Article #5
The Impediment to Intellectual Quality Presented by the Legislatively Mandated Requirements for Superintendent Licensure in Minnesota
Because of the nature of the licensure requirements in Minnesota, which provide a salient example of similar requirements throughout the United States, the likelihood of finding a person who both meets legislatively mandated requirements and the scholarly qualifications necessary to fulfill the role of academic leader for the Minneapolis Public Schools (or any other school district) is limited in the extreme.
The legislated mandate requirements for superintendent licensure is given as follows:
Licensure Information
Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.14, requires that Minnesota administrators must be licensed by the Board of School Administrators.
To become licensed, each applicant submits an application to the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) staff to issue, renew, or extend a license. PELSB processes all teaching and administrative applications.
PELSB holds each licensed teacher’s and administrator’s records.
Applications for renewal can be submitted to PELSB for re-licensure processing beginning January 1 of the year of expiration. All teaching and administrative licenses expire on June 30 of the year of expiration. The application includes a processing fee of $57.
Initial licenses are renewed every two years and Continuing Licenses are renewed every five years. To qualify for a Continuing License, an applicant must document at least one year of administrative experience in the licensure field that they hold.
Once licensed, all active administrators shall pay an annual fee of $100 to the Board of School Administrators, collected by April 1 of each fiscal year. A fee of $50 is required for all retired or inactive administrators to remain licensed. Fees are collected electronically with a credit card by going to the Board's at https://bosa.mn.gov/BOSA/index.htm and selecting "Pay annual BOSA fee."
After receiving notice from the board, any licensed school administrator who does not pay the fee in the given fiscal year shall have all administrative licenses held by the person automatically suspended, without the right to a hearing, until the fee has been paid to the board. The annual Board of School Administrators’ fees is separate from the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) fee for the issuing and re-issuing of the actual license.
Licensure Requirements for Those Prepared at a Minnesota-Approved Program
The requirements to become a licensed superintendent, principal, special education director and community education director are specified in Minnesota Administrative Rule 3512.0200. Read the full requirements at Minnesota Rule 3512.0200.
For superintendent, principal, and director of special education candidates prepared at a program in Minnesota (including Walden and Capella Universities), in general, the applicant must:
✓ Submit evidence of three years of successful classroom teaching experience (this experience may include online teaching experience) while holding a classroom teaching license valid for the position or positions in which the experience was gained;
✓ Completed 60 semester credits beyond the bachelor’s degree that includes a master's, specialist or doctoral degree.
✓ Complete a field experience of at least 320 hours;
✓ Be recommended for licensure by a Minnesota Board of School Administrators approved Minnesota college or university.
Licensure requirements for those prepared at a non-Minnesota approved program
Read the full requirements at Minnesota Rule 3512.2600. In general, a candidate must:
✓ Complete a preparatory program at a college or university at a regionally accredited institution that includes a minimum of 60 credits beyond a Bachelor’s degree, including a Master’s Degree;
✓ Complete a program recognized by the state where it is located as qualifying the applicant for employment or licensure as a school superintendent, principal, or director within that state;
Once a candidate has met these two standards, state board staff will analyze the candidate's transcripts and syllabi to determine if their program is "substantially equivalent in content " to board-approved programs. The board has defined “substantially equivalent " as a candidate attaining 80% or more of the leadership competencies and 80% or more of the licensure-specific competencies found in Minn. R. 3512.0510.
Candidates who completed a program which is not substantially equivalent to a Minnesota –approved program, may qualify for a Provisional license (see below).
The fee shall be nonrefundable for applicants not qualifying for a license, except the fee is refundable when the applicant for a license already holds the license for which application is made and that license does not expire in the year the application is submitted.
Once a candidate is deemed qualified for licensure, the candidate is issued an Initial license, which is valid for a two-year period, starting on the date of issue.
If one year of administrative experience is gained during the Initial license, the administrator can renew for a five-year license. Verification of the year of experience must be confirmed by the superintendent or personnel officer. The renewal application (and verification form) can be found online during the application process and is available to administrators starting January 1 of the year of licensure expiration.
If someone holding an Initial license does not gain one year of professional experience in the field during the two-year period, the license holder may apply for an additional Initial License using the same online process.
