“I can pick up my computer and work from anywhere. That was huge for me because I didn’t want to feel like this was a chore. I wanted to feel like it was going to be valuable and I was going to learn something and it could fit into what I already had going on in my life.” –Valerie Sisk, online Superintendent Certification student
Andi Sosa and Valerie Sisk, executive directors of elementary administration and secondary administration, respectively, at Northside ISD in San Antonio, Texas, keep a tight schedule. But that didn’t deter the two colleagues from enrolling in and completing UTPB’s online Superintendent Certification program together.
Now busy completing doctoral degrees, Sosa and Sisk shared why they sought superintendent credentials, what made them choose UTPB, and how our program helps them in their current roles.
Why Seek Superintendent Certification?
Superintendent certification was not required for their current roles, nor for assistant superintendent positions. Still, Sosa and Sisk felt it was a strategic move to help develop their careers:
Sosa: “It was important for us to understand the big picture of district operations. The ins and outs of all the different larger departments like budget and finance, facilities, superintendency, and the school board. It allowed us to build connections with other district leaders that we don’t work with directly and really understand their processes and what their work entails.”
UTPB Emerges as the Clear Leader
Though Sosa and Sisk had high praise for UTPB as their choice for a superintendent certification program, they almost went with another institution:
Sisk: “At first, I wasn’t completely sold on the other program I was considering. Then I had a conversation with someone who had done more research on UTPB, and I realized, this is the one! The more I looked into it, the more convinced I became. It made perfect sense for us financially, in terms of class time and just overall fit. It took me a little while to bring it up to Andi, but when I did, we knew this was the right choice.”
A Flexible, Cost-Effective Alternative
Sosa: “I had already applied to another program, been accepted and had an advisor. I’m glad it worked out the way it did, though, considering how busy our work can be and not always having a consistent schedule … UTPB allowed the flexibility we both needed to continue going to school and fulfilling our responsibilities at work.”
Sisk: “Flexibility was huge for me. Being able to look ahead at the coursework and syllabus, knowing that I could work at my own pace … those things mattered. And let’s be real, cost was a big factor too, since I was paying out of pocket. UTPB made it all work! The asynchronous setup let me balance my responsibilities while still advancing in my career.”
Sosa: “The rolling admission is super favorable. You can start UTPB’s program when you’re ready. Another deciding factor was the option to take one class at a time. I have teenagers, so I probably wouldn’t have been successful [in a less flexible program] because I just don’t think I would’ve been able to manage it all. One class at a time really allowed for managing life.
“And when we were looking for doctoral programs, [UTPB’s program] gave me the foundation to know some of the things that I’m looking for. I knew better questions to ask and I knew what I needed.”
Caring, Accessible, Supportive Faculty
Once enrolled in our program, Sosa and Sisk discovered another valuable benefit: our faculty.
Sosa: “Dr. Uzat just made the program for us. His caring nature, flexibility, leadership and his intellect added value to my experience. I think that’s why we had such a positive experience.”
Sisk: “He was accessible, responsive, and supportive. He provided feedback when we were together. He facilitated engaging discussions. He offered valuable mentorship. He continues to be a guiding force for us.”
Curriculum Relevant to Current and Future Roles
Our online program’s practical focus provided immediate benefits for Sosa and Sisk’s current roles:
Sosa: “I did take something valuable away from each class. But probably the most influential class for me would be Superintendency and the School Board, because we work in the superintendent’s office. When you look at the relationships, the responsibilities as an aspiring superintendent and you know what that looks like with the board of trustees, that was really an insightful course for me.
“Getting to interview different board members and superintendents was a good perspective because my entire career has been in the same district. So speaking to others outside of our district expanded my knowledge of different ways of doing things or how different districts operate.”
Sisk: “That was my favorite course as well. It’s so directly related to the line of work that we do. Our conversations, the board meetings we attended, and all that we learned about board governance was invaluable.”
Paving the Way for Future Leadership
Is a superintendent role next for Sosa or Sisk? While the jury’s still out, both Sosa and Sisk see their superintendent certification as a stepping-stone to future educational leadership opportunities.
Sosa: “I’m just trying to figure out what I’m going to do when I grow up. Both of us still have a good amount of time in our careers. I want to make sure that I set myself up for success and am prepared to take advantage of any future opportunities that may present themselves.”
Sisk: “We want to grow. We want to make an impact. We’re aspiring to be transformative leaders, as women in leadership. So yes, I absolutely see myself continuing to advance in my career. My heart is in this work, and I’m fully committed to it.”
Encouraging Colleagues to Take the Next Step
Sosa and Sisk have already recommended UTPB’s online Superintendent Certification to some colleagues.
Sisk: “We’ve already seen more colleagues in Northside enroll in the program! One of our elementary executive directors jumped in after we convinced her, and I’ve spoken with a few principals who are considering it. I tell them all the same thing: ‘This is absolutely the best way to go!’ UTPB’s program is the real deal—it’s flexible, affordable, and prepares you for leadership in the best way possible.”
Get details about our Superintendent Certification program and apply here!