Becoming a judge takes grit, intelligence, and years of legal work. For women, the path is often even steeper. Despite the barriers, though, trailblazing women have risen to the highest courts in the nation, shattering the status quo and making history along the way.
From Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Ketanji Brown Jackson, these female judges didn’t just interpret the law; they changed it.
These women have shaped the legal system through groundbreaking decisions and barrier-breaking careers:
These influential women have not only shaped landmark legal decisions but also redefined what it means to lead in the highest courts of the land. Below, we take a closer look at how each one helped shape legal history.
As a law student, Ruth Bader Ginsberg and her female classmates were often discriminated against and excluded from sections of the library. Not that that stopped her from graduating at the top of her class.
Still, finding work was nearly impossible. “In the fifties, the traditional law firms were just beginning to turn around on hiring Jews. … But to be a woman, a Jew, and a mother to boot, that combination was a bit much,” said Ginsberg. Nevertheless, she persisted, becoming the second woman and the first Jewish woman to serve on the Supreme Court after her confirmation on August 3, 1993.
Ginsberg’s tenure as a Supreme Court justice was legendary. “The notorious R.B.G,” as she was affectionately called, was an unwavering advocate for gender equality and women’s rights until her death on September 18, 2020.
Sonia Sotomayor became the third woman, and first Latina, to serve on the Supreme Court after she was confirmed on August 9, 2009. Sotomayor grew up in the Bronxdale Houses, a South Bronx housing project. As a child, she loved reading Nancy Drew mysteries, and she was inspired by the adventurous sleuth to follow a path of learning, ultimately leading to a career in law.
Sotomayor had over three decades of experience at almost every level of the judicial system before sitting on the Court. Hailed as “one of the ablest federal judges currently sitting,” Sotomayor has ruled to uphold the Affordable Care Act and ruled to legalize same-sex marriage.
Ketanji Brown Jackson spent much of her childhood listening her father read legal cases as he studied for law school. She was inspired to follow in his footsteps, but her journey was not without its challenges. Sharing her plans to attend Harvard with her high school guidance counselor, she was advised not to set her “sights so high.”
Jackson graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and cum laude from Harvard Law School. Her law career spans over two decades, and while serving on the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia, she issued over 500 opinions on cases. On June 30, 2022, Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court, becoming the first Black woman to sit on the Court.
Waukesha County Circuit Judge Jennifer Dorow stepped into the national spotlight when, in 2022, she presided over the high-profile trial of Darrel Brooks Jr., who was convicted for killing six people during the Waukesha Christmas parade. Throughout the trial, Dorow received fan mail, even a telegram, praising her for her expertise and calm demeanor.
Dorow ran for the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2023. She lost, but when asked about legislating from the bench, she gave this insightful answer: “It’s the role of a judge to apply the law as written to the facts of the cases that come before us, to never prejudge those cases, to be fair and impartial and in our government.”
Judges play a crucial role in the criminal justice system, both here in the U.S. and abroad. Susan Kiefel, Australia’s first female High Court chief justice, recently retired after 16 years. Australian Women Lawyers President Astrid Haban-Beer said that Kiefel “presided over tough times at the court” and did so “masterfully.”
While many of her male contemporaries received a private education, Kiefel studied law part time while working as a legal secretary. Kiefel would simply say she did the best she could. Still, she’s happy that her journey can inspire others to pursue a law career.
After her husband’s premature death, Belva Lockwood graduated from law school—only receiving her diploma after appealing to President Ulysses S. Grant—and moved to Washington D.C. to become an attorney: something thought impossible for a woman in the 19th century.
When she applied for admission to the Supreme Court Bar in 1876, the motion was denied. “None but men are admitted to practice before [the Court] as attorneys and counsellors,” announced Chief Justice R. Waite. In November 1880, Lockwood became the first woman to argue before the Supreme Court, paving the way for Ruth Bader Ginsberg and other women on the Supreme Court.
In addition to the esteemed female judges already mentioned, here are some frequently asked questions that highlight key milestones and contributions of women in the U.S. judiciary:
If you want to make a lasting impact in the field of political science, have you considered pursuing a degree in the field? The University of Texas Permian offers a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, an entirely online program designed to empower the next generation of legal professionals. Our program will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to serve communities, influence policy, and navigate the complexities of the political system.
Add to the legacy of empowered women shaping the future of the legal landscape. Apply to UT Permian Basin.
Sources:
https://americanwritersmuseum.org/ruth-bader-ginsburg-quotes/
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From Congress to the White House to the Supreme Court, America’s political institutions shape every part of our lives. They decide how much you pay in taxes, whether your vote counts, and what rights you have. But are they working the way they’re supposed to? What Is a Political Institution? Political institutions are the organizations…
When people picture women who reshaped American politics, Ruth Bader Ginsburg often comes to mind first—and for good reason. RBG changed how the law sees gender equality from the inside of the Supreme Court. But here’s the thing: she wasn’t in Congress. Long before women were reliably winning elections—long before it was even legal for…
Ever wonder how elections actually work? The answer lies in electoral systems. Not to be confused with the Electoral College, an electoral system is a set of rules for casting and counting votes and determining who wins. Different countries use different methods to choose their leaders. Some systems can declare a winner with just 34%…
Women hold only 11% of CEO positions at Fortune 500 companies, despite making up half of the global population. That gap is real, and it’s still closing too slowly.
The women on this list didn’t wait for the playing field to level out. They built something anyway, and in doing so, made the path clearer for everyone who comes after them.
Here are seven highly successful business women blazing the trail for future generations.
Taylor Swift is a force of nature. Swift’s success comes from her business savvy, eye for marketing, and willingness to invest in herself.
Her “Eras Tour,” which paid homage to the singer-songwriter’s illustrious career, brought joy to hundreds of thousands of attendees and boosted the U.S. economy by nearly $5 billion. We can’t wait to see what she does next (assuming we can get tickets).
Growing up under a communist regime, Zhang Xin’s life was dull, monotonous, and gray. Gray buildings. Gray uniforms. There were even sandstorms that turned the sky gray. Xin and the company she cofounded, property developer SOHO China, are credited with bringing lights and colors to the city of Beijing.