Provisional Licensure for Superintendents, Principals and Directors of Special Education for those licensed in Other States
A two-year, nonrenewable provisional license may be issued to currently licensed superintendents, principals, and directors of special education who do not currently meet all the Minnesota standards for an administrative license. To qualify for a provisional license, an applicant must:
✓ Fill out the application which includes a criminal history background check and conduct review as required by the board.
✓ Provide documentation that the candidate has a valid, full administrative license from another state and is in good standing.
✓ Provide documentation that the candidate has taught for three years, or served as an administrator for three years in that specific licensure field, or a combination of either that equals three years.
✓ Provide documentation that the candidate has been accepted into a Minnesota approved administrative licensure program for licensure.
At the end of the two-year period, the administrator must meet all requirements for a full professional Minnesota administrator license and be recommended for licensure by the Minnesota college or university.
If, during the provisional licensure period, a Minnesota-approved administrative preparation program certifies a person who meets all requirements for a full professional Minnesota administrator license and that person gains one year of professional experience as a principal, the individual is qualified to apply for a five-year Continuing License.
All applicants for licensure go to online application.
Paper application
Five-Year Licenses and Renewal
A five-year Continuing License will be granted to applicants who verify one year of administrative experience while holding a valid two-year Initial License or a Provisional License. Provisional license holders must also show proof that a Minnesota approved administrative preparation program certified they met all the requirements for a full professional Minnesota administrator license.
Five-year Continuing Licenses expire on June 30 of the year of expiration. Applications for renewal are submitted to PELSB for re-licensure processing beginning January 1 of the year of expiration.
To renew a five-year, continuing license, an administrator must first complete a minimum of 125 clock hours of professional development that has been pre-approved by the Board of School Administrators. "Clock hours" means hours of actual instruction or supervised group activities in a BOSA-approved continuing education program and/or coursework completed at accredited colleges and universities.
The Board of School Administrators (BOSA) does not need to pre-approve college coursework as long as it is completed at an accredited college of university. One semester college credit equals 20 clock hours. Renewal requirements must be met during the five-year period of each continuing license and no clock hours will carry forward into any subsequent five-year licensure period.
BOSA Completion Certificates and college transcripts are presented to the individual designated by the superintendent to enter administrative hours in each school district. In-active administrators must ask the district they are living in or the district they previously worked in to enter the approved hours. Private school, charter school or international administrators with a Minnesota Administrative License may contact Dr. Tony Kinkel, executive director, for review and approval.
Go to online application
Paper application
Alternative Pathway for Superintendent License
Minnesota Administrative Rule 3512.0800 allows for individuals to earn their superintendent’s license through an alternative licensure process.
In general, an applicant must demonstrate substantial experience in administration, supervision, management, and executive leadership in education, healthcare, business or industry, labor, or government. The applicant shall appear before credential review committee and present evidence, generally through a portfolio, documenting how the applicant has meet the competencies outlined in Minnesota Administrative Rule 3512.0800. Read the full requirements and competencies at Minnesota Rule 3512.0800. Contact the executive director for details.
There is a non-refundable fee of $300 to help pay for the expenses of the Credential Review Committee.
Lapsed Licenses
If you have a Continuing (Five-year) License that has lapsed and you are employed as an administrator, you must immediately apply for a variance.
Minnesota Rule 3512 requires that an administrator who allows their continuing license to lapse for more than 60 days and is currently employed as an administrator or supervisor, must obtain a variance from the Board of School Administrators (BOSA) while the board renews the license. The Licensing Committee of the Board of School Administrators reviews the variance request. The Committee meets once a month except for August and sometimes December.
Go to the variance application
If your Professional Continuing License has lapsed and you have not been employed as an administrator or supervisor during the year immediately preceding the application for renewal, you must provide evidence that you have completed 125 clock hours of preapproved administrative and supervisory continuing education earned during the five-year period immediately preceding your application for renewal.
College coursework may count toward the 125 clock-hour requirement, provided you submit an official transcript verifying college/university credits (1 quarter credit equals 15 clock hours and 1 semester credit equals 20 clock hours) in the five-year period immediately preceding the application for renewal.
