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Students in Minnesota who want to take on leading roles within their teaching careers can benefit from earning a Superintendent Graduate Certificate. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an online remote Superintendent Graduate Certificate program for students who already have their master’s degree and are working in current administrative roles. Learn more about the program, how to become a superintendent, what the role entails, and the benefits.
What Is a Superintendent?
Superintendents hold the top role within school districts. They manage and run school district processes and operations. Superintendents ensure teachers and students have what they need to succeed and learn. To do this, they must communicate with principals and other school staff, as well as parents and community members to evaluate that their needs are met. Superintendents must also hire administrators and other staff.
Another large part of being a superintendent is working with government departments and public organizations. This includes:
- State legislators
- Local board of education
- City council
- Department of Education
Superintendents must create relationships with these members to help gain more funding, change curriculum, and address safety and health issues.
What Skills Should a Superintendent Have?
Superintendents should be natural leaders. They should also be passionate about making a difference in education and students. They should have strong leadership skills, as well as interpersonal skills. Superintendents must also track state and national educational trends. This helps ensure their school districts are up to par with others in the state and nationally. Superintendents must be able to look at their school district as a whole and develop ways to improve standards and processes.
Because superintendents must manage and solve many issues surrounding a school district, they must also have great problem-solving and communication skills. Superintendents must communicate with students, teachers, other principals, parents, and others. They must also manage budgets for school districts, meaning they need a background in budgets and financing.
Programs at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
The Superintendent Graduate Certificate program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is ideal for students looking to earn superintendent licensure in Minnesota. To enroll, students must have a master’s degree in any field, and traditionally have at least three years of teaching experience. Students typically also hold a valid K-12 administrative license and have experience in an administrative role within a school district, such as principal, curriculum director, or director of special education. Saint Mary’s can also work with students individually who desire to pursue the superintendency but come from a non-traditional background outside of education.
Our program highlights organizational leadership theories and practical skills, and focuses on understanding the Minnesota competencies for superintendents. Students take one three-credit course focused on the superintendency, and complete a three-credit field experience, guided by licensed and active superintendents, allowing them to gain authentic insights. Each student has a university advisor with experience in education, offering assistance throughout their entire schooling journey. These six credits take typically one year to complete.
How to Become a Superintendent
Some students undergo further education to earn their Ph.D. or Ed.D. While not all superintendents return for their doctorate, many find that having one puts them above other job applicants. The superintendent field can be highly competitive. Having a doctorate shows employers that you are highly educated, motivated, and understand what it means to work as a superintendent. This is not a requirement for licensure, however.
Why Choose Superintendent as a Career?
Becoming a superintendent can offer many benefits, including:
Long-Standing Job Stability
When someone becomes a superintendent, they can potentially hold that position for a very long time. The role offers a low turnover rate, and many superintendents give up their positions only when retiring. A superintendent career can provide incredible job security.
Stable Income
Those pursuing a career as a superintendent can earn a stable, sufficient income, especially in Minnesota. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for education administrators in Minnesota is about $100,880. Alongside job stability benefits, becoming a superintendent can offer a comfortable, long-standing career.
Job Satisfaction
Superintendents find immense job satisfaction knowing they can make a difference in the lives of teachers and students. Superintendents are responsible for operating school districts, as well as making important decisions regarding curriculum and budget. Becoming a superintendent is the best way to change school systems for people wanting to enhance education in their community.
Superintendents can move up in their careers in the future. They can also hold other high-paying positions within the educational field. For example, superintendents can move to become education coordinators, deans, chief academic officers, or presidents at colleges and universities.
Further Your Education at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Becoming a superintendent can be a fulfilling and worthwhile career. Students must start at a higher education institution, like Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. We use Lasallian Catholic education standards to help awaken and nurture students, as well as person-centered educational philosophies to deliver personalized education. To learn more about how to become a superintendent, request more information today.
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