Texas Superintendents' Certification Institute (TSCI)

Ready to Start Your Superintendent Certification Journey?

All admission steps must be completed no later than 2 weeks prior to the desired launch date.

Online Application Steps:

1. Complete your online application; you will be prompted to pay the $100 application fee at the end. This $100 fee is non-refundable.
2. Submit supplemental application pieces:
   1. Official Master's Transcripts (min. 3.0 GPA required)
      1. 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.
   2. Most recent educator evaluation
   3. 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.
   4. Service record (from Human Resources) showing credential years of managerial experience
   5. Resume including campus/district level leadership experience
   6. 3 recommendation forms, one from a current supervisor
   7. 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.
3. Participate in a 45-minute virtual interview. TSCI staff will contact you to schedule this at the appropriate time.
   

Please submit all required documents to:

Email:

leadership@esc13.txed.net

OR

Regular Mail:

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.

• October 4, 2025
• November 8, 2025
• December 13, 2025
• January 24, 2026
• March 7, 2026
• April 25, 2026
• June 13, 2026
• July 18, 2026
• October 3, 2026
• November 7, 2026
• December 12, 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 $6,400 program costs in full, upfront, or pay in ten equal monthly payments of $640.00, beginning the month following the first class start day.

Texts, materials, the TExES exam fee, and certification fees are paid separately prior to completing the program.

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.

Use the most current application form available on the TEA website, which can be accessed on the Becoming a Principal or Superintendent in Texas page.

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 class at a time?

No, only one class may be taken at a time, in the required sequence.

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, we encourage interested parties to review information regarding our program progress. This information can be found on TEA’s website on the Consumer Information about Educator Preparation Programs.

Financial Questions

Is there financial assistance available?

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?

Review the Necessary Personal Skills of an Administrator document.