If you have an Initial (Two-Year) you may renew the license by completing the online application process on the PELSB website. This process will require a Google Gmail account. You may use a personal Gmail account if you already have created one. During the application process, an Employment Verification Form will need to be completed by your supervisor. For this renewal, you do not need the 125 CEUs.
If your Initial License has lapsed and you did not complete one school year of administrative experience, you may renew an Initial License by going to the PELSB website. This process will require a Google Gmail account. You may use a personal Gmail account if you already have created one.
The Board may grant a one-time, non-renewable administrative license to someone with a lapsed license provided the candidate has been offered a position in Minnesota contingent upon holding a valid license. At the end of the one-year licensure period, the individual must meet renewal requirements for the continuing license which includes completing 125 clock hours of BOSA-approved Continuing Education within the last five years to continue in the position.
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A bevy of colleges and universities in Minnesota and near-by locales provide programs approved by the state for superintendent licensure.
These institutions include the University of Minnesota/Twin Cities and other University of Minnesota branches; University of St. Thomas; Hamline University; Concordia University; Augsburg University; St. Cloud State University; Minnesota State University/Mankato; University of Northwestern; and the University of Wisconsin/River Falls.
The following provide examples of the curriculum qualifying for approval by the state of Minnesota for superintendent licensure >>>>>
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
College of Education and Human Development
Curriculum
Leadership in Education M.Ed.
The 30-semester credit leadership program focuses on two areas: leadership and contemporary educational issues. The faculty advise, guide, and mentor throughout the program, but the student’s individual vision provides focus for the appropriate curriculum and final leadership project (OLPD 5361) and the remaining credits of elective courses.
Course requirements (16 credits minimum)
· OLPD 5361—Project in Teacher Leadership (3 cr)
· OLPD 5364—Context and Practice of Educational Leadership (3 cr)
· OLPD 5374—Leadership for Professional Development (4 cr)
· OLPD 5387—Leadership for Teaching and Learning (3 cr)
OR CI 5155—Contemporary Approaches to Curriculum: Instruction and Assessment (3 cr)
· OLPD 5501—Principles and Methods of Evaluation (3 cr)
OR CI 5177—Practical Research (3 cr)
Electives (14 credits minimum)
14 or more credits of elective courses with adviser approval. Students often choose elective credits aligned with certificates in staff development, school technology, reading, and school administration.
Examples include:
· Teaching and learning in a multicultural, pluralistic democracy
· Planning interdisciplinary and thematic learning
· Assessing student learning to differentiate instruction
· Cross-cultural perspectives on leadership
· Literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies
· Professional development
· School technology
· Women in leadership
Transfer credits
A maximum of nine graduate semester transfer credits may be applied to the M.Ed. program. Credits may include any combination of the following coursework:
· Up to six graduate semester credits from fully accredited institutions other than the University of Minnesota.
· Credits completed at the University of Minnesota before admission to the M.Ed. program
Transfer courses must be completed at the graduate level and approved by a faculty adviser and the college; a review of course syllabi is required. Contact the program coordinator for more information.
Contact
Jeremy Hernandez
Coordinator of Graduate Studies
612-626-9377 | herna220@umn.edu
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Educational Leadership (EDD)
The doctorate in educational leadership is dedicated to developing racially conscious leaders for P-21 schools, higher education, and non-profit organizations.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Common Core
EDLD 734 Professional Development Colloquium I 3 credits
EDLD 735 Professional Development Colloquium II 3 credits
EDLD 747 Organizational and Critical Race Theory & Analysis 3 credits
EDLD 751 Seminar: Advanced Leadership Ethics 3 credits
EDLD 752 Seminar: Leadership Exemplars 3 credits
EDLD 759 Influences and Assessment of Public Policy 3 credits
Doctoral Internship (Specialization): Higher Education, P-12, or Non-Profit Leadership - Choose 8 Credit(s). Select 4 credits each, in consultation with advisor, during Semester 3 and Semester 5.
