Superintendent Certification Program 1

Transcription

1 Superintendent Certification Program 1 Student Information Packet Thank you for your interest in Concordia University Texas online superintendent certification program. We are pleased to bring this convenient, online graduate program to your local area. Space in each cohort is limited to 18 students. Once you submit your application, application fee, and unofficial transcripts (Steps 1-3 below), I will be able to hold your place in class until your application file is complete. This packet includes all of the information that you will need to be admitted into the program. Read through this packet carefully, and be sure to contact me if you have any questions. My team and I are committed to guiding you through the application process. Choosing where to go to graduate school is an important step, and I want to help you in any way that I can. You can reach me by phone at (800) or by at gvinnykov@graduateprogram.org Note: Concordia University strictly limits class size to 18 students and accepts applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Complete steps 1-3 below to reserve your seat in this program. Apply online at for faster processing Application (Pages 3-5) Submit your application online or complete pages 3-5 and return by fax to Application Fee (Page 6) Use our secure payment center to submit your application fee online or complete page 6 and return by fax to Transcripts (Page 7) Official Transcripts are required showing your master s degree from an accredited institution. Unofficial transcripts can be used to reserve your seat and begin class; however, official, sealed transcripts are required to become fully admitted to Concordia University Texas. Once you have reserved your seat, turn to Page 2 or visit the online checklist to complete the remaining admission steps. Congratulations on your pursuit of a Master s degree with Concordia University Texas! Sincerely, Gene Vinnykov Graduate Information Office (800) gvinnykov@graduateprogram.org

2 Superintendent Certification Program 2 Application Checklist for Admission Once you have reserved your seat, please continue with the following steps to complete your admission file. Private Loans & Payment Options (Pages 9 & 10) 4 Determine how you plan to pay for the program: Private Loans or Pay-As-You-Go. If using Private Loans, see page 9. If using a Pay-As-You-Go plan, follow the instructions on Page Reference Forms The easiest and fastest way to request a recommendation is to use our online system. This will allow us to reference forms directly to your recommender on your behalf. Submit contact information for at least three professionals who are in a position to judge your qualifications as an applicant. One letter must be from a current supervisor, others should be from a previous supervisor and a professional of your choosing. If you enter this information on your application, we will submit the online recommendation request for you. Principal Certification Concordia University Texas will obtain a copy of your principal certificate online at the TEA website as long as it is available in the database. If we have any difficulties obtaining a copy of your teaching certificate, a staff member will contact you. You are required to have at least two years of credited experience as an administrator in order to be admitted to the Superintendent Certification Program. Interview & Affidavit Concordia University Texas will contact you to schedule an interview with the program director once your other application materials have been received. Applicants will be required to demonstrate both oral and written proficiency in the English Language during the interview, as well as submit an Affidavit of Qualifications. Please Note: Completing these steps does not guarantee full admission to Concordia University Texas. To confirm your registration, payment must be made by the Payment Deadline. Payment options include Private Loans (See page 9) or Payment Plan or Payment in Full (See page 10). Graduate tuition for the academic year is $580 per credit hour for online programs. Completing your application steps online at will allow for more immediate processing of your application. If you choose to submit paper forms for any of the steps above, documents should be faxed or mailed to: Fax: (800) Mail: Concordia University Texas Office of Admissions Processing Concordia University Drive Austin, Texas 78726

3 Superintendent Certification Program 3 Application for Graduate Admission (Page 1 of 3) First Name: Middle Name: Last Name: Preferred Name: Maiden Name: Street Address: City: State: Zip Code: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Work Phone: Primary Address: Personal Information (Information regarding race, ethnicity, or religion is voluntary and will be used in a nondiscriminatory manner, consistent with applicable civil rights laws.) Citizenship: U.S. Citizen U.S. Permanent Resident Non-citizen Marital Status: Single Married Divorced Widowed Separated Religious Affiliation: Date of Birth: Gender: Male Female Ethnicity (check all that apply): American Indian or Alaskan Native Asian Black or African-American Hispanic or Latino or Spanish origin of any race Other Race/Ethnicity unknown White Social Security Number: Have you ever been convicted of a felony? Yes No An applicant who answers yes will need to submit additional information. The College reserves the ultimate decision on acceptance or rejection of any application. Applicants should also be aware that an individual with a felony conviction may not be able to obtain licensure in certain professions. Have you ever been expelled and/or dismissed from another college or university for disciplinary reasons? Yes No Will you be under 30 years of age at the start of class? Yes No (If yes, please review Immunization Information on Page 5) Program Specialization: Superintendent Certification Program (online) - Summer 2013 Superintendent Certification Program (online) - Fall 2013 Optional - I would like to attend the same cohort as my friend/colleague: How did you hear about us?

