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
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. For a full list of upcoming launch dates, view the Timeline tab.
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 are required to 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 principal certificate
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
Per TAC §228.35(a)(5)(B), Region 13 ESC's Texas Superintendents' Certification Institute will provide a review of your evidence submission of prior or ongoing service, training or education and determine if any may replace TSCI's certification pathway expectations. To begin this process, email leadership@esc13.txed.net to request a transfer credit review to receive further information. Per TAC §228.35(a)(5)(B), TSCI will provide a review of your evidence submission of prior or ongoing service, training or education and determine if any may replace TSCI's certification pathway expectations.
Timeline
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 for the 2024-2025 school year.
February 3, 2024
March 2, 2024
April 20, 2024
June 1, 2024
July 20, 2024
August 17, 2024
September 14, 2024
October 19, 2024
December 7, 2024
January 18, 2025
February 15, 2025
April 5, 2025
May 17, 2025
June 28, 2025
August 2, 2025
August 30, 2025
October 4, 2025
Program Fees
Our comprehensive program is offered at a fixed price to include application, registration, and program fees.
Participants may pay the $6,000 program costs in full, up front, or pay in eight equal monthly payments of $750.00, beginning the month following the first module start day.
Texts, materials, TExES exam fee, and certification fees are paid separately prior to completion of the program.
Application Fee
$100 (Due at application)
Non-refundable
Registration Fee
$300 (Upon acceptance)
Non-refundable
Program Fee
$6,000
Non-refundable
Textbooks
$200 (approximately)
Paid separately
TExES Fee
$131
Paid separately
Certification Fee
$78
Paid Separately
Financial Aid
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/.
Is there financial assistance available?
Yes. See Financial Assistance recommended options in the Fees tab.
If I work at Region 13 Education Service Center, do you offer an employee discount?
As an employee at ESC Region 13, your pursuit of educator certification through the organization’s preparation programs will be supported in the following ways:
Waiver of $300 registration
Ability to apply for all applicant scholarships as available on the certification program website
Extended payment plan to reduce monthly payment amounts, completion of payment due by cohort graduation date
For ECP this will be 7 pre service payments instead of 5
For PCN this will be 14 program fee payments instead of 12
For TSCI this will be 10 program fee payments instead of 8
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.
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 are required to additionally 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.
Is it possible to gain transfer credit for prior military or previously completed superintendent certification coursework?
Per TAC §228.35(a)(5)(B), Region 13 ESC's Texas Superintendents' Certification Institute will provide a review of your evidence submission of prior or ongoing service, training or education and determine if any may replace TSCI's certification pathway expectations. To begin this process, email leadership@esc13.txed.net to request a transfer credit review to receive further information. Per TAC §228.35(a)(5)(B), TSCI will provide a review of your evidence submission of prior or ongoing service, training or education and determine if any may replace TSCI's certification pathway expectations.
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.
What is needed for 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?
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?
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 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 a product of public schools and an advocate for high quality public education as a foundation of our democracy. In his 30-year career in public education, his service has included public school teacher, assistant principal, principal, and numerous central office positions, including executive director, assistant superintendent, chief academic officer, and deputy superintendent. Keith most recently served as superintendent of schools for Burnet CISD, where he led the passage of two bond elections, the passage of a tax rate election, the development and implementation of two strategic plans, and the implementation of multiple programs to expand academic and extracurricular opportunities for students. In 2015, Burnet CISD was named the HEB Excellence in Education Small School District Award winner, and in 2018, Keith was recognized as the Burnet Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year. Keith is a proud alumnus of the Region 13 Texas Superintendents' Certification Institute.
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 ESC XIII 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. She committed her work to ensuring equitable access (to honor her father), closing achievement gaps, instilling high expectations, and raising academic achievement for all students. Moreover, she believes in the power of professional and personal growth, mentoring other superintendents, and mentoring aspiring women, especially minority women, in administrative capacities.
Jeff Conovan
Jeff Conovan has been able to serve those in need and influence those that 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 that 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 is a proven culture builder, communicator and champion for helping others achieve their full potential, as he believes authentic investment in others enables us to be our best for ourselves and for others.
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 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.
Steve Flores
Steve Flores is a lifelong champion for children, Dr. Steve Flores most recently served as the Superintendent of Schools for the Round Rock Independent School District, the 21st largest school district in Texas with more than 51, 000 students and 55 campuses. Before coming to Round Rock in 2013, Dr. Flores led the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District in the Rio Grande Valley as Superintendent for five years. He also spent several years in the Dallas Independent School District, serving as Area Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, and Chief of Staff.
John Schumacher
John Schumacher has been in the field of education for the past 39 years. He is currently serving as the Culture, Climate and Retention Strategist for Prosper ISD where he trains leaders and works with staff and community to evaluate, enhance and improve culture in the district. The previous six years he was the Superintendent of Schools for Gonzales ISD and Mason ISD. Additional years of service include assistant superintendent in charge of finance, principal, assistant principal, athletic director, teacher and coach. John specializes in implementing a proactive culture of growth and development and how all stakeholders play a vital role in the development of a healthy culture.
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.
Earn your superintendent certificate in one year
Apply online to TSCI to begin the program on the next module.