Program Overview
Grow Your Impact with an Online Superintendent Endorsement
Aurora University’s online Superintendent Endorsement program equips you with the skillset to advance student learning and deliver excellence in educational leadership. In rigorous coursework taught by experienced faculty members, you’ll learn to identify and solve district-wide issues while providing necessary support to students, staff, and parents.
Classes are small, typically between 10 and 12 students, so you’ll receive the individualized attention you need to succeed throughout the program. Our faculty members act as mentors and are dedicated to helping you secure your internship and succeed in coursework that explores organizational theory, human resources, assessment, finance, education law, and more.
This online superintendent endorsement program features an ISBE-approved curriculum, so you’ll graduate prepared to sit for the Superintendent Endorsement exam.
Skills Gained in the Online Superintendent Endorsement Program
Complete 31 credit hours led by expert faculty members to earn Aurora University’s online Superintendent Endorsement. Illinois educators can complete this 10-course program in just two years with new skills and expertise in:
- Change management
- Curriculum and assessment
- Finance
- Human resources
- Leadership
- Operations management
- Organizational theory
- Problem solving
- Research
- School law
- Strategy and planning
Why Choose Aurora?
At Aurora University, you’ll learn from practitioner-based faculty members who are focused on teaching an industry-aligned curriculum. Our online programs are designed for working professionals and built with maximum flexibility in mind, so you’ll have the support you need to balance your studies with your busy schedule. Imagine what you can accomplish at a university that offers:
- A full suite of Career Services and Resources.
- A student-first educational experience.
- Programs accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- The personal attention and support you expect from a small college.
Program Details
- Next Start Date:March 10, 2025
- Est. Program Length:2 Years
- Credit Hours:31
- Course Length:8 Weeks
- Cost Per Credit:$670
Course Offerings
To earn the Superintendent Endorsement, students must complete all 10 courses and sit for the exam:
- EDU7133 Organizational Theory and Change Management (4)
- EDU7325 Curriculum and Assessment for K-12 Regular Education (3)
- EDU 7330 Equity, Ethics, and Excellence in School District Leadership Intensive I (1)
- EDU7335 Advanced School District Finance (3)
- EDU7340 Equity, Ethics, and Excellence in School District Leadership Intensive II (1)
- EDU7345 Advanced Operations and System Management (3)
- EDU7350 Equity, Ethics, and Excellence in School District Leadership Intensive III (1)
- EDU7355 Curriculum and Assessment for Special Populations (3)
- EDU7365 Advanced School Law and Human Resources PK-12 (3)
- EDU7510 School District Superintendent and Board Policy (3)
- EDU7715 Illinois School District Superintendent Internship I (2)
- EDU7725 Illinois School District Superintendent Internship II (2)
- EDU7735 Illinois School District Superintendent Internship III (2)
Internships
When you enter the program, you’ll be assigned a faculty advisor and an internship supervisor. You’ll complete a series of activities throughout a 365-day internship in a PK-12 setting — most of our students complete this in their own district.
We start this program three times a year in the spring, summer, and fall. Applicants to the online Superintendent Endorsement program must hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Required content for the admission portfolio includes:
- A completed Graduate Application for Admission.
- Transcripts (official, sealed in envelope) showing completion of an appropriate master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Aurora University accepts official electronic transcripts at AU-Etranscripts@aurora.edu.
- The names and addresses of at least two references. Possible references to consider include:
- A person familiar with your academic work, such as a previous master’s program professor.
- A person familiar with your professional work, such as a principal, department chair, etc. (not the same person as below).
- A person representing your school district or employer who can assess your leadership potential.
- A curriculum vitae or detailed resume that includes your work experience, educational background, professional experience, professional activities, honors, professional publications and/or presentations, and other relevant information relating to your leadership background.
- A personal statement, approximately 1,000 to 2,000 words in length, describing your present goals and interests and showing their connection to prior experiences and to the EdD program.
- Qualified applicants must be in an administrative role that requires one of general administrative, principal, director of special education or CSBO licenses for two years or more.
Upon submission of a completed admissions portfolio, applicants must complete an interview with members of the School of Education faculty and submit a timed writing proficiency.
All AU Online students must have unrestricted access to a computer or mobile device with high-speed internet to participate in online courses. AU Online uses Brightspace to host its online classes. All students will be charged an $80 Technology Fee per semester, regardless of the number of credits taken.
Transferable course credit is considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact an enrollment counselor for more details.
Online Superintendent Endorsement in Illinois Career Outcomes
AU Online’s superintendent endorsement program trains educational leaders with a commitment to equity, ethics, and excellence to make a lasting impact on Illinois school districts. Upon completion of this program, you’ll meet the educational requirement to take the ISBE Superintendent Endorsement exam and pursue a variety of roles in educational leadership, including:
- Education administrator ($102,900/year in Illinois1)
- Education teacher ($72,560/year in Illinois1)
- Instructional coordinator ($86,150/year in Illinois1)
- K-12 education administrator ($114,230/year in Illinois1)
Source
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. “May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Illinois.” April 3, 2024. Retrieved December 13, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_il.htm.
Next Steps
Apply Today
Fill out the free application to get started in the online endorsement courses.
Apply Now
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