4 Superintendent Certification Program 4 Application for Graduate Admission (Page 2 of 3) Education Information What is the highest degree you have attained? Bachelors Masters Post Masters Ph.D. Ed.D. Are you the first person in your family to attend graduate school? Yes No Please list the college or university where you obtained your baccalaureate degree. We require an official transcript from your degree granting institution. An official transcript is one that comes directly from the institution of record. College or University Attended: City, State: Degree Awarded: Work and Community Church Information (If you do not currently attend a church, this section can be skipped): Church Affiliation: Church Address: City State: Experience: Are you currently employed? Full Time Part Time Not Currently Employed Have Never Been Employed Employer: Position Title: City: State: Does your employer provide tuition reimbursement? Yes No Do you have a family member currently attending CTX? Yes No If Yes, First Name: Last Name: How are you related? Financial Aid: Will you be applying for Private Loans? Yes No If Yes, please complete the following information: State of Legal Residence: County of Residence: Have you been a resident of Texas for the past 12 months? Yes No Please list any grants or awards that you may already have, including both private and direct consumer loans: Are you currently employed as an administrator? Yes No Do you have plans to pursue the TEACH Grant? Yes No For how long? Do you work in a Lutheran school? Yes No Recommenders Three Letters of Recommendation are required to be completed by the following: Current Supervisor, Second Current or Former Supervisor, and a Professional Educator. Concordia University Texas will these references for you based on the details you complete below. 1) First Name: Last Name: 2) First Name: Last Name: 3) First Name: Last Name:

5 Superintendent Certification Program 5 Application for Graduate Admission (Page 3 of 3) Signature and Confirmation Student Financial Consideration Signature: By signing this application, I certify that: 1) The information submitted on all financial assistance documents is true to the best of my knowledge and that any changes to my financial situation including application for private or direct-to-consumer educational loans will be reported to the Office of Student Financial Services. 2) I do not owe a refund on any grant or loan. I am not in Default on any loan or have made satisfactory arrangements to repay any defaulted loan, and have not borrowed in excess of the loan limits, under Title IV programs, at any institution. 3) I will not receive a Federal Pell Grant for more than one school for the same period of time. I will use Title IV (Federal) money received only for expenses related to my study at Concordia University Texas. If I choose to withdraw, I will immediately inform Student Financial Services of my decision. 4) The Office of Student Financial Services of Concordia University Texas has my permission to discuss my financial assistance documents with, and provide necessary academic information to, public or recognized private agencies considering me for financial assistance. In addition, I acknowledge that any grants or loans that may be awarded to me will be credited to my tuition account via an Electronic Funds Transfer system. 5) I authorize Concordia University Texas to satisfy current year charges for tuition, fees, room and board, and additional charges incurred for educationally related activities with the financial aid award I have accepted and understand that one semester s financial aid may be used to cover a prior or future semester within the same award year. I also authorize Concordia University Texas to pay for minor prior-year charges if necessary including educationally related activities other than tuition, fees, room and board up to $200. Immunization Information A new state law went into effect January 1, 2012, that requires ALL new students under the age of 30 to show proof of meningococcal vaccination within the last 5 years. In order to register for classes, all students under the age of 30 must submit one of the following compliance documents: - a vaccination certificate, - a doctor s note exempting the student due to health risks, - or an exemption affidavit due to reasons of conscience (found at exemption affidavit.) Applicant s Signature: Upon acceptance into the Superintendent Certification program, I authorize Concordia University Texas to register me for the entire cohort sequence. I also understand that as long as I am enrolled I am financially responsible for the cost of my classes and will receive a bill each semester. Withdraw Information: I understand that to withdraw from the program I am required to notify the graduate information office. If I do not notify the graduate information office I will still receive a bill. I understand that if I officially withdraw before the first night of class, 100% tuition will be refunded. If I officially withdraw after the first night of class, but before the second night of class, 75% of the tuition will be refunded. If I officially withdraw after the second class session, then zero percent of the tuition will be refunded Applicant s Signature: Date: Applicants to Concordia University Texas are admitted entirely on the basis of their academic and character qualifications and without reference to national origin, creed, age, religion, sex, or disability. The University reserves the right to deny admission to any prospective or former students who have criminal records including any conviction of a felony, offenses involving moral turpitude, or other offenses of a serious nature. The Federal Student Right to Know Act (FERPA) requires Concordia University Texas to make available upon request the Institution s completion or graduation rates of its full-time, degree-seeking students, as well as information concerning security policies and crime statistics. Students who are interested in receiving this information may call the Registrar s Office at during business hours.