After becoming “the woman who built Beijing,” Xin went on to found the New York-based film production company Closer Media.
As an engineering student, Debbie Sterling was outnumbered by her male counterparts. Asking herself, “why should boys have all the fun?”, Sterling set out to change the status quo.
Enter GoldieBlox: an innovative toy company with a mission to ignite girls’ passion for science and engineering. GoldieBlox has been a smash hit, becoming the first small business to be featured in a Super Bowl ad.
Sara Blakely was looking for the perfect undergarment to pair with white pants. Armed with only a pair of scissors, she made her own from a pair of pantyhose. From that moment of invention came SPANX.
SPANX now has retail shops around the world, and Blakely can be counted among the world’s youngest self-made female billionaires.
Jessica Alba was at the top of her acting career when, in 2008, she gave birth to her daughter Honor and decided to take her life in a new direction.
Alba launched The Honest Company in 2012, a wellness brand specializing in eco-friendly products. Alba was willing to pivot in her career and dared to imagine a better life than the one she had.
Winfrey was born poor in rural Mississippi. From her humble beginnings, she built a media and business empire, developing and hosting “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” starring in “The Color Purple,” and creating multimedia production company Harpo Productions. She remains an inspiration and a powerful force across multiple industries.
Whitney Wolfe Herd created not one tech giant but two, cofounding Tinder and later its rival, Bumble.
With Bumble, Wolfe Herd wanted to change the gender dynamics of dating, inspired by the advances women had made in the workforce. She took the dating app public in 2021, making her the youngest female CEO to take a U.S. company public.
The women on this list came from different industries, backgrounds, and starting points. What they shared was a willingness to take what they knew (or what they wanted to know) and build something with it.
A business degree won’t hand you a billion-dollar company, but it gives you the foundation to make smarter decisions, navigate challenges, and lead with confidence. UTPB’s AACSB-accredited College of Business offers fully online programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level—built for people who are ready to get moving without putting their lives on hold.
Undergraduate options:
Graduate options:
Take the lead. Apply to one of UTPB’s online business programs and find the right fit for where you want to go.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/melissahouston/2023/12/01/what-taylor-swift-teaches-women-about-business/?sh=6e5aada2310a
https://www.etonline.com/jessica-alba-shares-why-she-stopped-acting-at-the-top-of-my-career-162904
https://goldieblox.com/pages/our-story
https://spanx.com/pages/about-us
https://closermedia.com/xinzhang
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/11/from-factory-worker-to-real-estate-billionaire-soho-chinas-zhang-xin.html
https://www.businessinsider.com/meet-bumble-ceo-whitney-wolfe-herd-net-worth-family-ipo-2020-9
Some of the best career growth strategies for BBA graduates are building experience intentionally, developing leadership habits early, and expanding your skills before you need them. That’s the blueprint. But here’s how it usually plays out. Most graduates start in roles like “marketing coordinator” or “financial analyst trainee.” That’s normal (and honestly, a good thing). Those early roles are where you…
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When companies expand into foreign markets, they face a fundamental question: Should they keep everything the same, or adapt to fit local customs? The answer usually involves two strategies—globalization and localization—and most successful businesses use both. Imagine you’re traveling abroad and, in a horrible twist of fate, your iPhone breaks. You buy a new one at a nearby Apple…
Teachers and educators have an incredible influence on their students, whose futures can depend on a teacher’s passion and persistence. Yet there exists a cohort of educators whose influence extends beyond the classroom walls. Armed with education degrees, these educators have harnessed their knowledge to shape policies, ignite change, and inspire students everywhere.
Many have even inspired other educators to follow in their footsteps.
As we explore the lives of these five influential figures, we’ll delve into the stories of researchers, educators, and celebrities who’ve not only excelled academically but have also become powerful catalysts for change. Join us as we celebrate these educators turned visionaries!
Secretary of Education Miguel Cordona has made headlines, calling for the end of the “toxic disrespect” thrown at school teachers and staff and emphasizing strong pedagogy, high standards, and authentic assessment. Undoubtedly, Cordona has a long road ahead in realizing these goals, but if his experience and expertise are any indication, he’s more than up to the task.
A lifelong educator, Cordona has two decades of experience as a public-school educator in Connecticut, where he served as an elementary school teacher, school principal, and Commissioner of Education. As Secretary of Education, he continues to champion for students, only now his influence extends far beyond his classroom.
Today we know how critical a child’s early years are for their success in school and later life, but decades ago, that wasn’t the case. Benjamin Bloom was among the first to recognize the connection, going as far as to present his research to President Lyndon B. Johnson and testify before Congress. Bloom’s work led to the creation of Head Start in 1965, an early education and preschool program that provides services related to early learning and development, health, and family well-being at no cost to eligible children and their families.
A legal scholar and professor, Gloria Ladson-Billings has dedicated her career to the successful instruction of Black students, with her research focusing on pedagogy. Advancing black student success is as important today as it was when Ladson-Billings began her work over three decades ago, given the persistent achievement gaps by Black students compared to their white counterparts. She believes, and a body of research supports, that culturally relevant teaching methods can improve academic outcomes, engagement, and attendance and help students, particularly students of color, see themselves as capable learners.
Superman, Big Shamrock, Shaq Daddy: Shaquille O’Neal was a dominant force throughout his 19-year NBA career. While any fan can rattle off his career statistics, a lesser known aspect of the NBA star is his success off the court, particularly when it comes to education.
In 2012, O’Neal graduated with a doctorate in education focusing on organizational learning and leadership. He followed that up in 2018 by becoming a National Board of Directors member for Communities in Schools, a national organization dedicated to connecting students with community resources and helping them achieve their goals in school and life.
While not an educator (we apologize for violating the sanctity of this listicle), O’Neal’s selfless devotion to student achievement is unquestionable. “Every kid, no matter where they’re from or how much money their parents make,” said O’Neal, “deserves the opportunity to get a good education.”
A student-first leader, Andrew Farley serves as the principal of Brookfield East High in Wisconsin, where he’s implemented numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing students’ lives. Among these is the Principal’s Cabinet, in which 50 student leaders reflect on core values and set goals to realize the school’s mission, resulting in the addition of a 30-minute resource block to the students’ daily schedule and the funding of a $700,000 Learning Commons/Library renovation project.
