To oversee a school district in Texas, you must earn a superintendent certification.
Becoming a superintendent can be incredibly rewarding since it allows you to shape educational policies and positively impact the lives of students, teachers and the community.
To achieve your goals, you must complete these five steps to earn a superintendent TEA certification:
The TEA (Texas Education Agency) requires that superintendents hold a master’s degree from an accredited university or agency that is recognized by the
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
The TEA is responsible for overseeing primary and secondary public education in the state of Texas, ensuring compliance with education laws and regulations, and supporting school districts in their efforts to improve student performance.
The master’s degree does not have to be in education, but leadership-focused degrees can help you have a successful superintendent career.
Superintendents must hold a principal certificate or the equivalent issued by the TEA, another state or country. If you are a teacher and have the goal of becoming a superintendent, you must earn your principal certificate first.
To get a principal certification, you must:
You can read more about getting your Texas principal certification in our article, 5 Steps To Get Your Texas Principal Certification.
If you don’t have a principal certificate, a second option is to complete the superintendent certificate application. If your application is approved, the TEA allows you to substitute managerial experience in lieu of a principal certificate.
As you complete the application, you’ll need to include information about experience you have in:
Make sure you indicate the length of experience for each of these areas.
The next step is to finish an approved superintendent educator preparation program (EPP). 
Education preparation programs combine online coursework with in-person experiences to prepare you for overseeing a school district. Education preparation programs are designed to equip aspiring superintendents with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience required to lead school districts effectively.
These programs typically include coursework in educational leadership, school finance and policy, as well as practical experiences such as internships or mentorships with experienced superintendents. Completing an EPP ensures that candidates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the superintendent role and make a positive impact on their educational communities.
A top superintendent education preparation program should:
As you prepare for your superintendent exam, it’s also important to enroll in an EPP that does NOT offer test preparation as a costly add-on. Educator certification programs should include test preparation as part of their curriculum, not as another way to nickel and dime interns.
To become a superintendent in Texas, you must pass the 195 Superintendent TExES exam. This exam assesses whether you have the knowledge and skills needed for an entry-level superintendent or assistant superintendent in Texas public schools.
Questions on the exam cover all grades, from early childhood (EC) to grade 12. Approximately 40% of the test focuses on leadership of the educational community, 30% on instructional leadership and 30% on administrative leadership.
The exam is designed to ensure that candidates possess a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted responsibilities of a superintendent. These include fostering community relations, promoting effective teaching and learning practices, and managing school operations efficiently.
Preparing thoroughly for this exam is crucial for demonstrating your readiness to lead and support educational success across diverse school environments.
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