6 Superintendent Certification Program 6 Application Fee Payment Form Please use the following form in order to submit your $50 non-refundable application fee. Fax completed form to (800) TO PAY BY CREDIT CARD: If you prefer, please contact the Graduate Information Office at to pay your fee by credit card over the phone. Student Name Name on Card Cardholder Address Street Address City State Zip Card Type Visa MasterCard Discover Amount: $50.00 Card Number Expiration Date CCV# Cardholder Signature Date Telephone Number of Payee (in case there is a problem processing the transaction and we need to contact the cardholder for additional information) TO PAY BY CHECK: Please make checks payable to Concordia University Texas and mail your check to Concordia University Texas, Attn: Office of Admissions Processing, Concordia University Drive, Austin, Texas Student Name Today s Date I will be sending my Application Fee by check on (Date): Signature

7 Superintendent Certification Program 7 How to Request Official Transcripts Concordia University Texas requires official transcripts showing your Master s degree from an accredited institution. If you have copies of your transcripts available, they can be submitted as unofficial transcripts to expedite the seat reservation process; however, official sealed transcripts are required in order to be considered for admission to Concordia University Texas. Follow the steps below to request transcripts from each school that you attended. To Order Transcripts: There are multiple ways to request transcripts, and each college or university will have their own process. Typically, the easiest way to order official transcripts is: 1) Contact the Registrar s office at your previously attended school, either by phone, , or through your university s website. 2) Submit a transcript request following that school s procedures. Most colleges and universities require a signature or other official request in writing. Many schools have a Transcript Request Form available to download on the Registrar s website. Some will allow you to order transcripts online. Note: Most colleges and universities charge a small fee for official transcripts. Be sure to enclose your fee with your transcript request to avoid a delay in processing. 3) It can often take several days for a transcript request to be processed. When your transcripts are received, the Graduate Information Office will contact you, but if you have not received confirmation within 14 days, please contact us at (800) Please have all official transcripts sent to: CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS Office of Admissions Processing Concordia University Drive Austin, TX For electronic transcripts, send directly to: admissions@concordia.edu Remember: A final admission decision cannot be made until all official transcripts are received.

8 Superintendent Certification Program 8 Private Loan Information Federal financial aid is not available for this program, however private loans may be an option for you. Follow the steps below to find out more about how to borrow a private loan. We recommend that you complete these steps as soon as possible to make sure that your payment arrangements are in order by the first night of class. For help, please contact the Graduate Information Office at (800) How to Apply for Private Loans Before borrowing a private loan, carefully consider your debt and repayment obligations on all loans. Determine how much you need to borrow by working out a budget for your educational costs and subtracting all of your available resources for those costs. Remember: Borrow only what you need. Private loans must be repaid. You should not and may not be permitted to borrow a private loan for more than your cost of attendance for the period of enrollment (usually the school year) minus any other federal, state, and institutional aid you have or will be awarded for that period. Step 1: Contact the Financial Aid Office. In form them of your interest in a private loan. They will provide you with initial paperwork, such as the Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification Form. Step 2: Check with your lender regarding the application process. Find out whether the Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification Form is part of this process or is handled a different way. Ask if the lender needs additional documentation to determine whether you qualify for the loan. If an online promissory note is not available and the lender instead sends you a paper promissory note and a Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification Form, follow directions for completing and returning the forms. Step 3: Review your loan disclosure documents from your lender. Your lender will provide you with several loan disclosures before funding your private loan. Read them carefully as they provide you with important information about accepting and cancelling your loan. Upon approval of your loan, you will receive a disclosure from the lender that requires you to accept the terms and conditions of the loan within a specified deadline. At this point, you should continue to carefully consider whether you need a private loan. Prior to disbursement of your loan, you will receive one last disclosure. You will have three business days after this disclosure to make your decision. After the three-day period, if you have not indicated that you want to cancel the loan, the lender will disburse your loan money. Step 4: Contact your lender s customer service center with questions. They will be able to answer questions regarding interest rates, loan terms, etc. Maintain your application/promissory note and other loan-related records in one file to help you understand your loan obligations. Your promissory note describes your rights and responsibilities associated with your private loan. Step 5: Borrow only what you need. Be an informed borrower. Know the total amount you have borrowed, the interest rate applicable to your loan(s), and your repayment requirements for all loans you borrow. Questions? Contact the Financial Aid Advisor for your Area: San Antonio Roger Clark roger.clark@concordia.edu Austin Andie Stafford andie.stafford@concordia.edu Dallas/Fort Worth Bruce Williams bruce.williams@concordia.edu