From solving operational challenges to creating more peer mental health supports, Farley has gone above and beyond in his role as a high school principal, and for his efforts, he was named the 2024 National Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
The people on this list, whether a renowned researcher or an award-winning principal, have devoted themselves to education. For them, education is not only a means to success and influence. It’s a way to give back to their communities and provide school children with the chance to excel academically and experience the same level of success later in life.
If you’re interested in continuing your education, The University of Texas Permian Basin offers online education degree programs that can help you advance your career and become an influential force for change within the classroom and maybe even within the field of education.
Our online education degrees include:
We also offer an online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and an online Superintendent Certification program for educators interested in becoming administrative leaders.
Ready to get started? Apply to one of our online education programs. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll end up on your own list of influential educators.
Sources:
https://www2.ed.gov/news/staff/bios/cardona.html
https://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/15/us/benjamin-bloom-86-a-leader-in-the-creation-of-head-start.html
https://naeducation.org/our-members/gloria-ladson-billings/
https://www.edweek.org/leadership/what-should-culturally-relevant-teaching-look-like-today-gloria-ladson-billings-explains/2022/04
https://nationalblueribbonschools.ed.gov/people/andrew-farley-brookfield-east-high-school-brookfield-wi/
The humanities cover a wide variety of subjects, including communications, history, languages, and literature. In short, this broad field focuses on the study of the human experience and the expression of that experience.
Students pursuing a humanities degree, whether studying art or anthropology, learn new ways to engage with the world around them, gaining critical thinking, research, and writing skills in the process. These versatile degrees can lead anywhere—but don’t take our word for it.
What can you do with a humanities degree? Here are eight influential people who majored in the humanities. As you’ll see, the greatest journeys can have the humblest beginnings.
We start with the one and only. Oprah earned a degree in communication and performing arts from Tennessee State University in 1986. After graduation, she came onboard the failing talk show “AM Chicago.” The show was soon renamed, and it wasn’t long before “The Oprah Winfrey Show” was the highest-rated television talk show in the U.S. The talk show spawned a media and business empire, including the successful Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
On education, Oprah has said, “Education is the way to move mountains, to build bridges, to change the world. Education is the path to the future. I believe that education is indeed freedom.”
Michael Eisner graduated from Denison University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Theatre in 1964. Eisner dreamed of writing a Broadway play but struggled to find work out of college. Such is the life of a writer.
After landing a gig as an NBC clerk, Eisner began to scale the corporate ladder at ABC and Paramount. He later served as the chairman and CEO of Walt Disney Productions from 1984 to 2005, during which time he oversaw the Disney Renaissance.
On the humanities, Eisner said, “Literature is unbelievably helpful, because no matter what business you are in, you are dealing with interpersonal relationships. It gives you an appreciation of what makes people tick.”
Steve Jobs famously dropped out of college to found Apple, but for the brief time he was enrolled, he majored in creative humanities, so he earns a spot on this list on a technicality.
From humble beginnings (Jobs and Stephen Wozniak built the Apple I out of a garage), Jobs wound up running a trillion-dollar tech giant. Jobs was one of the first to recognize the potential of personal computing, and under his leadership, Apple would revolutionize how we engage with technology with such releases as the iPod and iPhone.
Jobs credited the humanities for Apple’s success: “It’s in Apple’s DNA that technology alone is not enough. It’s technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields the results that make our hearts sing.”
Conan O’Brien majored in American history and literature at Harvard University. His humanities education served him well throughout his storied career, as evidenced by his boundless Civil War knowledge.
After graduating, O’Brien moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in television, and after writing for “Not Necessarily the News,” “Saturday Night Live,” and “The Simpsons,” he got a chance to be in front of the camera with “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.” O’Brien was the name in late night until “Conan” went off the air in 2021. He gave these parting words during his final episode: “My advice to anyone watching right now — and it’s not easy to do, it’s not easy to do, but try; try and do what you love with people you love. If you can manage that, it’s the definition of heaven on Earth.”
Author Toni Morrison was an avid reader at a young age. Morrison graduated from Howard University with a bachelor’s degree in English before earning a Master of Arts in English from Cornell University. She went on to become one of the most celebrated novelists in history, writing such classics as “Beloved” and “The Bluest Eye.” In 1993, she became the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Morrison told her students: “When you get these jobs that you have been so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else.”
Jack Ma is known for co-founding Alibaba.com, one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Less known are the many challenges he faced on his journey.
In 1988, Ma graduated from China’s Hangzhou Normal University with a BA in English. He failed the entrance exam not once, but twice and received over 30 job rejections after graduating. He taught English, managed a small translation company, and sold flowers, books, and clothes on the side. The man can hustle. Ma’s break came in 1999 when, along with 17 friends, he co-founded Alibaba.com.
The former English teacher shared this with his employees: “I told my son, ‘You don’t need to be in the top three in your class. Being in the middle is fine, so long as your grades aren’t too bad.’ Only this kind of person has enough free time to learn other skills.”
Arundhati Bhattacharya, the first woman chairperson of the State Bank of India, retired from her position in 2017, wrapping up a 40-year career in India’s financial sector. Under her leadership, the 212-year-old bank successfully transitioned to the digital age. Many thought her corporate journey was at an end, but she’s now Salesforce’s India CEO.
Bhattacharya studied English literature at Lady Brabourne College in Kolkata, India, but she attributes her success to being a lifelong learner. To a packed audience at her 2018 TEDx Talk, she said, “Approach every situation with a questioning mind and a learner’s humility and you can’t go wrong.”
Howard Schultz graduated from Northern Michigan University with a BS in communications in 1975. Schultz then moved from New York to Seattle and in 1981, joined Starbucks as director of operations and marketing. At the time, the fledging company had only four stores. Four! A year later, Schultz was in Italy, drinking the finest coffee and wondering how to bring the Italian coffeehouse experience to America.
Schultz retired as Starbucks’ CEO in 2018 to become chairman emeritus. By then, Starbucks had grown to nearly 30,000 stores in the U.S. and abroad. “It took years before I found my passion in life,” the coffee magnate said, “but getting out of Brooklyn and earning a college degree gave me the courage to keep on dreaming.”
