The Education Service Center Region 13 Texas Superintendents’ Certification Institute (TSCI) prepares future school leaders to meet modern challenges through innovative educational leadership. TSCI offers a high-quality certification program for aspiring superintendents via non-traditional means, allowing participants to engage in leadership practicums or internships while managing demanding schedules and networking with peers.
TSCI’s statewide blended model includes:
Leadership Orientation
Texas Teacher and Principal Evaluation & Support Systems (T-TESS and T-PESS)
9 Canvas courses with embedded performance assessments
Self-study activities
Dyslexia, TBSI, and YMHFA training
District-based practicum/internship
Each Canvas course starts and ends on a designated Saturday. The curriculum, aligned with state standards and best practices, is designed by experienced superintendents and district leaders. The core courses are 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, and Leading Operations to Support the Learning Environment.
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
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.
Ready to Start Your Superintendent Certification Journey?
All admission steps must be completed no later than 2 weeks prior to the desired launch date.
Official Master's Transcripts (min. 3.0 GPA required)
Note: If your university master's transcripts include a pass/fail for your coursework and do not show a clear overall GPA number of 3.0 or higher, you must additionally submit an official GRE score report of 2.5 or higher to demonstrate equivalency of minimum GPA requirement.
Most recent educator evaluation
Valid principal or mid-level management certificate or approval letter for your application to substitute managerial experience in lieu of a principal certificate. You can find the linked PDF application with included submission instructions here. According to 19 TAC Chapter 242.20(5), applicants must have at least three creditable years of managerial experience in a school district leadership role. in each area of responsibility while employed in a public school district. This managerial experience must be within a school district setting—non-school district leadership experience is not considered for the purposes of this application. Please see FAQ for more information on the application requirements.
Service record (from Human Resources) showing credential years of managerial experience
Resume including campus/district level leadership experience
If you currently or previously served in the military, provide a Joint Services Transcript or equivalent for cohort specialists to review Joint Services Transcripts to determine if coursework aligns with certification preparation coursework for their specific certification area.
Participate in a 45-minute Zoom interview. TSCI staff will contact you to schedule this at the appropriate time.
Sarah Reuwsaat Educator Evaluation and Leadership Education Service Center, Region 13 5701 Springdale Road Austin, TX 78723
Official Master's transcripts must be unopened and may be sent directly via mail from the University via regular mail or electronic access to the leadership@esc13.txed.net email.
The application will not be processed until we have received all of the above-listed items and your application fee has been paid.
Transfers
Individuals wishing to transfer from another certification program must complete all steps of the application process. In addition, they must submit a TEA Candidate Transfer form with their online application. Transfer acceptance will be at the discretion of the ESC Region 13 certification program. If the candidate is indicated as a "finisher" in the previous program, please contact the program at leadership@esc13.txed.net. Candidates transferring from other programs must start ESC Region 13 certification program coursework from the beginning. Credit will not be given for coursework completed in another program.
Admission Schedule
You can start your journey at the start of any scheduled module, and if you apply now, you can start pursuing your superintendent certification within the next 6-8 weeks!
All admission steps must be completed no later than 2 weeks prior to the desired launch date.
Program Launch Dates
Admission Schedule
You can start your journey at the start of any scheduled module, and if you apply now, you can start pursuing your superintendent certification within the next 6-8 weeks!
All admission steps must be completed no later than 2 weeks prior to the desired launch date.
Below is the TSCI rolling admission schedule through the 2025-2026 school year.
April 5, 2025
May 17, 2025
June 28, 2025
August 2, 2025
August 30, 2025
October 4, 2025
November 8, 2025
December 13, 2025
January 24, 2026
March 7, 2026
April 25, 2026
June 13, 2026
July 18, 2026
August 29, 2026
Program Fees
Our comprehensive program is offered at a fixed price to include application, registration, and program fees. Note that all fees are non-refundable.
Participants may pay the $6,000 program costs in full, upfront, or pay in eight equal monthly payments of $750.00, beginning the month following the first module start day.
Texts, materials, the TExES exam fee, and certification fees are paid separately prior to completing the program.
Application Fee
$100 (Due at application)
Non-refundable
Registration Fee
$300 (Upon acceptance)
Non-refundable
Program Fee
$6,000
Textbooks
$200 (approximately)
Paid separately
TExES Fee
$131
Paid separately
Certification Fee
$78
Paid Separately
Financial Aid
If you have completed other ESC Region 13 Certification Programs (Educator Certification Program, Principal Certification Network), then you are eligible to have your $300 registration fee waived.
