OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation that removes barriers for education professionals to receive their superintendent certification has unanimously passed the Legislature after clearing its final hurdle in the Senate 45-0.
House Bill 3142, authored by State Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, provides flexibility for those seeking a superintendent certification and completed their higher education requirements before July 1, 2005.
“Experienced Oklahoma educators have a way forward that will widen the path to becoming a superintendent,” Provenzano said. “We are on the cusp of a large retirement of educators, and the grandfather clause provided by this bill allows those with extensive educational training to step into those top school district jobs.”
Currently, a school principal must complete a standard master’s degree, and a program in education administration approved by the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation with an emphasis on curriculum, instruction and building-level relationships.
Specifically, HB3142 would allow a person who has completed a master’s degree program in education that includes competencies that are substantially equal to existing qualifications, to qualify for the superintendent certification requirements as long as their master’s degree was completed before July 1, 2005.
Prior to 2005, educators who planned to become superintendents were enrolled in “Education” Masters programs. After 2005, it changed to “Education Administration.”
This bill would allow those that obtained their degree before 2005 in “Education” to obtain their superintendent certification. All other requirements, including certification tests, would still need to be met.
“The Legislature listened to the education community,” Provenzano said. “We accomplished something that is going to help school districts be better equipped to serve their students.”