A humanities education provides insight into human culture, history, literature, philosophy, and art. As illustrated by the famous, influential people on this list, you can go far by understanding and appreciating what makes us all human.
The University of Texas Permian Basin offers several online humanities degrees. Undergraduate students can pursue a bachelor’s degree in:
Graduate students can pursue a:
Humanities degrees can lead to a variety of career paths, including roles in education, writing, research, cultural institutions, media, public relations, and more. Critical thinking, communication, and cultural awareness are skills highly valued in any career field, and these are only some of the skills gained while earning a humanities degree.
Visit our Program and Courses page to learn more about the humanities degrees offered online at UT Permian. When you’re ready, click apply!
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Oprah-Winfrey
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michael-Eisner
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Steve-Jobs/Saving-Apple
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Conan-OBrien
https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/toni-morrison
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jack-Ma
https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-asia/salesforces-arundhati-bhattacharya-on-lifelong-learning-and-talent-reinvention
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/authors/arundhati-bhattacharya/
https://stories.starbucks.com/leadership/howard-schultz/
The notion that education is the key to a successful career is as true today as it was when school libraries were using the Dewey Decimal System. What has changed, however, is how students are attending—or should we say logging into—college classes.
Watching a recorded lecture while on lunch break, stirring a simmering risotto, or keeping an eye on a toddler is increasingly becoming students’ preferred method for earning an academic credential. Over one-third of college students were enrolled in at least one online college course in 2019, and this was before the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet the convenience and growing popularity of online degree and certificate programs have left many wondering how valuable online credentials actually are, especially employers.
There’s no question that employers favor college-educated professionals, with many requiring a four-year degree at a minimum. If someone performs their role well, does it matter how they earned their academic credential?
Employers are more interested in the competencies a credential denotes than where it originated. By enrolling in online courses, professionals can gain access to resources that may otherwise be unavailable based on their schedule, location, or finances (e.g., expert instruction, up-to-date course content, and a supportive learning environment). In addition, traditional and online programs are often led by the same faculty members who teach the same course content, giving employers even more reason to embrace graduates of online programs. This convenient, cost-effective platform produces more qualified candidates in a tight labor market. All in all, it’s a net gain for employers.
Graduates of online programs often receive the exact same credentials awarded to their on-campus counterparts. Since these credentials make no mention of being “online,” employers tend to initially overlook where they originated (39% of HR managers spend less than a minute on their first look at a resume), and there’s no need for applicants to distinguish between an online and traditional credential on their resume. “The education, knowledge and experience you have in a field of study is what you want to showcase on your resume,” confirmed PrincetonOne President and CEO Dave Campeas. “The true test of your expertise and knowledge will come during the interview.”
If an employer asks during an interview why you pursued an online credential, be honest. When they hear how you deftly balanced online education and personal and professional responsibilities, they’ll likely be supportive and that much more impressed. However, as is becoming the case with all academic credentials, employers will double-check that your online degree or certificate came from a legitimate institution.
The credential marketplace has been inundated with badges, licenses, apprenticeships, and micro-credentials in recent years, with nearly one million unique credentials offered in the U.S. alone—967,734, to be exact. Don’t get us wrong; employers are bullish on online education, but now they’re faced with determining the legitimacy of all academic credentials, and they’re not alone.
Aspiring students must be on the lookout for the rising number of bad actors backed by fake college accreditation agencies. Julie Uranis, vice president of online and strategic initiatives for the University Professional and Continuing Education Association, perfectly sums up the problem. “I could have a credential in cybersecurity,” said Uranis, “but if I got it from an entity that previously was focused on food handling, you have to worry about whether they’re qualified to teach that subject matter.”
The goal of accreditation is to ensure that the quality of education and training offered by institutions of higher education is acceptable in quality, and it remains the most reliable way to ensure a credential didn’t come from the online equivalent of a mall kiosk. A list of reliable institutional accrediting agencies can be found on the U.S. Department of Education website. Among this list, you’ll find the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the educational accreditor that awarded UT Permian Basin its accreditation. This institutional recognition by SACSCOC confirms our commitment to quality and integrity and to providing effective programs, both online and on-campus, that meet the Commission’s rigorous standards. Rest assured, an academic credential from UT Permian Basin is the real deal.
Will employers notice your online credential? That depends. Did you earn it from UT Permian Basin?
UT Permian Basin is one of the top-ranked online colleges in Texas, empowering students through accredited online programs, affordable tuition rates, and a collaborative online learning environment. Over five thousand students from all over the world entrust us with helping them prepare for fulfilling careers, and we’re not about to let them down. We offer numerous online undergraduate and graduate programs, all of which offer instruction of the highest quality and many of which are accredited by specialized accrediting organizations.
Each of our online programs is designed to provide everything you need to accelerate your career. Whether you’re studying microeconomics in our online BBA in management program or democratization in our online MA in history program, you’ll be working toward a prestigious credential. More importantly, you’ll gain invaluable skills that will serve you long after a stellar interview. When an employer looks over your resume and sees that you’ve earned an academic credential from UT Permian Basin, you can relax knowing that your education has prepared you for every question they could ask.
Browse our catalog to find the bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or graduate certificate that’ll be the highlight of your resume. When you’re ready, we look forward to welcoming you as UT Permian Basin’s latest Falcon.
Sources:
https://www.usnews.com/higher-education/online-education/slideshows/10-things-employers-think-about-your-online-degree
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2021/12/26/education-credential-certificate-scams/
Spanish is among the most popular global languages and is the most common non-English language spoken in the U.S., with over 41 million residents speaking Español in their home. Native and non-native Spanish speakers have a distinct competitive advantage in their careers, and Spanish-speaking teachers can choose career paths that would be impossible for their monolingual colleagues to pursue.
As we explore these pathways, offering you a glimpse into your potential future in education, try to keep in mind that your foreign language skills can support Spanish and English learners alike. The most rewarding teaching position may be one where you help all students, regardless of their native language, learn two languages at once.