EDLD 798 Doctoral Internship in Educational Leadership 1-12 credits
Research/Methods Course(s)
EDLD 782 Design and Method in Qualitative Inquiry 3 credits
EDLD 792 Quantitative Research Methods for Educational Leadership 3 credits
EDLD 793 Focused Research Investigations I 3 credits
Doctoral Internship - Research Internship (in consultation with advisor). - Choose 4 Credit(s).
EDLD 798 Doctoral Internship in Educational Leadership 1-12 credits
Unrestricted Electives
Unrestricted Elective Credit and/or Advanced Standing Recognition - Choose 9 - 10 Credit(s). Advanced Standing will allow up to 10 post-Masters degree credits to satisfy this category.
EDLD 600 - 799 credits
Capstone Course
EDLD 799 Dissertation 1-12 credits
Other Graduation Requirements
Program will recognize a maximum of 30 credits from an earned Masters degree program and will apply toward the required 90 credits of EdD program.
University of St. Thomas/St. Paul
MA in Education Leadership and Administration
The MA in Education Leadership and Administration program develops a strong foundation and understanding of leadership in education and administration. These skills will help you reshape how you analyze and implement sound administrative policy, create successful strategies for change and put into service leading practices for the day-to-day needs of your schools. Key elements of the program include service learning through civic engagement, study abroad option, and job search opportunities.
We offer 4 tracks as part of the degree program. Choose from:
- Teacher Leadership and Peer Coaching
- Global Leadership
- Critical Pedagogy
- Learning Technology Leadership and Innovation (see the LTLI Certificate)
As a student in the Education Leadership and Administration program, you will:
- Discover the foundations of education leadership and leadership theories.
- Apply organizational theory to educational research and school administration.
- Develop research skills for use in schools and other professional settings.
- Be prepared to contribute to the common good in both the local and global arenas.
Where you'll learn:
On-campus (Minneapolis) or online.
When to start:
Year round
Contact
Email
Phone Number
651-962-4550
Required Courses
Students need a total of 31 credits of the courses given below:
Core Courses (15 credits)
EDLD 800 Foundations of Educational Leadership (3 credits)
EDLD 801 Leadership and Organizational Theory (3 credits)
EDLD 807 Foundations of Leadership: An Intellectual and Ethical Practice (3 credits)
EDLD 838 Educational Management (3 credits)
EDLD 845 Communication, Conflict and Decision Making (3 credits)
Tracks:
Teacher Leadership and Peer Coaching Track
EDLD 845 Teacher Leadership and Peer Coaching (3 credits)
EDLD 808 Education and Race (3 credits)
EDLD 805 Professional Development and Instructional Supervision (3 credits)
EDLD 869 Leadership in International Contexts (3 credits) (Study abroad program)
Global Leadership Track
EDLD 891 Biography and Leadership (3 credits)
EDLD 868 International Development (3 credits)
EDLD 869 Leadership in International Contexts (3 credits) (Study abroad course)
EDLD 843 Field Experience in Global Leadership (3 credits)
Critical Pedagogy Track
EDLD 856 Paulo Freire: His Life and Pedagogy (3 credits)
EDLD 808 Education and Race (3 credits)
EDLD 861 Dialogue in Education (3 credits)
EDLD 869 Leadership in International Contexts (3 credits) (Study abroad program)
Learning Technology Leadership and Innovation (LTLI) Track*
EDLD 580 Instructional Design for Leaders (3 credits)
EDLD 581 Visionary Leaders and Systems (3 credits)
EDLD 582 Promoting Equity with Technology (3 credits)
EDLD 583 Creativity and Innovation (3 credits)
EDLD 869 Leadership in International Contexts (3 credits) (Study abroad program)
*Students who wish to earn the Learning Technology Leadership and Innovation Certificate should apply to the LTLI program and complete EDLD 580-583 courses.
Required Research Courses (4 credits):
EDLD 621 Research, Analysis, and Critique (3 credits)
EDLD 622 Research, Analysis, and Critique II (1 credits)
Electives:
Choose 9 credits from one track. Students should consult with the faculty advisor to determine the elective courses.
