change of pace you’re looking for. If, however, you’re up to the challenge, you’ll find that the rewards are commensurate with the responsibilities of a superintendent. 

Ask Yourself: Do I Have What It Takes to Make a Difference? 

Principals should pursue a superintendent certification for the same reason they became school leaders: to make a difference in the lives of students. True, superintendency is a high-level, high-paying role, but student achievement must always be an administrator’s main source of motivation.  

Superintendents are responsible for allocating resources, such as personnel, technology, and learning materials; collaborating with stakeholders, including administrators, board members, and teachers; and establishing goals—all in the name of fostering a safe, effective learning environment.  

As a principal, you have a profound impact on your campus. As a superintendent, you’ll shape the future of an entire school district.  

The Importance of Leadership 

A 2021-22 meta-analysis of 27 studies involving 2,714 districts sought to answer one question: What is the relationship between district leadership and student academic achievement? Researchers found a strong correlation between the two, noting that effective district leadership does, in fact, add value to the education system. These findings may seem unsurprising, but there are still many who doubt the necessity of superintendents.  

Ask Yourself: Do I Want a Higher Salary?  

Elementary, middle, and high school principals make a median salary of $98,420 annually. While a nearly six-figure salary is impressive, it doesn’t have the buying power it once had, especially as the cost of living creeps higher. Anyone trying to afford childcare, groceries, or car payments in 2023 knows what we’re talking about. Long-term goals, such as saving for retirement, are similarly growing out of reach.  

A principal’s salary is determined, in part, by their experience and education as well as the size of their district. We don’t know the specifics of your situation, but if you’re reading this, it’s possible you’ve reached a compensation plateau. If so, earning your superintendent certification is a surefire way to increase your earning potential.  

According to the 2021-22 AASA Superintendent Salary and Benefits Study, superintendents make a median annual salary of $147,000, with superintendents in the largest districts taking home over $200,000 a year. Superintendents of the largest school districts in Texas earn well over $300,000 a year. Now that’s something to look forward to.  

Ask Yourself: Do I Have Enough Experience?  

If it’s a question of experience, you likely have everything you need—at least on paper. Being a principal, you already meet the first two requirements of the Texas Education Agency (TEA): a master’s degree and a principal certificate. (You’ll also need to complete an approved principal educator preparation program and pass the required exam. More on that below.) 

Aspiring principals outside of Texas should confirm eligibility requirements with their state agency before deciding next steps. 

Ask Yourself: Am I Ready to Become a School Superintendent?  

Only you can decide if this is the right time in your career to pursue superintendent certification. If, however, you’re compelled to make a difference in the lives of hundreds if not thousands of students, you’ll find that there’s no time like the present.   

Enroll in Our Online Superintendent Certification Program 

The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online Superintendent Certification program through which you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to propel your career to new heights. As an approved principal educator preparation program, our program will help you meet Texas’ certification requirements and prepare for the required exam. If you are outside of Texas, contact Dr. Rod Uzat to help you navigate your state’s requirements. 

Our program is composed of convenient online courses, each with a 40-hour practicum (internship) component. Study major topics in our virtual classroom, including capacity building, facility planning, fiscal awareness, and social issues. Then apply your theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting during your internship. Through the internship practicum in every course, you’ll also have the chance to collaborate with your district’s superintendent. What better way to learn what it takes to become a district leader?  

If now is the right time in your career to pursue your superintendent certification, apply to our online program. In as little as two semesters, you can graduate ready to make a difference as a district leader.  

Sources: 
https://www.graduateprogram.org/2020/08/transitioning-from-principal-to-superintendent/
https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/additional-certifications/becoming-a-principal-or-superintendent-in-texas
https://www.naesp.org/sites/default/files/resources/2/Principal/2009/M-A_p28.pdf
https://rptsvr1.tea.texas.gov/adhocrpt/adpea.html