You asked for examples of states that allow people who are not educators to become superintendents. You wanted to know the requirements for becoming a superintendent in those states.

SUMMARY

According to the Education Commission of the States and a report by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification, several states allow people without education backgrounds to become superintendents. Some states do not require superintendents to be certified at all, while others provide for an alternate route to certification or a waiver of certification for non-educators. Connecticut currently requires superintendents to be certified, with at least 80 months of teaching experience as one requirement for certification.

KENTUCKY

Kentucky enacted a law in 2000 creating an alternate route to becoming a superintendent. This legislation expanded Kentucky's existing Alternate Route to Certification program for teachers and added new programs for all administrative positions, including principals and superintendents. Superintendents can come from non-educational backgrounds if they complete the alternate route program. The program

is unique in that it allows candidates to (1) skip the traditional teaching experience requirements (2) assume superintendent duties while still in training.

Two Kentucky universities currently offer the superintendent training program, Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond and Murray State University in Murray. Participation in the program consists of two steps: (1) the universities evaluate candidates for admission, looking for those with advanced degrees, leadership skills, and instructional experience, if any; and (2) once accepted, candidates apply for jobs as superintendents or assistant superintendents with local boards of education. Candidates must have completed both steps in order to participate in the program.

During the first year of the two-year program, superintendents in training participate in the Superintendents Assessment Center, which concludes with an exam they must pass to continue with the program. While enrolled in the educational component, trainees also act as superintendents or assistant superintendents under a temporary provisional certificate. The certificate is valid for up to two years. Program participants cannot complete the program without the on-the-job experiential component. At the end of two years, superintendent trainees must have completed all required coursework. The program tailors training to the individual needs of each candidate, allowing them to waive out of certain requirements if they are already proficient in those areas.

Thus far, only one person, a retired high-ranking Army officer, has completed all of the requirements and become a superintendent through Kentucky's program. According to the state's Professional Standards Board, the two universities have admitted other students, but they have not yet found positions as required for participation.

TENNESSEE

Tennessee requires superintendents to have teaching experience. But it has created a position called "director of schools," with duties and responsibilities identical those of a superintendent, for which no educational background is required. Other requirements for directors of schools are at the discretion of local education agencies.

FLORIDA

Florida allows local boards of education to set their own qualifications for superintendents.

WASHINGTON

Washington allows superintendents to serve with or without certification. A certified teacher, counselor, school business manager, or principal who participates in a superintendent preparation program may receive certification as a superintendent. Local boards of education may set their own requirements for superintendents without certification.

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