How to Become a Superintendent in Texas

Strong leadership is the foundation of every successful school district, and superintendents play a key role in shaping education. Becoming a Texas superintendent is a years-long journey that requires a combination of education, leadership experience, and official certification. If you are an educator aspiring to lead at the district level, this blog will walk you through the steps necessary to become a superintendent in Texas.

What Does a Superintendent Do?

Superintendents shape the success of a school district by overseeing operations, managing budgets, implementing policies, and working with school boards to improve student outcomes. As the district’s chief executive, they ensure compliance with state and federal education regulations, foster community partnerships, and guide long-term strategic planning. 

They also make key decisions on staffing, curriculum, and resource allocation to ensure the efficient functioning of schools. Additionally, superintendents serve as the primary communicator between the school board, staff, parents, and the community, advocating for the district’s needs and vision while setting long-term goals and adjusting strategies to improve academic achievement.

Step-By-Step Instructions to Becoming a Superintendent of Schools 

Superintendent qualifications in Texas are similar to those of other states, but understanding the specific requirements of Texas will best prepare you as you journey toward leadership in education.

If you’re in a teaching or leadership role, you’re already on the path. Texas requires at least two years of classroom experience, which gives aspiring superintendents the insights needed to make informed decisions that support both educators and students. To move into administrative positions, you’ll also need a master’s degree in educational leadership or a related field from an accredited institution, equipping you with the skills necessary to effectively lead schools and districts.

Download the Guide: The Transforming Landscape of Education &  The Value of an Educational Leadership Degree

Here’s what to expect.

Experience as a School Principal

Before becoming a superintendent in Texas, you will likely spend several years as a principal or assistant principal, refining your leadership skills and deepening your understanding of district operations. While the state requires two to five years in this role, many aspiring superintendents exceed this, gaining valuable experience in managing school operations, leading faculty, and implementing district policies. This time as a principal prepares you to oversee school operations and navigate the complexities of education leadership. You have spent years making tough decisions, balancing the needs of students, teachers, and the community, all while striving to create a positive learning environment—experience that will serve you well as you take the next step in your career.

To become a principal, you must first meet the previously mentioned requirements of earning a master's degree and gaining at least two years of classroom teaching experience, followed by:

• Holding a valid teaching certificate
• Completing an approved principal preparation program
• Passing the required exams

After successfully passing the Texas Principal as Instructional Leader exam and the Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL), you will earn your Texas Principal as Instructional Leader certification. Depending on your career goals and current qualifications, pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) may also be beneficial, as some districts prefer or require this advanced credential for superintendent roles.

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership 

An Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is a valuable step for educators looking to advance into district-level leadership, especially as a superintendent. Designed for experienced professionals, an Ed.D. focuses on practical leadership skills, organizational management, policy implementation, and data-driven decision-making—all essential competencies for overseeing a school district. Unlike a Ph.D., which is more research-focused, an Ed.D. emphasizes real-world application, allowing you to develop strategies that directly impact student achievement, teacher effectiveness, and district operations.

For aspiring superintendents, an Ed.D. provides in-depth training in governance, finance, and equity-driven leadership, ensuring you are prepared to navigate the complexities of running a district. Many programs also include internships, case studies, and applied dissertations, which allow candidates to tackle real challenges in education while refining their leadership approach. Additionally, some programs offer pathways to state superintendent certification, streamlining the transition from principal or district administrator to superintendent.

Complete an Internship in Educational Leadership

Thoughtfully designed M.Ed. and Ed.D. programs intentionally incorporate internships as a key part of the learning experience, ensuring candidates have opportunities to bridge the gap between school leadership and district leadership. These programs emphasize the importance of understanding classroom dynamics and how they inform policies, giving future superintendents the ability to craft strategies that directly benefit teachers and students.

Engaging in an internship designed for superintendent candidates ultimately allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, honing your leadership skills. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, you will gain hands-on experience in decision-making, strategic planning, and district-level administration.

Obtain Superintendent Certification 

After you have spent an adequate number of years as a principal, collecting wisdom from the experience of your years-long journey, possess a valid principal certification, and decide you’re ready to advance in the ranks of school district leadership, certification for the superintendent role is your next step to qualify as a superintendent. 

Acquiring your superintendent certification requires completing an approved superintendent preparation program and passing the Texas Examination of Education Standards (TExES) Superintendent exam. If you have management experience, you may also complete the superintendent certificate application to be approved by the TEA to substitute your experience in place of a principal certificate.

Apply for Superintendent Jobs

Once you’ve earned the necessary certification and experience, you can begin applying for superintendent positions in Texas. The application process may involve submitting a resume, typically at least three references, a copy of your Texas superintendent certificate, and a letter of interest outlining your educational philosophy. 

Superintendent positions are typically advertised by individual school districts, and the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) is a key resource for job listings and networking opportunities.

Knowledge of Texas Education Policy

Texas has a unique set of educational laws and policies, including those related to school finance, standardized testing, such as the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), and curriculum. As a superintendent, you will need to understand and comply with these regulations while advocating for your district's needs.

Interview and Secure School Board Approval

In Texas, school boards play a central role in hiring superintendents. You will participate in a series of interviews with board members, who will evaluate your leadership abilities and vision for the district. They will also assess your skills in areas such as financial management, communication, and policy implementation.

Professional Development

After becoming a Texas school superintendent, staying current with educational trends, state regulations, and leadership practices is vital. Texas requires continuing education for administrators to maintain certification, including attending workshops or courses related to leadership and education. Engaging in ongoing professional development through organizations like TASA and other educational associations will benefit you and your school district in return.

Become a School Superintendent with SMU Simmons Ed.D. in PK-12 Education Leadership

If you're an educator aspiring to take on a leadership role at the district level, earning an Ed.D. in PK-12 Education Leadership from SMU’s Department of Education Policy and Leadership is a valuable step toward becoming a school superintendent. 

These degree programs equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead effectively in the dynamic field of education.

SMU Simmons is consistently recognized for its academic excellence, ranking among the top 11 private graduate schools of education nationally and among the top 3 public and private schools in Texas.

Simmons School of Education graduates are well-positioned for leadership roles as superintendents and system-level change agents in school systems, state and federal organizations, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and foundations. Our program’s strong emphasis on practical application, ethical leadership, and instructional excellence ensures that alumni are prepared to create meaningful change in their schools and communities.

Download The Transforming Landscape of Education & The Value of an Educational Leadership Degree guide to learn more about school leadership and how SMU Simmons can help you become the leader your district needs.