If your district is part of Region 13 ESC's HR Coop, students who are offered admission to the program will receive $50 off their registration fee.
Additionally, several loans are available but consult with TSCI staff prior to applying to ensure you request the exact amount. The program will not reimburse the candidate for overpayment.
A+ FCU Higher Education Loan: A+ Federal Credit Union offers a Personal Loan that could finance your program fees in full. If you are not already a member of A+ Federal Credit Union, please visit the membership page to join.
A+ Personal Loan: Borrow up to $50,000 with a low-rate personal loan from A+FCU with flexible terms of up to 84 months. For additional questions, contact: Zenda Bennett at 512-421-2805
College Access Loan Program: The College Access Loan Program provides alternative educational loans to Texas students enrolled in an alternative certification program who are unable to meet the cost of attendance. The CAL may be used to cover part or all of the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC); students do not have to demonstrate financial need. This loan program is part of the Hinson-Hazlewood College Student Loan Program administrated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). For more information, visit http://www.hhloans.com/.
Program Orientation
9 Core Curriculum Canvas Courses
Saturday Class and Mid-Point Zoom
Field Supervision & Leadership Coaching
Self-Study Activities
Supplemental Trainings
Superintendent Shadowing Hours and Leadership Experience Hours
TExES Practice Exam Session & Official Exam
Application Questions
Is it okay to submit transcripts from a university that only assigns a pass/fail and does not include a GPA number?
If your university master's transcripts include a pass/fail for your coursework and do not show a clear overall GPA number of 3.0 or higher, you must also submit an official GRE score report of 2.5 or higher to demonstrate equivalency of minimum GPA requirement. You must submit both your original Master's transcripts and your GRE for admission review.
What are the next steps once I have submitted my application and required documents?
After a review of your application and documents, a 45-minute virtual interview will be scheduled, and the Constructed Responses within your application will be scored using the Constructed Response Rubric.
How would I apply for the waiver to substitute managerial experience in place of holding principal certification?
The applicant must have a minimum of three years of experience as a district-level employee in all the following areas:
Supervising and/or appraising personnel: This must involve direct supervision or appraisal responsibilities, not merely participation in the appraisal process.
Leading district-wide initiatives or projects: Experience must extend beyond campus-level leadership.
Managing and/or developing a budget: Demonstrated responsibility in budget oversight or creation is required.
Will my application for a waiver in lieu of principal certification be approved if I include leadership experience outside of a school district?
According to 19 TAC Chapter 242.20(5), applicants must have at least three creditable years of managerial experience in a school district leadership role. in each area of responsibility while employed in a public school district. This managerial experience must be within a school district setting—non-school district leadership experience is not considered for the purposes of this application.
Program Questions
Can a participant take more than one module at a time?
No, only one module is offered per session.
If needed, could the participant take a break during the program?
This may be possible pending required support steps prior to program staff considering approval of an official hiatus. This option is discouraged due to the brevity of the program schedule overall as well as encouragement of continued connection with the cohort.
If the participant takes a break and misses a module, how long will it be before the module is offered again?
Approximately 12 months later.
Will university credit be given for any of the modules?
No, not at this time.
If someone already has university credit toward certification, can course credit take the place of any of the modules?
No, the model of preparation is unique and, therefore, requires completion of all TSCI content modules.
What if I have a concern about the program?
The Region 13 Educator Preparation Programs encourage stakeholders to discuss their concerns with appropriate program personnel who have the authority to address the concerns. Concerns should be expressed as soon as possible to allow early resolution at the lowest possible level. Informal resolution shall be encouraged. If this does not resolve your issue, please follow our formal complaint process. EPP Complaint Process and EPP Complaint Form
Can I find out more about Region 13’s TSCI program and how well it has been doing to prepare candidates for the superintendency?
Yes. See Financial Assistance recommended options in the Fees tab.
Superintendent Certification Questions
What is needed for the completion of a standard superintendent certificate?
Successful completion of all program requirements, including attending all face-to-face sessions, completing all assignments, paying all program fees, receiving a favorable recommendation from your school district, and passing the TExES Exam.
What skills are needed to be a School Administrator?
Becky Estrada has served in public education for 45 years and recently retired as the Chief Financial Officer for the Lackland Independent School District on Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. She is currently serving as the Chief Certification Officer at the Texas Association of School Business Officials. Becky has also earned the designation of Registered Texas School Business Administrator through TASBO.
