In August 2006 Governor Jennifer Granholm signed into law a provision providing for voluntary school administrator certification. Significantly, the law reinstates administrator certification as a state supported option for those persons seeking professional training in the leadership, management, and instructional aspects of schools and school districts. Michigan has developed a unique process of continuous administrative training whereby state certification may be obtained through universities for a basic school principal certificate and an endorsement for central office/superintendent. The new certification also gave authority to professional associations for specific training that can also be added as endorsements and enhancements to the original basic certification obtained from the university.
Although certification is now an option within Michigan one must understand that certification still remains voluntary. Local school boards may continue to hire a principal, superintendent, or anyone in an administrative position, without certification. The only exception to this law is for special education administrators whereby certification is mandatory.
Following are some very general guidelines to observe when seeking to obtain certification through a university program of study:
To earn a Basic K-12 Administrative Certificate:
| • |
The institution of higher education recommends successful candidates who complete the approved Master’s degree. At EMU the Master’s in K-12 administration offered by the educational leadership department prepares a person for the role of principal/assistant principal. |
| |
|
| • |
For students pursuing certification after completing a Master’s in a discipline other than educational leadership (or any other degree in higher education), a program must have a minimum of 18 credit hours of the core program of study in educational leadership. (This is determined upon entry to the program with the student’s adviser.) This can be completed on a certificate program that the EMU EDLD program is creating or the coursework can be embedded on a specialist degree program. |
To earn a Central Office/Superintendent Endorsement:
| • |
The Basic Certificate in K-12 Administration (principal/assistant principal license) is a prerequisite for any additional specialty or enhanced endorsements (including the Specialist degree). |
| |
|
| • |
The institution of higher education recommends candidates for the central office/superintendent endorsement upon successful completion of the MDE approved Specialist degree program in educational leadership. |
| |
|
| • |
For students pursuing endorsement after completing a Master’s or Specialist in a discipline other than educational leadership (or any other degree in higher education), a program must have a minimum of 21 credit hours of the Specialist degree core program of study in educational leadership. |
To earn Specialty and Enhanced Endorsements:
| • |
A specialty or enhanced endorsement may be obtained through educational administrative professional organizations within Michigan (e.g., MASA, MASSP, MASCD). Information regarding these endorsements is available through the professional organizations. |
The Michigan voluntary credentialing system for K-12 school administrators requires earning a Basic K-12 Administrator Certificate and opportunities to grow professionally by obtaining endorsements and enhancements as an ongoing process of professional development throughout a professional career. At Eastern Michigan University the K-12 Master’s and Specialist degrees in educational leadership are designed to prepare a person for entry level administrative positions at the school and district level. For more information regarding the voluntary school administrator certification program, contact Dr. Jaclynn Tracy, EMU school administrator certification officer, at jtracy@emich.edu.  |