Pivoting to a career teaching Spanish to primary or secondary school students is perhaps the most obvious use of your talents. To become a certified Spanish teacher in Texas, you’ll need to complete a Texas-approved educator preparation program (EPP), specifically a languages other than English (Spanish) program. Classroom teachers in Texas will recognize the certification process. Once you’ve completed the EPP and applied for and passed your certification exam, you’ll have to submit a state application to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Then it’s only a matter of applying to teaching positions.
Nobody likes being put in a box, so don’t think you’re obliged to teach Spanish just because you’re fluent in the language. It’s worth noting, however, that this career path will leave you with few other options unless you plan on earning a doctoral degree or becoming fluent in another language. (21% of high school foreign language classes focus on French.) Before long, your career will have once again plateaued. Fortunately, there’s another path you could take: one that would let you devote your language skills where they’d be needed and appreciated most. We’re of course talking about bilingual education.
To become a bilingual educator in Texas, you’ll have to complete a Texas-approved bilingual program and pass the appropriate certification exams, including the Texas Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT). These prerequisites may seem similar, identical even, to those required of Spanish teachers, but they offer a unique opportunity for career advancement. By joining an EPP at a prestigious college, you’ll have the opportunity to earn your graduate credential and work toward becoming a dual-certified educator.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Master of Arts in Bilingual Education program will help you meet some of the TEA’s certification requirements, thereby helping ensure your success when it comes time to apply for bilingual certification. As a graduate student, you’ll explore theories of language acquisition, challenges encountered in bilingual and English as a second language (ESL) education, and methods for teaching school subjects in Spanish. Upon graduating, you’ll be prepared to work closely with native English speakers and English language learners (ELL) and, let’s not forget, that much closer to passing the BTLPT and earning your dual certification
A bilingual classroom is like any other that teaches science, math, reading, and other traditional subjects. The difference is that these subjects are taught to ELLs in both English and their native language. Dual-language classrooms take this idea a step further by having ELLs taught alongside native English speakers in the hopes that all students will achieve functional bilingualism and biliteracy.
Critics of bilingual education question how ELLs can learn English when so much of their school day is devoted to studying Spanish. “[O]ur data shows that proficiency in literacy in the child’s first language is a very good indicator of how well that child is going to eventually learn English,” said JoAnne Negrin, supervisor of bilingual education for Vineland Public Schools. ELLs taught in a bilingual setting retain and build upon their language skills and are shown to have improved outcomes in the areas of reading, empathy, and school performance, among others.
Bilingual educators help students regardless of their native language, background, or culture, which explains why they’re in such high demand. Over 30 states have reported a shortage of bilingual, dual-language, and English as a second language (ESL) teachers.
The need for bilingual teachers is so great, in fact, that federal funding may cover some or all of the cost of their education. For example, graduate students in our online MA in bilingual education program may be eligible to receive a Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant of up to $4,000 per year.
Texas school districts are also known to offer signing bonuses and additional incentives to teachers, especially those who are bilingual. Considering that educators make nearly 65,000 per year on average there’s no better time to pursue this career.
Spanish language skills, while appreciated in traditional language education, are treasured in bilingual education. Now is the time to leverage your strengths and follow a career path that will reward you for your proficient bilingualism and devotion to teaching, and you can do so by earning a master’s degree from UT Permian Basin.
If you’re considering a career as a Spanish or bilingual educator, you likely have questions about the job outlook, certification process, and the benefits of this rewarding path. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions from aspiring teachers:
UT Permian Basin’s online MA in bilingual education program was designed with the busy schedule of educators in mind. Online courses will give you the flexibility needed to complete coursework on your schedule, while our practicum course will provide the real-world experience you needed to transition smoothly into a career teaching in bilingual settings. The cross-cultural communication skills imparted by our program are also transferable to careers outside of education that promote diversity and cultural competence, enabling you to pursue new opportunities if you so choose. There’s no telling how far a master’s degree will take you.
Become a pillar of support for English- and Spanish-speaking students. Apply to our online MA in bilingual education program to earn a graduate credential that will help you reach a broader range of students and secure your future in the field of education.
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2013/09/20/us/hispanics-in-the-u-s-/index.html
https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/the-invisible-burden-some-bilingual-teachers-face/2020/02
https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/11/29/497943749/6-potential-brain-benefits-of-bilingual-education
https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/initial-certification/becoming-a-classroom-teacher-in-texas
https://www.fox4news.com/news/fort-worth-isd-offering-hiring-bonuses-up-to-69k-for-first-time-teachers
Spanish is a Romance language, but that label has nothing to do with love stories or candlelit dinners. Romance languages are languages that evolved from Latin, the language of the Romans. That shared Latin background helps explain why Spanish has so much in common with languages like French, Italian, and Portuguese. It also helps explain why Spanish can be…
If you have a passion for learning languages and are fascinated by other cultures, have you considered turning those interests into a career? As a Spanish major at UTPB, you’ll not only dramatically improve your Spanish-speaking abilities but also sharpen other must-have language skills that are highly sought-after in today’s job market. Join us as…
If you haven’t yet begun a career, or are still in the early stages of one, it’s imperative to keep an eye on the horizon for changes and new skills that can turn emerging challenges into opportunities. Often, changes in the working world are connected to technological innovations, e.g., the expanding use of AI across…
When senior year of high school rolls around, all anyone can talk about is where they’ll be attending college. One friend was accepted here, another was rejected there. As admissions decisions are being made in colleges across the country, how many seniors are rushing home to check their mailbox for the letter?
We don’t blame them. Every academic decision they’ve made has led to this moment, when they finally find out which college colors they’ll be wearing. And although college hopefuls understand that attending college is a rewarding experience, not all of them fully understand why.
College develops students into well-rounded individuals, capable of critical thinking and clear communication, and prepares them to succeed in all aspects of their lives, including their careers. As part of a core curriculum, general education is essential for helping students become enlightened, engaged citizens. Yet many wonder why general education courses are required—and you may be wondering the same. Rest assured, the real-world benefits of general education courses are well worth the credit hours.
