Superintendents in Texas face numerous challenges. The Texas Superintendents’ Certification Institute (TSCI) at Education Service Center Region 13 provides essential support to aspiring superintendents. Superintendent Teresa Rappaport credits TSCI for preparing her for her role. This blog explores the practical applications and strong connections local leaders form at TSCI, making it a flexible and meaningful resource for superintendents.
Meet Teresa Rappaport
Teresa Rappaport, a TSCI graduate, is the superintendent at The Goodwill Excel Center. She feels the TSCI was integral to her preparation for this position.
“Everything that I was doing in the superintendent certification institute was right in line with what I was experiencing. I had to shift from being a day-to-day operator to someone who was thinking about how I can support an entire network of schools and how I can support my very diverse student population and my staff,“ says Rappaport.
Rappaport chose TSCI because of the program’s hallmarks: real-life application, support, and connections to the local community.
Teresa Rappaport
Superintendent, The Goodwill Excel Center
About TSCI
The ESC Region 13 Texas Superintendents’ Certification Institute prepares future school and district leaders to meet modern challenges through innovative educational leadership. TSCI offers a high-quality education certification program for aspiring superintendents via non-traditional means, allowing participants to engage in leadership practicum or internship while managing a demanding schedule.
The TSCI statewide blended model focuses on:
- Leadership orientation,
- Texas Teacher and Principal Evaluation and Support Systems (T-TESS and T-PESS),
- Nine Canvas courses with embedded performance assessments,
- Self-study activities,
- Dyslexia, Texas Behavior Support Initiative (TBSI), and Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training, and
- District-based practicum/internship.
TSCI curriculum, aligned with state standards and best practices, is designed by experienced superintendents and district leaders. Core courses include:
- Ethical Leadership,
- Organizational Leadership and Development,
- Community Needs and Interests,
- District Culture,
- Budget and Resource Allocation,
- Implementing and Supporting Instruction,
- Human Capital Leadership,
- Political and Legal Issues, and
- Leading Operations to Support the Learning Environment.
TSCI Program Details
If you are ready to begin your superintendent journey, visit the TSCI website for detailed information on the admission process, program launch dates, program fees, timeline, and frequently asked questions.
The website also provides a detailed look at the TSCI staff along with informational videos. If you’d like additional information on the TSCI program, visit the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) website on the Consumer Information about Educator Preparation Programs page.
Join our mailing list to stay informed about school leadership issues, and read the latest blog posts about leadership issues and more on the ESC Region 13 blog.
About ESC Region 13
ESC Region 13 is one of twenty service centers serving Texas’s educational needs. We are a non-regulatory agency; our relationship with school districts is collaborative and supportive. Our purpose is to aid teachers and administrators in their role as educators of our children. We serve as a liaison between the TEA, local school districts, and the schools they serve. We focus on disseminating information, conducting training, and consultation for both federal and state programs.
Holly Zeiner is the Content Marketing Specialist at ESC Region 13.
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