Lead with Vision. Guide with Purpose.
Step into one of the most strategic and impactful roles in education with the Region 4 Inspire Texas Superintendent Certification Program—your pathway to district-level leadership in Texas public education.
This flexible, comprehensive program equips experienced school leaders with the tools, insight, and preparation needed to serve effectively as a superintendent. You’ll build expertise in governance, operations, finance, and community leadership while preparing for the state certification exam.
The Region 4 Inspire Texas Superintendent Certification program prepares you to lead at the district level through hands-on internships, leadership sessions, and research-based learning. You’ll be equipped to make a meaningful impact in Houston and across Texas.
Program Requirements:
- A valid Standard Principal or Mid-Management Certificate or TEA approval to substitute managerial experience
- A master’s or advanced degree from a regionally accredited university
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 (either overall or in the last 60 semester credit hours)
International Candidates
If you are applying and your master’s degree or equivalent comes from a non-English-speaking university outside the United States, the following is required:
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- A university degree from outside of the U.S. must be evaluated, verified, and deemed equivalent to a master’s degree by an approved credential evaluation service. When requesting your credential evaluation from one of the approved TEA evaluation companies, please make sure to request it to include, GRADE by GRADE, GPA, and VERIFICATION. Please visit TEA website for a list of approved credential evaluation companies.
- GPA: 3.00 Grade Point Average (GPA) or equivalent.
- English Language Proficiency Assessment: Must be demonstrated before training by one of the following:
-
- Verification of satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language-Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT). Applicant must take all four portions (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing) for a score to be calculated. All four sections must meet the following criteria: The acceptable passing score on the Speaking portion is 24; Listening is 22; Reading is 22; and Writing is 21. To have scores submitted directly to Region 4, use our institution code 4805.
- Please register at the Education Testing Center (ETS)
- Information concerning the Texas Education Agency English language proficiency requirements, including new score requirements for the Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet Based Test (TOEFL-iBT)
- List of countries outside of the United States approved by the State for Educator Certification (SBEC).
Steps to Earning Your Certification
Step 1: Apply
Complete the online application. The application fee is $95 and is non-refundable. Assemble the following documents, to be mailed to us at least 15 days prior to the application deadline.
- Official transcript(s), in sealed envelopes, from the college/university conferring a master’s degree
Service record, if applicable. - Letter of reference from the superintendent in your district or designee on district letterhead.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you would like your transcript(s) returned to you.
PLEASE SEND ALL MATERIALS TO:
Inspire Texas | Educator Certification by Region 4,
7145 W. Tidwell Rd.,
Houston, TX 77092.
NOTE: You have up to 60 days to complete the online application once it is started.
After your application is submitted and documents received, you will be notified via email of your acceptance into the program.
Step 2: Train
The one-year Region 4 Superintendent Certification program blends online coursework with six full-day sessions at the Region 4 Aspiring Superintendent and Leadership Academy. These sessions are led by practicing Texas superintendents and experts who cover key topics like instructional leadership, board relations, school finance, and advocacy.
As a candidate, you’ll receive over 200 hours of training and complete at least 160 hours of field experience under the guidance of a certified superintendent mentor and field supervisor. The program includes preparation for the TExES Superintendent exam and covers essential areas such as district planning, legal issues, and community engagement.
Courses are designed to support different learning styles.
For accommodation requests, contact us at 713.744.6323 or info@inspiretexas.net.
Step 3: Get Certified
You’re almost there. Preparation sessions for the TExES superintendent exam are scheduled during the final three months of the program. After passing the TExES exam – in addition to successfully completing your training, internship, and payment of all program fees – you will be recommended by Region 4 Inspire Texas for the standard superintendent certification.
- Finish in 1 Year – Complete training and internship in as little as 12 months.
- Fully Online Format – Self-paced coursework built to fit your schedule.
- 240+ Hours of Program Training – Field-based experience under the supervision of a certified superintendent.
- Targeted Exam Prep – Preparation to pass the TExES Superintendent (195) certification exam.
- Flexible Internship Placement – Complete your practicum at your current district or another approved site.
Region 4 Inspire Texas allows you to pay for your training while pursuing your career goals. Upon acceptance into our program, you have the flexibility to pay your superintendent training costs in 11 easy installments.
Region 4 Educator Preparation Fees
- Application Fee*: $100
- Superintendent Certification Training Fees: *$6,900
*Payable in 11 monthly installments throughout the course of the program. Includes Internship and Aspiring Superintendent & Leadership Academy, and TExES preparation.
Additional Fees Required for Certification
- Superintendent TExES Exam: $131
- Standard Superintendent Certificate Application Fee: $ 78
- Probationary Superintendent Certificate (if required for the position): $ 78
Fee For Non-Certification Candidates
Aspiring Superintendent & Leadership Academy: $1,000
(REGISTER HERE)
All Fees are subject to change without notice.
*The application fee is non-refundable.
🔹 Certification-Only Track
Already have a master’s degree and TEA-required leadership experience? This streamlined option is for you. No additional degree required.
Apply now
Join the Superintendent Class of 2025–2026.
Our 1-year superintendent certification program begins each September.
*After the TExES Prep Session, students will begin online test preparation activities before test permission is granted.
All Academy Sessions and the Final Training Session are held in-person (unless announced otherwise) at Region 4 ESC on Thursdays and begin at 9:30 a.m.
A detailed syllabus will be provided during the Program Orientation
TExES Prep Session begins at 9:00 a.m.
Attendance at Academy Sessions, Saturday TExES Prep Session, and Final Training Session is mandatory.
The Aspiring Superintendent and Leadership Academy is a requirement for superintendent certification and is automatically included in the certification training fees.
Session 1
Thursday, September 18, 2025
9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
The Superintendency: An Overview
(competencies, job search, ethics, board relationships, other issues)
Session 2
Thursday, October 23, 2025
9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Superintendent as Instructional Leader
(visioning, strategic planning, academic accountability, special programs)
Session 3
Thursday, November 13, 2025
9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Superintendent as Financial Leader
(funding sources, public education finance, taxes, budget management)
Session 4
Thursday, January 15, 2026
9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
The Superintendent and the Law
(human resources, student and parent rights, open meetings, public information)
Session 5
Thursday, February 12, 2026
9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Superintendent as Operational Leader
(facilities, transportation, child nutrition, technology, bonds, safety)
Session 6
Thursday, April 23, 2026
9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Superintendent as Community Leader
(life after certification, community engagement, advocacy)