Critics of general education believe that the purpose of higher education is to instill students with exclusively work-related skills. However, focusing on one area of study to the detriment of others is not a practical approach. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average baby boomer holds about 12 jobs throughout their lifetime. COVID-19 and the Great Resignation are sure to increase this number for younger generations. Given the number of hats students are likely to wear throughout their careers, colleges and universities focus on providing a diverse set of foundational skills students can apply to any career.
Despite the diversity of roles most individuals take on throughout our professional lives, there remains immense pressure for students to declare their major and career intentions from now until the end of time. Considering that one-third of undergraduates switch their major within three years of enrollment, providing students with a narrow set of work-related skills may not prove beneficial in the long run. A Gallup survey of over 2,000 college graduates found that those who aligned their work with their interests, values, and strengths were three times more likely to find purposeful work, and those who did find purpose in their work were ten times more likely to prosper.
General education ensures you have the fundamental skills needed to succeed in college and life, regardless of your intended area of study. Even if you’re certain of your academic goals, these basics are the foundation upon which you’ll build specific work-related skills. They could even spark an interest in a new career path—one where you do what you love.
Most colleges require a certain number of general education courses as part of the core curriculum, and The University of Texas Permian Basin is no different. Consisting of 42-47 semester credit hours, our General Education Core Curriculum covers the following foundational areas:
A sterling resume can only take you so far if you’re unable to articulate your knowledge and experiences. Communication courses will help you develop your oral, written, and visual literacy skills and express your ideas clearly regardless of the subject matter or setting.
By studying the past, you’ll learn about the complex interactions between individuals, communities, states, and nations that make the U.S. what it is today, and you’ll gain a new perspective on your role in society.
Culture has a tremendous impact on the human condition. Understanding and appreciating how people are shaped by their customs and beliefs is key to becoming a well-rounded individual who excels in any work or social situation.
Deepen your understanding of logic, patterns, and quantitative relationships in courses like College Algebra. Although you may have a supercomputer in your pocket, these skills are irreplaceable in countless careers, especially those in the STEM fields.
There’s a universe of natural phenomena that seems impossible to explain — that is, until you dive into the science. Biology and geology courses explore Earth and its diverse lifeforms, down to the microscopic cells that sustain everyday life.
Political science courses, like our history courses, instill a deep sense of civic responsibility by exploring issues affecting the world around us. Take an in-depth look at U.S. politics, exploring political institutions and parties as well as their philosophical foundations.
Artistic expression is human creativity given form. By looking at works of art through a critical lens, and by learning how music, paintings, and sculptures uniquely convey ideas, you’ll develop new ways to engage with different forms of expression. Who knows? You could even find your next creative passion.
Courses like psychology and sociology look at how scientific methods can be used to shed light on what makes us human, exploring the root causes of our behaviors and their effect on society and culture. When you notice the obscure mechanisms influencing life, you’ll be better able to navigate its twists and turns.
General education ensures that UT Permian Basin graduates can communicate effectively, think critically, and reach informed conclusions, among other skills essential for learning and thriving in any field. Given its importance, core instruction is provided to all UT Permian Basin students, whether they’re online or on campus.
At UT Permian Basin, you can satisfy the general education requirements by enrolling in one of our many online undergraduate programs. We also accept transfer credits from accredited institutions. Designed to be convenient and affordable, our online courses can help you gain essential skills, meet degree requirements, and become a more well-rounded individual without burdening you as you prepare for the next stage of your life.
Ready to become a Falcon? Browse through our course and program catalog, and when you’re ready, apply to become UT Permian Basin’s latest undergraduate student.
Sources:
https://reportcenter.highered.texas.gov/agency-publication/miscellaneous/elements-of-the-texas-core-curriculum/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/brandonbusteed/2019/04/10/whats-the-purpose-of-college/?sh=143c0691354e
There’s nothing as heartbreaking as watching one of your most dedicated students try and fail to grasp a school subject. A student struggling with reading, writing, or math can be overwhelmed by feelings of frustration and embarrassment. They may feel helpless or avoid participating in class. They may even act out to draw attention away from their shortcomings. But what if their behavior is a response to an undiagnosed problem, one affecting one-third of students with disabilities?
A specific learning disability is a disorder of one or more psychological processes involved in language acquisition, manifesting as an “imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations.”
No wonder students with learning disabilities can have a hard time in class; their own psychological processes are working against them. Educators must be on the lookout for signs of the three types of specific learning disabilities: dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, which we explore in detail below.
Dyslexia impairs a person’s ability to decode, or associate letters and words with their corresponding speech sounds. Consequently, reading becomes slow and laborious, even for students who’ve mastered basic reading skills.
Dyslexia can also impair writing and spelling skills, and some students with dyslexia will mix up similar-looking letters like “b” and “d.” School-aged children with this learning disability may also struggle with:
As a student, Daniel Britton was unable to read test questions and was forced to retake math and English courses multiple times, but he wasn’t lazy or a slow learner, as his teachers had suggested. He merely had a reading disorder.
Daniel went on to pursue a career as a graphic designer—a career he excelled at despite his condition—and gain international notoriety for designing a typeface that simulates reading with dyslexia. By removing about 40% of each letter, the typeface forces readers to slow down and experience the frustration and embarrassment a dyslexic person goes through with everyday reading.
Daniel believes that better learning conditions can be achieved if only there was greater empathy for people with dyslexia. “I would’ve liked to have had more options when I was younger,” he told CNN. “If it (my disability) was picked up earlier or treated correctly, who knows what I could’ve done.”
Both dyslexia and dysgraphia are characterized by writing difficulties, but dysgraphia interferes with all aspects of writing, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Students with dysgraphia tend to write in an awkward position, gripping their pencil in a clenched fist.
For them, writing is a slow, frustrating, and sometimes painful experience. Their handwriting can be illegible—even to them—with inversed, reversed, incorrectly formed, or inconsistently spaced letters. Unable to organize and express their thoughts on paper, students with dysgraphia tend to run out of space on the page as their hand cramps and their words become scrawls.
Writing requires a broad range of skills, including phonemic awareness, fine motor coordination, and visual and auditory processing. These skills are acquired over a period of years, beginning in preschool with copying shapes and becoming automatic by the third grade.