TSCI Staff

	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 the Texas Association of School Business Officials. Becky has also earned the designation of Registered Texas School Business Administrator through TASBO.
	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.
	Cheryl Burns Cheryl Burns stands as a distinguished figure in public education, bringing 41 years of dedicated service and transformative leadership to her role as Superintendent of Smithville ISD. Her extensive career, marked by a steadfast commitment to student success and continuous improvement, has profoundly impacted learning communities across Texas. Before assuming the superintendency, Burns served with distinction as the Assistant Superintendent of Smithville ISD. In this pivotal role, she demonstrated exceptional administrative acumen, overseeing a diverse portfolio of departments and initiatives that significantly contributed to the district's operational efficiency and educational excellence. Her journey in public education began as a passionate and dedicated teacher, laying the foundation for a career characterized by an unwavering focus on instruction and student development. Her leadership trajectory includes impactful tenures as an assistant principal, principal, and curriculum and instruction director. Throughout her career, Superintendent Burns has been a driving force behind key educational advancements. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping impactful strategies related to instruction, accountability, and strategic planning. She is particularly recognized for her relentless pursuit of continuous improvement efforts, consistently striving to elevate academic standards and ensure equitable opportunities for all students Cheryl Burns's tenure at Smithville ISD is a testament to her profound understanding of educational best practices, her visionary leadership, and her unwavering dedication to fostering a thriving learning environment for the entire community.
	Dr. Craig Spinn, Ed.D. Dr. Craig Spinn is the instructor for the Organizational Leadership and Development course at TSCI. Before joining TSCI, Dr. Spinn served as the Superintendent/CEO of Thorndale ISD in Region 13. As a lifelong advocate for children, he made significant contributions to the district by improving facilities, technology, and academic outcomes. Under his leadership, Thorndale ISD experienced increased district revenue and enhanced fiscal accountability. Dr. Spinn’s career in education continued with his role as the Deputy Executive Director for Administrative Services at ESC Region 13. In this position, he developed and managed a annual operating budget exceeding $62 million. He provided administrative support to various center functions, including finance, business services, grants and contracts, procurement, risk management, human resources, technology, The Grill, and maintenance. Beyond his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Spinn also served as the chief investment officer and conducted training sessions for school boards and leadership teams.
	Dr. Danny Lovett Dr. Danny Lovett is a graduate of Sterling High School in Sterling, Oklahoma. He attended Oklahoma State University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1981. He taught science and coached for 19 years in public schools in both Oklahoma and Texas, and completed his Master of Education Degree at Stephen F. Austin State University in 1999. He began his administrative career as Curriculum Director at Burkeville ISD in 1999, and later at Evadale ISD, before serving as Superintendent of Schools at High Island ISD. He received his Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from SFA in 2006. He worked at Region 5 Education Service Center as Field Service Agent and Associate Executive Director, becoming Executive Director in 2013. Danny retired from Region 5 in 2023 and now works as a consultant for STRIVE Public Policy Resources, LLC and the Powell Law Group. Danny has provided school board training for over 90 schools across Texas, has served as liaison to the superintendents of Region 5, is a past superintendent of both the Jefferson County and Hardin County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Programs, and worked as an Adjunct Instructor at Lamar University in the Education Leadership Program. Danny has delivered over 850 Board and Administrative Team trainings over the past 21 years and frequently presents at school board conferences across the state. Additionally, he has conducted 35 superintendent/executive searches for ISD’s in and beyond Region 5. Danny has served as a mentor for first-time superintendents for both TASA and TREA, and serves as a field supervisor in the Region 13 Superintendent Certification Program. He is a certified Myers-Briggs trainer and an authorized provider for TEA’s Evaluating and Improving Student Outcomes (EISO) workshop. Danny works extensively with school boards and administrative teams on topics such as goal setting, superintendent evaluation, team building, leading change and many other topics. As Executive Director at Region 5, he worked closely with the Commissioner of Education, TEA, TASA, and TASB. He is a past chair of the Commissioner’s Cabinet of Region Services. Danny is a longtime member of the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA), a former Board member of the Texas Rural Education Association (TREA), and a member of both the Texas Association of Community Schools (TACS) and the Texas Association of Mid-Size Schools (TAMS). Most recently, he was appointed to serve on the Texas Commission for Virtual Education by the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, the Honorable Dade Phelan.
	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.
	Dr. Jerry Maze Dr. Jerry Maze is a lifelong educator having been a teacher and principal in Livingston ISD and superintendent in Hillsboro and Hubbard ISDs. Before his recent retirement, Jerry was Executive Director for Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 in Waco for 13 years. The Service Center serves 185,000 students through professional development and technical support provided to their 77 independent school districts and nine charter schools in 12 Central Texas counties. Jerry is past national president of the Association of Education Service Agencies and chair of the AESA National Foundation. While at ESC Region 12, Jerry developed a foundation to fund classroom instructional technology projects for children in the region serving more than 32,000 students to date. He currently is an education consultant, adjunct professor at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor, and an entrepreneur. In Waco, Jerry has served in a variety of community service positions, most recently serving as an education representative on the board of directors for Waco’s collective impact organization, Prosper Waco, and board of directors for the Greater Waco Area Manufacturing Academy for students to earn industry certifications while in school. Jerry received a doctorate of education from Lamar University and a Master of Education from Sam Houston State University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in agricultural journalism from Texas A&M University and certifications for secondary English and journalism, Texas professional mid-management, and Texas superintendent.
	Keith McBurnett Keith McBurnett, a proud alumnus of the Texas Superintendent Certification Institute (TSCI), brings more than 30 years of experience in public education - including 12 years as superintendent of Burnet CISD and 5 years as deputy superintendent in Pflugerville ISD - to his role as a longtime TSCI instructor. Now retired from public education, he continues to serve the same community he led for over a decade as superintendent in his current role as Assistant City Manager for the City of Burnet.
