“I feel like I have a relationship with this person who brought me into the program and continues to keep me under their wing and make sure that I’m set up for success.” –Dr. Heather Vlach, online Superintendent Certification student
Dr. Heather Vlach’s educational journey has taken her across the globe, earning her master’s degree in Colorado, then later securing a teaching position in the Dominican Republic, then Southeast Asia, the Czech Republic, and Alaska.
A teacher’s daughter, Vlach practically grew up in school, often helping her mother set up the classroom during summer. Vlach was a quiet but ardent student who loved learning.
Now in her 30th year as an educator, she’s director of academic and strategic leadership at the American School in Doha, Qatar, and one class away from finishing UTPB’s online Superintendent Certification program.
Despite the distance, Vlach has thrived in our program and shared her experience in a wide-ranging discussion covering why she chose UTPB and the beneficial knowledge she’s gained.
From the Classroom to Global Leadership
As Vlach’s career evolved, so did her need for advanced education. Her current role demands a diverse skill set, prompting her to seek out a program that could elevate her expertise:
“The role that I sit in right now is a district-wide, multifaceted position. I started off as a director of teaching and learning, overseeing pre-K to grade 12 curriculum and instruction. However, it evolved because our needs as an institution evolved. So the work that I’ve been doing toggles between an associate superintendent role and a director of teaching and learning role.
“With all these elements that I was needing to work through, I felt there was more learning that I needed to do. So, I decided to start looking into a program because I want to be more effective and impactful at the work that I do.”
A Truly Personalized Online Program
Vlach’s search for the right program led her to UTPB, where she found a unique blend of comprehensive curriculum and personalized attention, despite being thousands of miles away.
“I did start [searching] in my home state of Alaska … There’s literally one program available, and it wasn’t accommodating to my needs because I live internationally. Texas [has] some partnerships where I could get my Alaska superintendent license even though I would be attending a Texas university, so I started honing my efforts there. UTPB really caught my eye because it was very comprehensive and clear.
“I wasn’t 100% sure that was the program I was going for, but [Assistant Professor] Dr. Uzat reached out, said he had seen my application, and asked me to have an online interview. It was just such a thoughtful and meaningful conversation where I could tell the program offered more than just the education—something much more personalized. That sold me on the program, and I was like, ‘Search is over. This is it.’
“The program is very accommodating with my needs in terms of being on the other side of the planet from Texas. Being able to work online was critical for me. That personalized care. The genuine concern about the role of a superintendent and what they’re meant to be doing and to ensure you have the right folks on the bus that you’re elevating. I wanted to be a part of that.”
Real-World Impact: Applying Classroom Lessons to Career Challenges
UTPB’s program has been transformative for Vlach, providing her with a robust set of immediately applicable skills. From budget management to strategic planning, the knowledge she’s gained has not only enhanced her current role but also positioned her to tackle future leadership challenges with confidence and expertise.
“The strategic planning element [of the program] has been the most impactful to me. But then there’s also the financial side of things because I oversee budgets, and learning how to organize a budget, what a budget should look like in terms of allocating the resources out, and how it should align to the strategic plan has been really helpful.
“I’m on the steering committee for our master planning work and the timing of this program, and the learning that I’ve done has been so critical to be[ing] a useful participant in that committee. It’s just been all very relevant to the work that I do every single day.”
Staying Connected From Afar
Despite the challenges of a nine-hour time difference, Vlach has found ways to connect with her cohort and professors, creating a rich learning environment that spans continents:
“When I do attend [online class meetings], I definitely feel part of the group, and the best part is learning with and from other colleagues who have a very different experience than I do. It’s all so relevant even though our circumstances are incredibly different.
“I feel that sense of community and inclusivity, and I think it’s the culture that has been built by Dr. Uzat. He makes sure that all voices are honored and heard. When there are more quiet voices, he gently helps bring those voices out, so we all have an opportunity to interact with each other.”
Plans for Her Superintendent Credentials
Will Dr. Vlach seek a superintendent position?
“I honestly don’t know. Prior to entering the program, I had a very firm stance that this is the trajectory I want and I think part of it is something innate in me—always going for what I can achieve next. However, over the last year or two, I feel like I’ve really grown into myself as a professional. I’m very comfortable where I am and want to continue to be better skilled at the work I’m doing, and it’s not quite at that level of a superintendent yet.”
Why UTPB? A Student’s Perspective
As she nears the completion of her superintendent certification, Vlach offered her insights on what makes UTPB’s program stand out, from its affordability to its collaborative learning environment:
“The program [is] very reasonably priced. The number of classes makes it very digestible. The ability to build relationships with your professors and with your cohort. The communication and collaboration with other people is a very real thing at UTPB through this program and that’s just been monumental for me in terms of growing myself and learning with and from others.”
Ready to elevate your educational leadership? Explore UTPB’s online Superintendent Certification program details and apply now to join our global community of innovative educators.