Watch this video to learn more about our state-wide accessible superintendent certification program:
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.
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?
Official Master's Transcripts (min. 3.0 GPA required)
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.
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/.
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!
Below is the TSCI rolling admission schedule for the 2022-2023 school year.
February 18, 2023
March 25, 2023
May 6, 2023
June 17, 2023
August 5, 2023
September 9, 2023
October 7, 2023
November 11, 2023
January 6, 2024
February 3, 2024
March 2, 2024
April 20, 2024
Is there financial assistance available?
Yes. See Financial Assistance recommended options in the Fees tab.
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 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?
For the past two years, Steven Snell has served as the superintendent of Liberty Hill ISD, currently the fastest growing district in the Austin area. Overall, Steven has 27 years in public education and 24 years as a campus and district administrator. He has served the communities of Amarillo, Brazosport, Hutto, Spring Hill, and Liberty Hill. He has a wide range of administrative experience including campus administration at elementary, middle, and high school, and served as an Assistant Superintendent in Hutto ISD before becoming the Superintendent of Spring Hill ISD in Longview. He is in his 6th year as superintendent. He also serves on the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) Executive Committee, representing ESC 13.
Becky Estrada
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 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.
Dr. Celina Estrada Thomas is in her 41styear of service and 6th year as superintendent of Hutto ISD. In her second year as superintendent, she organized and garnered enough community support to pass one of the largest bonds in the history of the district to keep up with growth demands. Under her leadership, the district expanded dual-language programs into the secondary level, expanded CTE programs at the middle and high school levels, and increased the counselor contact time by decreasing student to counselor ratios.
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 16 years of campus leadership experience. Furthermore, she has 13 years of Central Office leadership as Area Superintendent, Chief HR Officer, Director of Secondary Education, and Executive Director Student Affairs in Pflugerville, Fort Bend, and Alief ISDs. She is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Education at Concordia Texas University. Rhonda recently servied as Interim Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources in Waco ISD during the 2019-2020 school year.
Dr. Charles Dupre
Dr. Charles Dupre currently serves the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) as Deputy Executive Director for Member Engagement and Support. He previously served Fort Bend ISD as superintendent for more than eight years.
Under Dr. Dupre’s leadership, Fort Bend ISD developed a culture of care, safety, and inclusion, with a focus on educating the whole child and ensuring all students have equitable access to a robust instructional program, which resulted in significantly improved outcomes for all student groups. Fort Bend ISD was awarded the 2018 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award as the best Texas school district in the large district category.
Dr. Dupre previously led Pflugerville ISD as superintendent for seven years after serving Fort Bend ISD as Chief Financial Officer. He has twice been recognized as a state finalist for Texas Association of School Boards Superintendent of the Year.
In this season of his career, Dr. Dupre is dedicated to developing school and district leaders who are committed to leading with authenticity, integrity, and equity. He and is wife, Seeju, reside in Georgetown, Texas, near their two sons and grandson.
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.
Earn your superintendent certificate in one year
Apply online to TSCI to begin the program on the next module.
