Department Contact:
Director: Dr. Melissa Peppetti, mpeppetti@francis.edu, 814-472-3068
Program Description:
Strong leadership is required to keep schools in the optimal condition for student growth and achievement. In order to provide the educational system with an effective, cost effective, dynamic organization built on the foundation of serving the needs of students, a superintendent must possess knowledge in an infinite number of educational domains. The delivery of such diversified leadership provides for a collegial atmosphere that creates a center for learning in the community for which a district serves.
Candidates seeking admission to the Superintendent PK-12/IU Executive Director PK-12 program must have successfully completed a master’s degree and an administrative certification program, either at Saint Francis University or another accredited college or university, with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Strategic and Organizational Vision
The leader has knowledge and skills to think and plan strategically, creating an organizational vision around personalized student success. Successful candidates demonstrate the ability to promote organizational change, model leadership, construct a shared vision, and think strategically when planning for K-12 teaching and learning outcomes.
Standards-Based Systems
The leader demonstrates the ability to implement a district-wide standards-based reform initiative (architect of reform, systems thinking, education reform).
Informed Decision Making
Successful candidates demonstrate the ability to use assessment, evaluation, and research for continuous improvement efforts.
Culture of teaching and learning
Successful candidates are knowledgeable to research principles that inform leadership approaches, models of learning, and organizational behavior and culture.
Ethics and Advocacy
A successful candidate operates in a fair and equitable manner with personal and professional integrity (ethics, conflicts resolution, diversity, fairness, and sound judgement).
Estimated Completion Time:
Typically 2 years of part-time study
Accreditation Statement:
The teacher preparation and certification programs offered at Saint Francis University at the undergraduate and graduate level are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), 333 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17126; (717)783-6788. PDE approved preparation programs are designed to prepare and certify educators to teach or serve in the schools of the Commonwealth. www.education.pde.gov
Admission Requirements:
Students must apply for admission into the program. The Graduate Education department will review all applicants throughout the year and candidates will receive an acceptance letter from the Director. In order to be considered for application, applicants must submit the following information:
- Two letters of professional recommendation, one from a seated superintendent;
- Submit official transcripts from the degree and certification granting institutions;
- Copy of Instructional Certificate;
- Document 6 years of educational experience and currently be an acting administrator or supervisor;
- Must have completed 3 years as a practicing administrator before applying for certification.
Admissions Deadline:
The program has rolling admission. New cohorts begin every other fall semester.
Technical Standards or Essential Functions:
Saint Francis University is committed to the principle that no qualified individual, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in or denied the benefits or services, programs or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination by the University as required by the Americans with Disability Act. The Education Department adheres to the policies for academic accommodation as determined by the Center for Academic Success. The Center’s Office of Disability Services assists eligible students in receiving basic services as determined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disability Act. Every effort is made to arrange appropriate academic accommodations for students who experience physical or mental disabilities. Students are required to provide appropriate documentation to the accessibility coordinator upon request of the accommodation.
Progression and/or Retention Criteria:
- Students must complete their program within five (5) years of their initial enrollment.
- A minimum average of 3.0 must be maintained throughout the program. If a student falls below the 3.0 requirement he or she will be placed on academic probation for the next semester. Student’s continued eligibility in the program will depend on the GPA in the semester following the low GPA. If the student’s GPA does not go above the 3.0, after being placed on probation, the student is subject to dismissal from the program.
Certification and/or Licensure:
Upon completion of the program requirements, candidate must pass the Pennsylvania School superintendent and Executive Directors Assessment test. Upon successful completion of this test, candidate will be recommended by Saint Francis University for certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Teacher Information Management Systems (TIMS). See PDE information.
See Superintendent PK-12 Letter Requirements: https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/PAEducators/Pages/SuperintendentLetterRequirements.aspx
Total Credits Required:
20 credits
Note:
Students will have 180 hours of clinical observations upon completion of this program. These clinical hours may be completed in the student’s current place of employment with instructor permission.