Texas Superintendents' Certification Institute (TSCI)

  • Custom Dates
  • $6,000

Watch this video to learn more about our state-wide accessible superintendent certification program.

Empowering Future Educational Leaders

The Education Service Center Region 13 Texas Superintendents’ Certification Institute (TSCI) prepares future leaders to meet the evolving challenges faced by schools of the new millennium through redefining educational leadership. TSCI is a high-quality certification program designed exclusively to prepare aspiring educational leaders for the superintendence through non-traditional means. The certification program permits participants to engage in the work of superintendents through a leadership practicum or internship while working around demanding schedules and provides a cohort of peers for networking. TSCI provides participants with a challenging and relevant certification program through a blended model. During the program, the superintendent candidate participates in the following:

  • Leadership Orientation
  • Texas Teacher Evaluation & Support System (T-TESS) and Texas Principal Evaluation & SupportSystem (T-PESS)
  • 9 Canvas courses, including 9 embedded performance assessments
  • Additional self-study activities
  • Dyslexia, TBSI, and YMHFA training
  • District-based practicum/internship

Each of the 9 core curriculum Canvas courses launches and ends on a designated Saturday, which includes a blended model classroom experience; the weekly Canvas coursework is completed online, including a variety of assignments requiring online interaction with other cohort members and the course facilitators as well as campus-based experiences. The TSCI curriculum is written and facilitated by individuals with campus superintendent and/or district-level experience based on research and best practices and is fully aligned to the state standards and objectives, TExES (195), Effective Schools Framework (ESF), and ISTE Standards.

Core Curriculum Courses:

  • Ethical Leadership
  • Organizational Leadership and Development
  • Community Needs and Interests
  • District Culture
  • Budget and Resource Allocation
  • Implementing and Supporting Instruction
  • Human Capital Leadership
  • Political and Legal Issues
  • Leading Operations to Support the Learning Environment

How to Become a Superintendent in Texas

  • Hold a master’s degree from an accredited university
  • Hold a Principal certificate or the equivalent issued by the TEA, another state, or country
    OR
    Complete the superintendent certificate application and been approved by the TEA to substitute managerial experience in lieu of a principal certificate
  • Successfully complete an approved superintendent educator preparation program
  • Successfully complete required exam (TExES 195)

Source: Becoming a Principal or Superintendent in Texas

Background Check

Pursuant to the Texas Education Code (TEC), § 22.083, all candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to employment as an educator. If you feel this is a concern and you have questions about eligibility for a Texas educator certificate, TEA staff may perform an evaluation for a non-refundable fee of $50.