School-aged children with dysgraphia who are unable to develop foundational writing skills due to the demands of letter formation will likely fall behind as writing assignments become increasingly complex. Deficient handwriting is associated with low self-esteem and poor social functioning, which can follow a student into adulthood.
Referred to as “number dyslexia,” dyscalculia impairs a person’s ability to learn number-related concepts or perform calculations with symbols and functions. Without a clear understanding of numbers, students with dyscalculia must sometimes rely on finger-counting to perform even simple calculations. They may also struggle with:
Considering that most children receive their first smartphone (with a built-in calculator) around the age of 10, basic math skills may not seem as necessary as reading and writing skills. But dyscalculia impairs all areas where mathematical concepts are needed. Telling time, counting money, and remembering directions can puzzle and frustrate students with dyscalculia. Basic math skills are also needed when it comes to mastering complex mathematical concepts in higher grades, and like dysgraphia, dyscalculia can leave students disadvantaged in college and in their careers.
Specific learning disabilities are associated with several comorbidities. Not only are students with a learning disability likely to exhibit symptoms associated with another, but they also have increased rates of behavioral and emotional problems.
A recent study following 3,014 German schoolchildren found that students with a specific learning disorder had high rates of the following:
The prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders makes it all the more important to diagnose learning disabilities as early as possible.
Although specific learning disabilities cannot be cured, they can be treated with special education services. With the proper support and accommodations, students can focus on their strengths, adapt to their disability, and succeed in and out of school. They do, however, need a professional who can intervene at the first sign of a learning disability.
Are you interested in enriching the lives of students as a special educator? The University of Texas Permian Basin offers two online programs for teachers interested in working with students with learning disabilities:
Master of Arts in Special Education: Gain the knowledge and skills needed to integrate universally designed instruction into the classroom and foster an inclusive learning environment for students with special needs.
Master of Arts in Special Education, Educational Diagnostician Track: Gain in-depth training on assessing and diagnosing learning and developmental disabilities in students.
Accredited by the prestigious Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP), our online programs will help you become a more well-rounded educator, capable of reaching a broader range of students as a classroom teacher or special education professional. Apply now to one of our online MA in special education programs for the chance to help all your students, disabled or non-disabled, achieve their highest potential.
Sources:
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/specific-learning-disorder/what-is-specific-learning-disorder
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dyslexia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353552
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7082241/#r12
https://www.additudemag.com/what-is-dysgraphia-understanding-common-symptoms/
https://www.additudemag.com/what-is-dyscalculia-overview-and-symptom-breakdown/
Aspiring special education teachers often pursue a master’s degree in special education to expand their skill sets and make a difference in the lives of students with disabilities. However, this only scratches the surface of what can be done with this prestigious degree. Graduates of The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Master of Arts…
Students in special education are likely to encounter all the challenges other students face while also contending with a variety of unique difficulties. These students in particular need a caring, sincere, and highly trained teacher to guide them through their education experience—especially when mainstreaming special education students is becoming the norm. Here we’ll discuss some…
Principals and superintendents are sources of inspiration, catalysts for change, and advocates for student success. In your time as a teacher or administrator, you’ve likely come across educational leaders who embodied these ideals—or perhaps you’ve even recognized them in yourself. Today, we’ll be looking at four extraordinary administrators who exemplify what can be done when…
There’s at least one thing liberals and conservatives have in common: They care how their government spends their tax dollars. Facing intense pressure from all sides, the public sector is always innovating in the hopes of delivering effective, efficient services. As part of this effort, public and nonprofit organizations often adopt the competitive structure, culture, and management practices of private businesses. However, public sector innovation may benefit more from collaboration than competition.
Public-sector innovation is a process through which “problems are defined; new ideas are developed and combined; prototypes and pilots are designed, tested, and redesigned; and new solutions are implemented, diffused, and problematized.” In this context, innovation is disruptive, breaking down barriers such as political oppositions, and leading to the adoption of new technologies and approaches. Improving an existing solution is not enough. To solve emerging and evolving problems, public and nonprofit organizations must be in a constant state of change.
While innovation is not a cure-all—integrated planning, resource allocation, and service improvements are all just as important—it can help governments make the most of limited resources. Here are several innovations that are transforming public and non-profit organizations.
Web 2.0 tools provide numerous ways for governments to engage with the public—with admittedly mixed results. Twitter has become a go-to platform for politicians looking to rile up their bases. However, after an earthquake, hurricane, or other crisis, this same platform is used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to gather real-time emergency information from community members that inform response efforts. Social media platforms, along with blogs, wikis, crowdsourcing, and other Web 2.0 tools, allow agencies to promote transparency while encouraging people to participate and collaborate in improving public services.
Co-production is a process in which government and non-government organizations collaborate to improve public services. For example, health departments performed contact tracing at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, engaging with communities to provide them with the resources and services they needed. Licensed healthcare professionals were later asked to volunteer to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in their communities. New, creative solutions emerge when people with different perspectives and experiences are brought together, and it’s yet another example of how collaboration breeds innovation.
Public organizations may not operate like businesses, but they can reduce costs and manage risks by forming public-private partnerships (P3s). The U.S. happens to be one of the largest—if not the largest—P3 market in the world for infrastructure projects, and there are countless opportunities across the country for for-profit firms to take on a project’s design, construction, and maintenance. Minority- and women-owned businesses are often given priority during the procurement process, helping to foster a collaborative, innovative environment.
Achieving goals while operating within a budget is a priority for any public entity, but unlike private businesses, public institutions aren’t driven by profits. They exist for the sole benefit of citizens, delivering services like healthcare, infrastructure, public transit, and public education. Although red tape can be counterproductive, bureaucracy can actually promote innovation by safeguarding against waste, instability, and corruption. Policies can be rewritten. A risk-averse private business that favors short-term profits over creativity and collaboration? That can be a harder problem to solve.
Not everyone has access to public services, especially healthcare. About 20% of the U.S. population live in rural areas and tend to have higher rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, and unintentional injury than their urban counterparts. Numerous factors contribute to the poor health outcomes of rural Americans, but the fact that only 11% of physicians practice in these areas doesn’t help. Telehealth has increased access to healthcare in rural and underserved areas, but government agencies must continue innovating if they are to provide equal access to these and other essential public services.