Keith McBurnett
Keith McBurnett is in his 12th year of serving as superintendent for Burnet CISD. In his 30 year career in public education, his service includes public school teacher; assistant principal; principal; and numerous central office positions including executive director, assistant superintendent, chief academic officer, and deputy superintendent. Under his leadership, Burnet CISD was named the 2015 HEB Excellence in Education Small School District Award winner. In 2018, McBurnett was recognized as the Burnet Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year.
Terry Smith, Ed.D.
Dr. Terry Smith has served the education community in the State of Texas for 35 years and currently works with school districts on school finance issues related primarily to property tax agreements, school board training, planning, group facilitation, and efficiency reviews. Smith previously spent 20 years working for Texas Education Service Centers. He served as Executive Director for Education Service Centers, Region 13 (ESC-13) in Austin and Region 20 (ESC-20) in San Antonio. During his tenure, each ESC was recognized as an Outstanding Workplace.
Celina Estrada Thomas, Ph.D.
Dedicated to a life in public education, Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas served Texas public schools for 41 years. She retired from public education in August 2023 after serving as the superintendent of schools in Hutto ISD for the last six years of her career. She resides in Hutto, Texas, and serves as a TASA (Texas Association of School Administrators) Executive Coach, Executive Director for TALAS (Texas Association of Latin Administrators and Superintendents), and as an instructor for the Region 13 Superintendent Certification Program.
As superintendent of Hutto ISD, she organized and garnered enough community support to pass two of the largest bonds in the history of the district to keep up with growth demands. Hutto ISD is the 4th fastest-growing district in the central Texas area. Under her leadership, the district not only expanded and upgraded facilities, but she also increased the number of dual language campuses, expanded CTE and fine arts programs at the middle and high school levels, and increased college and career pathway opportunities.
Jeff Conovan
Jeff Conovan has been able to serve those in need and influence those who lead for 38 years in public education. He has been the TSCI Field Agent for 9 years. Jeff is the Superintendent of Schools for the Dime Box ISD. He consults and trains district and campus leaders all across Texas. Jeff has trained or consulted with administrators in over 70 school districts and charter schools. He served as a campus principal and in a couple of different executive director roles. He specializes in leadership training and closing gaps for students who struggle with academics and behavior.
Rhonda McWilliams, Ed.D.
Dr. Rhonda McWilliams has served in public schools in Texas for over 40 years. Prior to retirement in 2018, Rhonda was in Central Office leadership as Area Superintendent, Chief HR Officer, Director of Secondary Education, and Executive Director of Student Affairs in Fort Bend ISD, Pflugerville, and Alief ISDs. She is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Education at Concordia Texas University and a Field Supervisor for alternative certification candidates for ESC Region 13. Post-retirement, Dr. McWilliams has served as Interim Assistant Superintendent of HR in Waco ISD and in Hutto ISD; Hutto High School Principal in 2022-23; Interim Principal at Forbes MS in Georgetown ISD, and most recently as Interim Chief HR in Boerne ISD.
Charles E. Dupre, Ed.D., CPA, ACC
Dr. Charles Dupre is dedicated to supporting and developing leaders who are committed to leading with authenticity, integrity and vulnerability. A recognized and award-winning leader in the education sector, he served as superintendent of Fort Bend ISD and Pflugerville ISD and is known for building and leading high-performing teams.
Dupre currently serves the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) as Deputy Executive Director for Member Engagement and Support, where he has designed and launched programs to support member well-being and leadership development. He is also a professional executive coach credentialed by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). During 26 years as a leader in public education, Dupre served as an internal auditor, budget officer, CFO, and deputy superintendent before his 15-year tenure as superintendent. Previously, Dupre enjoyed a successful season of his career as an auditor and accountant in the energy sector.
Henry Gideon
Henry Gideon retired from public education after 34 years in June of 2024. He most recently served Hutto ISD as the Assistant Superintendent for Operations, where he led and directed the district’s operational and support departments: Transportation; Child Nutrition, Facilities Maintenance; Energy Management; Emergency Operations Planning; Health and Safety; Facilities Planning & Construction Management; Real Property & Land Use Planning; Long Range & Strategic Planning; Demographics/Zoning; and Technology. His K-12 experience in Operations also included service as the Chief Operations Officer for both Bastrop and Boerne ISD.
Info Videos
Blended Coursework
TExES
Field Supervision and Leadership Coaching
Supplemental Trainings
Self-Study Assignments
Superintendent Shadowing and District Leadership Experience Hours
Earn your superintendent certificate in one year
Apply online to TSCI to begin the program on the next module.
