Program Coordinator:
Barbara Owens
Professional Development School Director
Assistant Professor of Education
328 Education Building
(304) 367-4886
Barbara.Owens@fairmontstate.edu
The mission of the Superintendent Certificate program is to prepare educational leaders that (a) optimize student achievement and wellbeing by creating safe, equitable and culturally responsive school environment and support systems; (b) support an intellectually rigorous academic curriculum; and (c) work collaboratively with staff, school community, political leaders, and the community at large to promote student success.
The purpose of the Superintendent Certificate program is to increase the supply of effective and well-prepared school leaders in public schools in West Virginia. These school leaders will be ready to serve as instructional leaders in the state’s diverse student population in meeting high standards for student achievement. This program also meets the needs of graduates who currently hold a Master’s Degree in the field of education. After completion of these courses, candidates will be eligible for West Virginia certification as Supervisors of Instruction and Superintendents. This program is designed to give candidates the opportunity to practice all functions for effective school leadership. Fairmont State University believes this is a crucial step in preparing teacher leaders for administrative roles in our schools and counties. The certificate for a superintendent endorsement is 6-credit hours. The courses are designed and taught by superintendents in the field which provides first hand experiences.
Courses are 8-weeks in length and are offered completely online.
Program can be completed in 3 months.
EDUC 5030: Superintendents Role Regarding Board, Community, and Curriculum (3 credit hours)
EDUC 5035: Superintendent as a Leader/Manager (3 credit hours)
*Most students intern at their employing school/district, individual placements are not guaranteed.
The Superintendent Certificate will follow the mandates as set forth in WV Code R. 126-136-10:
Printable application forms can be found at Graduate Studies Application.
Rolling admission (apply any time!)
Online Graduate Tuition = See Tuition and Fees Chart
Assistant Superintendents (Grades PreK-12/Adult)
Superintendents (Grades PreK-12/Adult)
Central Office Administrators
Policymakers
PreK-12 public, private, or charter schools
Higher education institutions
State Department of Education
The ELI prepares principals and central office administrators to evaluate personnel effectively. Aspiring administrators complete a brief online EDI course to obtain their provisional administrative certification. Once adminisrators are hired they must complete in-person ELI training within 90 days of employment.