	Steve Snell Steve Snell is the newly appointed Judge of Williamson County. Steve Snell recently retired from education after 31 years. During those 31 years, he served the districts of Amarillo, Brazosport, Hutto, Longview Spring Hill, and Liberty Hill ISD. He has served as teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent, finishing the last 6 and a half years in Liberty Hill. His family includes his wife Amy of 29 years, daughter Madison and son Will. As the superintendent of Liberty Hill ISD, Mr. Snell led one of the fastest growing schools districts in Texas with purpose and conservative values, supervising over $1Billion in construction projects. Over his 6 years as superintendent of Liberty Hill, his students have competed at the highest state level in UIL academic competitions, state marching band championships, and agriculture. During his time is Liberty Hill, the students of LHISD earned 11 medals in team athletics with the Liberty Hill Panthers playing in the state championship games in football, volleyball, girls and boys basketball and girls and boys soccer all while being one of the highest academic performing districts in the state. Last year he was named the Region 13 Superintendent of the Year for his accomplishments. In addition to serving as superintendent, he has previously served on the Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce Board, the Liberty Hill Economic Development Corporation, Texas Association of School Administrators Executive Board and the Lone Star Investment Pool Board of Directors. Snell was chosen for County Judge for his leadership qualities, vast experience leading large organizations, and solid reputation as a leader of integrity and vision.
	Sarah Reuwsaat, TSCI Program Coordinator Sarah Reuwsaat originally began her career in education as a teacher and coach at Amphitheater High School in Tucson, Arizona. She then transitioned to the state of Texas working as teacher, Instructional Administrator, and Principal in Del Valle Independent School District. Sarah Reuwsaat is a proud Region 13 ESC Principal Certification Network alumni. She joined the Region 13 Education Service Center team in 2017 to coordinate and support both the principal (PCN) and superintendent (TSCI) alternative certification programs. She is proud to have led the effort to maintain and grow and rigorous and relevant superintendent training program with 100% pass rate on the TExES (195) exam that truly prepares leaders in the program to be in the seat now or whenever the opportunity arises.
	Randy Willis Randy Willis serves as the Executive Director of the Texas Association of Rural Schools (TARS), representing more than 350 school districts across the state. A veteran educational leader with over three decades of experience in Texas public education, Mr. Willis has built a distinguished career focused on improving educational outcomes, equity, and opportunities for rural students. During 2025 in the Texas 89th Legislative Session, Mr. Willis successfully led negotiations resulting in nearly $8 billion in additional funding for teachers’ salaries and over 300 million dollars for operational funding for small and midsize school districts through House Bill 2—an unprecedented achievement in Texas school finance. His policy leadership extends statewide, having served for eight years on the Accountability Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) to the Texas Commissioner of Education—one of only five superintendents selected from more than 1,200 superintendents across Texas. As Superintendent of Granger Independent School District, Mr. Willis led a highly successful academic school district, achieving a 100% high school graduation rate for eight consecutive years. Under his leadership, Granger High School and Granger Middle School earned national rankings by U.S. News & World Report among America’s Best High and Middle Schools. His prior service includes key leadership roles with the Texas Education Agency’s Division of School Improvement, where he supported 44 campuses serving more than 40,000 students through the USDE school improvement grant for low performing campuses. Recognized as an expert voice in education policy, Mr. Willis has provided professional testimony before the Texas House of Representatives and the State Board of Education on matters of curriculum, assessment, accountability, and school finance. Nationally, he has been a member of the America Achieves Global Learning Network’s Leadership Council, collaborating with education innovators from around the world, and was invited to deliver a keynote address in Ankang, China at the International Exchange and Cooperation on Basic Education between China and the United States. A former coach, principal, and superintendent, Mr. Willis’s career reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing public education in Texas through servant leadership, strategic collaboration, and legislative advocacy.
	Richard Kolek Richard Kolek is a highly experienced educator and administrator with over three decades of service in education. He is known for his strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills, which have enabled him to inspire and lead both individuals and teams to success. Richard began his career as a teacher, quickly earning a reputation for his dedication to student success, his ability to make complex ideas accessible, and his commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive classroom environment. His passion for teaching extended to coaching, where he helped students develop discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, further honing his leadership abilities. Richard’s transition into school administration was a natural progression, with his exceptional communication and relationship-building skills making him a standout leader. As a principal, he focused on enhancing school culture, supporting teachers, and ensuring high-quality education for students. Later, as superintendent, he oversaw multiple schools and fostered collaboration among educators, parents, and the community, leading to significant improvements in academic performance and school climate. Richard currently lives in the Hill Country with his wife, Tisha, and their two children. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring new places and spending time outdoors with family and friends.
	Rick Alvarado Dr. Richard Alvarado graduated from Texas A&M University-Kingsville with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education followed by a Master of Science in Educational Administration. In 2001, Richard earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University-College Station. After graduating with his Bachelor’s, Richard immediately began a career in the educational field as a teacher at San Antonio ISD. He also served as a principal at a San Antonio ISD elementary before serving as Assistant Superintendent in Curriculum and Instruction and Interim Superintendent for Southside ISD. Richard served as the Associate Director for Education Service Center Region 20, where he worked with charter schools and traditional schools. He has served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Phoenix-San Antonio Campus, Concordia University Texas-San Antonio Campus, Abilene Christian University-Dallas Campus and Texas A&M University-San Antonio. From 2013-2020, Richard served as the Executive Director at Education Service Center Region 2.
	Dr. Veronica Vijil Dr. Veronica Vijil is currently serving as Superintendent Emeritus for the Seguin Independent School District (ISD) in Seguin, Texas. Previously, she was the superintendent in Fabens ISD. She began her career as a seventh-grade language arts teacher in the Ysleta ISD, was a classroom teacher for 12 years, and held several campus and district leadership positions. Her anticipated retirement in December 2025 will close a successful and impactful chapter of 38 years in K-12 Education. She earned a Doctor of Education at Sam Houston University, a Master of Education at Indiana Wesleyan University, and a Bachelor of Science at The University of Texas at El Paso. Her experience in the field of education extended to different parts of Texas and Indianapolis, Indiana. During various semesters, Dr. Vijil has taught courses as an adjunct professor at Sam Houston State University. As a curriculum auditor, she has participated in curriculum audits in Texas and Illinois. During her tenure in education, Dr. Vijil served on numerous committees and mentored several protegees. In March 2020, she received the Distinguished Educator of the Year Award which recognizes and honors alumni educators who have made a significant contribution to the field of education from the College of Education at Sam Houston State University. In December 2025, the board members of the El Paso Chapter of the Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS) will honor her legacy by establishing The Dr. Veronica Vijil Founder’s Scholarship available to graduating seniors in El Paso. She and her husband, John have been married for 37 years; they have two grown married daughters, and two grandchildren.

Info Videos

Blended Coursework

TExES

Field Supervision and Leadership Coaching

Supplemental Trainings

Self-Study Assignments

Superintendent Shadowing and District Leadership Experience Hours