School administrator standing in front of empty classroom

School District Administrator Cohort

Academics

(PDE Certification, Superintendent PK-12 Letter of Eligibility)

Elevate your leadership and influence. Advance your skillset to lead outstanding school systems.

Student Spotlight Jennifer Levernier.

This program has strengthened my ability to reflect on my leadership and make more intentional decisions. It has also reinforced the importance of supporting educators, because when teachers feel supported, students benefit. 

 

-Jennifer Levernier, School District Administrator Cohort

Overview

District administrators hold a uniquely influential role, shaping the direction and effectiveness of multiple schools and learning environments. With the authority and opportunity to drive meaningful change, they can implement strategies and systems that benefit all students. Meeting the curricular and extracurricular aspirations of their communities requires leaders who are not only knowledgeable and talented, but also proactive, visionary, and committed to continuous improvement.

School districts operating in the 8 Intermediate Units surrounding the College of Education employ approximately 100 assistant superintendents and 115 superintendents. The mean salary of the assistant superintendents is $172,00 and $186,000 for superintendents. Approximately 40% of these supervisors hold a master’s degree and 60% earned a doctorate.

Superintendent PK-12 Letter of Eligibility

In order to be certified as a superintendent in Pennsylvania, students must complete the program with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. 

They must also: 

  • Have a minimum of six years of satisfactory school experience, with at least three years in a supervisory or administrative capacity 
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
  • Show satisfactory achievement on the Pennsylvania-required test

For Lehigh’s Superintendent PK-12 Letter of Eligibility program, students who have already earned a master’s degree take six courses for 18 credits in subjects that include school district governance, ethics and the law, district resource management, instructional leadership  and leading inclusive learning systems. The classes are held mostly in the late afternoon and evenings for the convenience of working professionals. 

Superintendent certification candidates earn another 10 credits doing an apprenticeship with a superintendent.

Lehigh’s innovative faculty include leaders with years of experience as school administrators and teachers as well as professors who are at the forefront of research in best practices. Alumni have gone on to lead school districts in the region and around the state. 

Please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education website for more information on Pennsylvania’s certification requirements.

Application Requirements

  • Transcripts, minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate). Evaluations are required for applicants who have earned a degree outside the U.S.
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • A minimum of six years of satisfactory school experience, with at least three years in a supervisory or administrative capacity
  • Written narrative
  • Resume

Deadlines: Apply by May 5 for summer start. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadlines.

Apply Now

The COE Advantage

The course instructors at Lehigh consist of a blend of talented scholars and leaders. 

As an institution engaged in research, Lehigh faculty conduct studies that provide information useful to working principals.  Lehigh faculty publish their studies in top-tier peer reviewed journals, as well as present at international and national conferences. In addition, Lehigh faculty publish OpEds in local outlets, translational articles in practice outlets like Kappan and Educational Leadership, and present at state leadership conferences.

In addition, course instructors include current and retired educational leaders.  These instructors provide students with direct knowledge of how to effectively implement evidence-based practice.  Our instructors have a wealth of experience as principals, assistant principals, and district administrators. Their experiences come from an array of school levels and contexts.

The Superintendent Letter of Eligibility can be incorporated into our doctoral program, or completed independently.

The program of study enables entry during summer, fall, and spring semesters.  In addition, courses meet on Friday afternoons from 4:25PM to 7:05PM.

This ability to take courses at your preferred pace enables students to take full advantage of financial support provided by school districts or other organizations.

The reliable course schedule also facilitates long-term planning for busy individuals. Upon entry, students can identify and tailor their progress through the curriculum. 

The superintendent letter of eligibility requires completion of a 360-hour internship experience. The program of study pairs the internship experience with a course to help students maximize their experiential learning. 

The Lehigh Principal Certification offers a variety of opportunities for students to expand their professional networks and experiences.

Students enrolled in the courses come from a wide array of schools and districts.  Our courses attract students who work in traditional public schools, charter schools, independent schools, faith-based schools, and organizations focused on k-12 education.  Similarly, our lineup of instructors provides opportunities for students learn about different educational contexts and settings.

The program also regularly offers opportunities outside of the classroom for students to further expand their learning and networks. For example, we have hosted a supper and book club, a salon night at the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute, and a move night.  We have also sponsored traditional learning opportunities, such as a lecture on effective implementation of multi-tiered systems of support.  The Educational Leadership program has hosted a an array of events to support and

Our instructors also have a wide array of experiences. Students also have worked with research faculty to publish papers and present studies at state, national, and international conferences.
 

Curriculum

All courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise noted. Course descriptions can be found in the course catalog.

course numbercourse name
EDL 421Instructional Leadership
EDL 423Leading Inclusive Learning Systems
EDL 426Introduction to Relational Leadership: Theory and Practice
EDL 436School District Governance: Planning Policy, Ethics, and Law
EDL 437School District Resource Management
EDL 488Program Evaluation

*All core requirements must be completed before proceeding to the apprenticeship area

course numbercourse name
EDL 408Central Office Internship
EDL 409Central Office Internship II
EDL 425Leading and Managing Change
EDL 485The Superintendency

Individuals who have not completed a Principal certification program must also complete the following courses prior to the core courses above.

course numbercourse name
EDL 420Data Based Decision Making
EDL 422Curriculum Management for the School Executive
EDL 479School Law and Ethics
EDUC 471Diversity and Multicultural Perspectives

Faculty and Staff

Documents

PA Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Planning Sheet