The innovations we’ve discussed offer a glimpse at the focus of the UT Permian Basin course Innovation in Public and Nonprofit Organizations. This online course exposes students to innovative tools and practices, exploring such topics as performance measurement, collaborative innovation, and social entrepreneurship. By engaging with online lectures and discussions, students gain a deeper understanding of public-sector innovation in preparation for careers in emergency, financial, human resource, and public relations management, among others.
Innovation in Public and Nonprofit Organizations is offered as part of our online Master of Public Administration program. This 36-credit online program prepares students for leadership roles in public administration by teaching them how to address challenges in a practical, ethical, and politically savvy manner. In as little as one year, students can graduate with a career-enhancing graduate credential and an expanded skill set that will help ensure their success in fields including criminal justice, fine arts, healthcare, human services, public safety, or transportation.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s MPA program is entirely online and features asynchronous elements, allowing you to pursue your master’s degree while you continue to work, care for your family, and balance your personal and professional life. We also offer a variety of elective courses, such as Marketing Management, Healthcare Management, and Cultural Diversity in Education and the Social Sciences, so you can gear your studies toward your professional interests. At UT Permian Basin, every measure has been taken to offer you an online MPA program with as much value as possible.
Apply to our online MPA program now to pursue your graduate degree alongside other aspiring leaders in professional administration.
Sources:
https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/4908005/mod_resource/content/1/A11-Collaborative%20Innovation.pdf
https://read.oecd-ilibrary.org/governance/fostering-innovation-in-the-public-sector_9789264270879-en#page13
https://www.oecd.org/media/oecdorg/satellitesites/stie-outlook/files/policyprofile/STI%20Outlook%2012_%20PP%20Actors_Public%20Sector%20Innovation.pdf
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0740624X1300083X
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Social-Media-EM_0913-508_0.pdf
From the outside looking in, the role of a superintendent might seem hazy. They’re often seen as district managers or figureheads. Step inside the world of education leadership, however, and you’ll find they’re so much more.
Alongside teachers and fellow administrators, school superintendents are responsible for creating a safe, inclusive learning environment for students. Still, their role is often misunderstood.
While they manage the daily operations of a school district, superintendents are also visionary leaders striving to improve student achievement. They are advocates, collaborators, and trusted experts—shifting into whatever role their district and students need most.
Superintendents are often defined by their ability to manage finances, personnel, and resources, but their role has become far more nuanced in recent years. Now, school boards and communities are seeing superintendents as community leaders and entrusting them to promote their district’s vision and values.
Many school boards and communities now expect superintendents to:
Superintendents have, in essence, become the living embodiment of their school districts. Consequently, the role has become increasingly relationship-oriented, with superintendents needing to possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to rally entire communities behind a goal.
“Being a superintendent is about building relationships,” said Connecticut’s Superintendent of Schools at Region 12 Patricia Cosentino. “[Y]ou have to make connections with community members, outside organizations. You have to get your parents to buy in, your staff to buy in …” Inspiring others means wearing as many hats as needed to promote a shared vision, and it makes superintendency all the more difficult to define.
Below, we explore some of the many responsibilities that superintendents manage every day as they guide their communities.
Superintendents are elected by school boards: groups of elected or appointed trustees. Together, they share responsibility for a school district. At board meetings, a superintendent will keep the board informed of current events and recommend initiatives.
Although a superintendent’s recommendations carry substantial weight, it’s ultimately up to the board whether a mandate is approved. Once approved, it falls to the superintendent to see a mandate carried out, so long as they adhere to the framework of policies adopted by the board.
Award-winning superintendents agree: leadership, vision, and strategy matter, but communication is the thread that ties them together.
Community members, including parents, politicians, and business owners, are highly invested in the success of their district and bring a range of perspectives to the table. Many have or will have their own children in the schools. People care because they appreciate that quality education is one of the foundations of a strong community.
Add the transparency and media scrutiny that’s a given in any publicly funded endeavor and it’s easy to see why a superintendent needs to be a multitalented leader. They should be capable of identifying key avenues for collaborating with every encounter, building and promoting a community-wide shared vision with every handshake.
A superintendent is considered the primary instructional leader for a school district, but their work is tied to and dependent upon the work of principals, teachers, and support staff. Responsible for hiring and firing teachers and administrators, superintendents must surround themselves with capable professionals while communicating expectations, investing in professional development, and providing the resources they need to perform their roles effectively. Sharing leadership and fostering a culture of respect is essential if superintendents are to provide students with the best possible education.
Although superintendents are prized for their leadership skills, they must lean on their managerial abilities when allocating time, money, personnel, and resources. Coordinating short- and long-term goals means taking a system-wide approach, one that accounts for education policies and student achievement.
One of the more challenging aspects of being a superintendent is having to make hard decisions, such as cutting staff, when faced with conflicting goals. Providing sound guidance in district budgeting and operations while helping a school district realize its vision is no easy feat, but effective superintendents find a way to make it happen.
Administrators who step into the role of superintendent are rewarded with a career unlike any other, where no two days are alike. They could be touching base with board members and visiting classrooms one day and making an appearance at a school sporting event the next.
Unlike a typical 9-5 job, superintendency requires professionals to be much more frequently accessible, and at a moment’s notice. Still, for many administrators, the chance to create systemic change and increase their earning potential as a superintendent is too good to pass up.
Assistant principals and principals interested in becoming district leaders can enroll in The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Superintendent Certification program. Throughout our online courses, students develop essential leadership and managerial skills while working toward meeting Texas’ certification requirements.
As one of the only four-course programs in the state that maintains a practicum experience throughout, our program also pairs students with a mentor who’ll ensure they’re ready to take on the role of district leader. At UT Permian Basin, we offer the convenience of online learning and the practicality of hands-on experience in a single program designed exclusively for aspiring superintendents.
Ready to pursue the role of a lifetime? Apply to our online Superintendent Certification program to become an advocate for every student, teacher, and administrator in your school district.
Sources:
https://www.thoughtco.com/role-of-an-effective-school-superintendent-3194566
http://resources.aasa.org/ConferenceDaily/handouts2011/3000-1.pdf
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