“I’ve found quality education. I’ve found that I can use things I learned in these online classes immediately in my job and that I’m also given resources and skills that I know I’ll use tomorrow or five years from now.” –Amy Russell, online Superintendent Certification student
Amy Russell is in the final months of her online Superintendent Certification program, working on her third UTPB credential. As principal of Bowie Middle School in Ector County Independent School District (ECISD), Russell decided to go back to expand her expertise and opportunities.
Russell graciously offered time to discuss her experience with our Superintendent Certification program, its advantages, and what keeps her coming back to UTPB.
Staying Current in an Evolving Field
When we last spoke to Russell, she’d completed UTPB’s online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program and secured a principalship at Travis Elementary School.
Last summer, Russell reflected on the ten years that had passed since earning her master’s degree and decided she was ready to learn more:
“There’s a lot going on in the educational world. We’re fixing to come up to another legislative session [in Texas], and there’s a lot of hot topics going on like vouchers and educational savings accounts. The pendulum swings really wide with education and educational funding. So that’s one of the reasons I said, ‘Where can I learn the right answers?’”
Why Russell Chose UTPB for a Third Time
A fortuitously timed email first sparked Russell’s interest in a return to graduate studies:
“I had been thinking about it, and a flyer came in my email from one of the educational institutes offering superintendency. It wasn’t from UTPB, but I thought, ‘Hey, I’d like to check this out, but I want to see what UTPB offers.’”
Despite her prior experience with UTPB, Russell did her due diligence before ultimately choosing our program:
“I looked at probably four different [programs], actually. I love that UTPB aligned with my campus school calendar. This was affordable. It was a fair price to pay for each class.”
Already a proud Falcon, Russell knew she’d thrive in UTPB’s online programs. “I trusted UTPB,” she explained. “(I) worked with their professors. I like how they do the online classes. They hold you accountable. They’re difficult classes, but they’re doable classes. I liked how the professors stayed in communication with their students, helped their students, and gave them real-world experiences.”
When Russell researched her options on the UTPB website, she was surprised to find a superintendency program starting in just a few weeks. She emailed Assistant Professor Dr. Rod Uzat: “Within an hour, he emailed me back and said, ‘OK, let’s get you in. Let’s schedule a time.’ I think that solidified my journey.”
Russell started the program last August and has already taken and passed the superintendency test, putting her well on her way to superintendent certification. “As soon as I finish Dr. Uzat’s course at the end of May, TEA puts that on my certification. It’s been amazing. Dr. Uzat’s been there daily if we needed support.”
Online Learning’s Diverse Perspectives
A veteran of online learning, Russell shared some of what she enjoys about the format: “In my class of 12 people, there might be somebody that’s a leader on an Native American reservation. There might be a leader that’s on overseas soil. There might be a leader in Alaska. There might be a school leader in South Texas. They could be a principal, work at central office, or be at very different levels.
“When we come together in class discussions, we’re able to hear very differing experiences. That just helps you learn even more. That’s what I wanted to accomplish: learning more about education outside of just the campus level, more of a district and state level and even a federal level.”
A Curriculum Designed for Immediate Career Impact
Russell has found what she’s learned in UTPB’s program immediately applicable to her work as principal:
“The finances and resources that we’re learning about from a superintendent’s point of view—in ECISD we use that same format because we’re allowed to be the discretionary appointees of our campus money … Also, with the changes in education impacting us at a campus level, we must get educated about how the legislature runs [and] how the school board works with the superintendent, even at this level.
“That’s something you need to key in on because you as the principal are going to have to have collaborative conversations with community members as well. You want to bring community members in.”
Advocating for Public Education
While Russell relishes her responsibilities as principal, she’s open to other roles in which she can broaden her impact.
“I love working in ECISD. I love seeing that we can move campuses forward and the district forward. So, I’m looking for opportunities to better education. I believe in public education. I advocate for public education. I do believe that we can compete with private schools. I do believe public education is a force to be reckoned with and that parents and families can trust.”
Advice for Future Students
Russell left those considering UTPB’s program with a helpful suggestion: “Candidates can definitely reach out to the professors ahead of time and ask any questions they want.”
Ready to take your superintendent certification in your own direction? Don’t hesitate! See Superintendent Certification program details, request more information, or apply here!