Required Seminar (3 credits):
EDLD 780 Master's Integrative Seminar (3 credits) (Service learning/civic engagement)
EdD in Educational Leadership & Learning
YEAR ONE
Year One
Year 1
12 Core Credits + 6 Elective Credits
Summer Residency
EDLD 916: Education Leaders & Learners
EDLD 917: Scholars and Researchers in Education
Fall
EDLD 918: Social and Cultural Foundation & Possible Concentration Elective
January
Possible Concentration Elective
Spring
EDLD 919: Leadership for Social Justice in Education & Possible Concentration Elective
Year 2
9 Core Credits + 6 Elective Credits
Summer Residency
EDLD 889: Research Paradigms in Education
Fall
EDLD 904: Qualitative Research Methods & Possible Concentration Elective
January
Possible Concentration Elective
Spring
EDLD 902: Quantitative Research Methods & Possible Concentration Elective
Year 3
9 Core Credits + 6 Elective Credits
Summer Residency
EDLD 920: Framing a Research Question & Possible Concentration Elective
Milestone: Research Prospectus
Fall
EDLD 921: Dissertation Proposal Design & Possible Concentration Elective
January
Possible Concentration Elective
Spring
3 Core Credits + 12 Dissertation Credits EDLD 905: Analysis of Research Data
Year 4
Summer Milestones: Proposal Defense & IRB Application
Fall
EDLD 915: Leadership Narratives Seminar
6 Dissertation Credits
Spring
6 Dissertation Credits + Dissertation Defense
Concentrations Program Electives
The 66-credit doctoral program consists of 45 credits of core courses and 21 credits of electives.
Concentrations or program tracks include: Director of Special Education and Principal Licensure (PK-12), Higher Education Administration, Music Education, Leadership in Student Affairs, Adult Learning, and Learning Technology Leadership and Innovation.
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While working for the public schools in Fairbank, Alaska, Ed Graff opted to enroll in an online masters of educational leadership program via the University of Southern Mississippi. Requirements and courses pertinent to this program are given as follows:
University of Southern Mississippi
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OverviewThe Master of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision prepares graduates for P-12 school leadership. The program is a fully online cohort model, with new cohorts beginning each fall semester. Each cohort can accommodate only a limited number of students; therefore, prospective students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Students enrolled in this program will be required to complete an administrative internship over three semesters, beginning in the second semester of the program. As part of the internship experience, students will be required to identify a primary and a secondary mentor (Principal or Assistant Principal) who will agree to supervise the student during the internship and evaluate the student's performance at its conclusion. This program of study meets Mississippi's state standards for advanced licensure. Students who intend to seek licensure in another state should verify that this program of study meets the desired state's licensure requirements. For assistance with out-of-state licensure questions, please complete the Professional Licensure Form. Admission RequirementsIn addition to the requirements detailed in Admission Requirements and Procedures, applicants must meet the following requirements and submit the following documents:
This program admits new students each fall term. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Program Requirements and Academic PoliciesSee General Degree Requirements and General Academic Information. Course Requirements (34 hours)
· EDA 602 - Foundations of School Leadership 3 hrs. · EDA 603 - Leading Diverse School Populations 3 hrs. · EDA 604 - Intro to Leadership for Organizational Effectiveness 3 hrs. · EDA 605 - Intro to Instructional Leadership 3 hrs. · EDA 606 - Advanced Leadership for Organizational Effectiveness 3 hrs. · EDA 607 - Advanced Instructional Leadership 3 hrs. · EDA 608 - Socio-Political Issues and Educational Leadership 3 hrs. · EDA 609 - Transformational Leadership 3 hrs. · EDA 636 - Administrative Internship 1-12 hrs. (7 hrs. required) | ||
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Observe that none of courses in these programs that meet Minnesota state approval for superintendent licensure is academically substantive. These are professional programs that may have some utility for those leading large organizations, but they offer absolutely no surety that those who gain course credits and degrees in the programs emerges with knowledge of mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, United States history, world history, government, geography, economics, or English literature comparable to the knowledge of a subject area scholar.
This typically means that superintendents and other education administrators are not on the basis of their formal training qualified to design an academic program.
Thus, the best that can be achieved in a superintendent search is to locate a superintendent who can grasp the need for academically substantive curriculum and hire for the purpose of curriculum design and teach training a senior academic officer who is a subject area scholar.
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