9 PB Superintendent Certification Program 9 Payment Plan Information Payment or payment arrangements must be made by the Payment Deadline. Each semester contains two 8-week courses. If you will be applying for private loans, all items must be completed by the payment deadline. All options for tuition payments are listed below. Federal Student Loans are also available for graduate students. HOW TO ENROLL IN A PAYMENT PLAN 1. Payment Plan Annual and Semester payment plans are available through Sallie Mae for all students for a nominal enrollment fee. Annual plans are designed to cover 3 semesters of charges over the entire academic year (Fall, Spring, Summer) and eliminate the need to renew the plan and pay a separate fee each semester. Semester plans are best suited for those not planning on being enrolled for the entire academic year. For your convenience, each plan has options for payment on the 1st or 15th of the month. Visit to enroll in a plan prior to April 29, 2013 for Summer Programs and August 19, 2013 for Fall Programs. 2. Payment per Courses If you choose this option, payment must be received by Concordia University Texas before April 29, 2013 for Summer Programs and August 19, 2013 for Fall Programs. Registration will be cancelled for all students with an outstanding account balance as of 5pm on the payment deadline. a. Pay Online Using the payment gateway you can pay your tuition via credit card, debit card, checking or savings account 24 hours, 7 days per week. Access the gateway at then click the online payments button. b. Pay by Mail Mail your payments to: Concordia University Texas ATTN: Accounting Office Concordia University Dr. Austin, Texas (Payment must reach the accounting office no later than the payment deadline.) Questions? Contact the Graduate Information Office by Phone: Important: We will work with students who receive tuition reimbursement from their employers. These arrangements must be set up before the start of each term. Please contact the Graduate Information Office at for more information. If you pay the full semester tuition by via cash, check, or money order, you are eligible for a 2% discount on your semester tuition.

10 Superintendent Certification Program 10 Recommendation Process As part of your application process, three professional references are required from the following: Current Supervisor (example: the principal at your school) Previous Supervisor (example: the principal at a school where you previously worked) A professional of your choosing (example: another teacher at your school) HOW TO COMPLETE THE RECOMMENDATIONS: Step One Step Two Step Three Step Four If you have not already done so, login to your Concordia University Texas application and select the recommenders tab. Complete the required fields, which includes your name and address and the names and addresses of the people you have asked to complete the recommendations. Once you submit this information, an auto-generated will be sent to the people you have asked to complete the recommendations. They will be asked to complete the electronic recommendation form. Once the electronic recommendation form is submitted, it will electronically be sent to Concordia University Texas. A staff member will stay in contact with you during the application process to inform you when an electronic recommendation is received. Note: If you did not submit the contact information for your three professional references along with your paper application, the graduate information office will contact you for this information. Once they receive details from you, an online reference form will be made available to you and your recommenders. Questions? Contact: Gene Vinnykov Graduate Information Office Phone: gvinnykov@graduateprogram.org Fax:

11 Superintendent Certification Program 11 Program Details For: Experienced administrators who hold a principal license and a Master s degree and are looking to become a Superintendent in the state of Texas. What you learn: This post-graduate program prepares experienced administrators to become Superintendents in the state of Texas. Coursework deals with the wide range of issues facing the modern superintendent, a study of all aspects of school finance, an examination of leadership styles helpful to those in administration, and methods for handling conflict that are effective, efficient, and respectful. A practicum will allow students to gain practical experiences with the role of superintendent. How you learn: This program is an online cohort. Face-to-face class meetings are not required.* Every semester, you will complete two 8 week courses. Following this schedule, you will finish the program in approximately one year. In order to gain experience with all parts of the superintendent position throughout the school year, students will be enrolled in a practicum throughout the entire program. All students going through the program will be required to keep a portfolio, which will be presented at the end of the program. Career Outcomes: Upon completion of the coursework outlined below, students will be prepared to sit for the State of Texas Exam for the Superintendency (064). Degree Plan: SUPT 5300 Issues in the Superintendency This course will involve a discussion and study of the wide range of issues facing the modern superintendent. The bulk of the course will deal with the relationship between the superintendent and the school board. The other major part of the course will deal with the importance of establishing a district vision and a working plan for accomplishing that vision. SUPT 5200 Practicum 2 SUPT 5301 Leadership in the Superintendency This course is designed to examine a broad view of leadership styles but with concentration on servant leadership as its main focus. The examination of servant leadership will acquaint the student with the advantages of approaching leadership from a shared rather than a dominant position. The course will also have an emphasis on ethical behavior and moral leadership. 3 SUPT 5302 School Finance This course will involve the study of all aspects of school finance, from an overview of how school finance and the economics of our society are related at the federal, state, and local levels to the very practical issues of taxation and the district and campus budget. The operations of the Business Office and Human Resources will also be addressed. SUPT 5200 Practicum 2 SUPT 5303 Superintendent as Conflict Manager 3 This course addresses sources of conflict, responses to conflict, and methods for handling conflict that are effective, efficient, and respectful for the individuals involved. The student will explore the wide variety of areas of potential conflict and what skills of conflict resolution separate good experiences from bad ones. This course will enable students to better understand and handle conflicts inherent in the job. Total Credit Hours: 16 Please Note: While the chart above lists each of the courses that make up the program for informational purposes, this is not an official class schedule, and is subject to change. Once all coursework is completed, it is the student s responsibility to complete the necessary paperwork with TEA, SBEC, the state of Texas, etc. to obtain the Superintendent Certificate. *Limited face-to-face meetings with your mentor and field supervisor will be required to complete the practicum. 3 3

12 Superintendent Certification Program 12 Important Information About Concordia University Texas Concordia University Texas is an award-winning institute of higher education dedicated to providing a quality liberal arts education with Christian values to develop and nurture leaders for a changing world. Concordia University Texas is owned by The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod and is a member of the highly respected Concordia University System in which more than 19,000 students are enrolled nationwide. Our graduate faculty throughout Texas demonstrates commitment to the mission of the university. With classes currently meeting in the Austin, Dallas-Ft. Worth, and San Antonio areas, our delivery model features small classes led on-site by an instructor with a doctorate from a fully-accredited institution. Admissions Information In order to be admitted to Concordia University Texas, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale of all undergraduate work completed, or completed 12 hours of graduate coursework with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. If your GPA does not meet the minimum requirements, you will be required to submit an essay to be reviewed by the Graduate Education Committee. For essay details, please call the Graduate Information Office at (800) All documents on page 2 must be submitted in order to be considered for admission, including official sealed transcripts showing a master s degree from an accredited institution, three graduate recommendation forms, a signed registration agreement, and a copy of your current valid teaching certificate. Admission to the university does not guarantee a seat in a cohort. Cohort & Tuition Information Tuition for the academic year is $580 per credit hour for the online programs. Tuition is pending for the academic year. These programs are dependent on a minimum enrollment of 12 and class size is limited to 18 students. Accreditation & Quality Concordia University Texas is a nonprofit university that is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate s, Bachelor s, and Master s degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia , or call (404) for questions about the accreditation of Concordia University Texas. Concordia University Texas is also accredited by The State Board for Educator Certification, a branch of the Texas Education Agency. Important Contact Information Graduate Information Office Gene Vinnykov gvinnykov@graduateprogram.org Private Loans and Payment Questions San Antonio Roger Clark roger.clark@concordia.edu Austin Andie Stafford andie.stafford@concordia.edu Dallas/Fort Worth Bruce Williams bruce.williams@concordia.edu Registrar s Office Lallie Greinert lallie.greinert@concordia.eduu