Principal As Instructional Leader
Online Certification Program
WHY CHOOSE TO GET YOUR PRINCIPAL CERTIFICATION FROM SCHREINER?
Advance your career with our online Principal Certification program, designed for educational leaders who need a professional certification for an administrative position. With our individualized attention and courses structured for working adults.
Program requires practice exams and provides a course for Principal as Instructional Leader state testing preparation and PASL (Performance Assessment of School Leaders)
Schreiner University offers a Principal Certification program that is one year, online only, with options to start in the Fall or Spring (no summer term available). Due to TEA regulations, Schreiner University is unable to admit students that do not have a Texas teaching certification and/or resides in Texas. DOD schools can be considered. Contact the Admission Office for more information.
There are two ways to become a principal in Texas through the Schreiner 100% Online Program: You can complete the Schreiner University Online Master of Education, and then apply to our Principal Certification program; or if you already hold a master’s degree, you can complete your Principal Certification. The Principal Certification program consists of 18 hours plus practicum / internship which includes the TEA required 160-hour practicum aligned with principal standards.
Schreiner University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award certificates as well as associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Schreiner University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Admission requirements for Principal as Instructional Leader
- Application
- Schreiner University application:
- Application fee of $25
- This can be paid online, over the phone, or by check.
- Official final college transcripts.
- Valid Texas Teacher Certificate.
- Verified 2 years of teaching experience.
- Interview with the Director of Graduate Education.
- Completed application.
- Successful completion of a Master’s Degree with a 3.0 GPA.
- Texas-certified teacher with TEA ID.
- All official transcripts sent to:
Schreiner University
2100 Memorial Blvd
Kerrville, TX 78028
Or admissions@schreiner.edu
Been Accepted? Here are your next steps…
- Complete your FAFSA or TAFSA.
- Complete your commitment form on Schreiner One.
- If you are choosing to utilize financial aid, complete your financial aid on Schreiner One.
- Set up a payment arrangement for and remaining balance.
- We do not accept PIL candidates who have started the TExES principal certification testing or certification practicum or internship. We do not transfer course credits from a prior program.
1st semester
- EDUC 6303: Public School Policy & Administration Procedures
EDUC 6312: Educational Leadership for School Effectiveness &
Learning Performance
EDUC 6301: School Law
EDUC 6305: Instructional Leadership
2nd semester
- EDUC 6304: The Principalship and Practicum
- EDUC 6310: Principal Certification Test Preparation
Principal Graduate Certification Program:
- Cost per credit hour: $350
- Program Fees: $400
- Length of Program: 18 hours
We partner with the vast majority of school districts across the state. We strongly encourage you to complete this form to connect with our graduate advisors.
- Total Tuition Cost: $6,700 total ($350 per credit hour)
This does not include book costs and only represents tuition and the technology fee.
The program is subject to completion within 1 year.
Graduate programs are eligible for federal financial aid:
- Federal Direct Student Loans: up to $20,500 annually
Click here for more information. We strongly encourage you to complete this form to connect with our graduate advisors.
What if I don’t meet the admission criteria?
- Students with below a 3.0 GPA for their Master’s degree may still be reviewed by the Director of Education and may be considered due to work history .
Do I have to go full time?
- Yes, this program is only offered as a full-time program. The coursework is completed in one semester and the practicum and test prep is completed in another semester.
Can I walk in a graduation ceremony?
- Yes, even though the program is 100% online and you are not required to, students may choose to walk in the graduation ceremony following their completion of the degree. We host graduate ceremonies in May and December of each year. Regalia is available for graduate students.
Prior to clinical teaching and field-based experiences, students will undergo school district criminal history checks. The state of Texas also requires a criminal background check before an individual can receive a Texas teacher certification. Information regarding requirements for certification may be found on the TEA website at: https://tea.texas.gov/texas-educators/certification/educator-certification-online-system
Texas Administrative Code (TAC) 227.101c) states that a person who is enrolled or planning to enroll in a State Board of Educator Certification-approved educator preparation program or planning to take a certification examination may request a preliminary criminal history evaluation letter regarding the person’s potential ineligibility for certification due to a conviction or deferred adjudication for a felony or misdemeanor offense. For more information about the Preliminary Criminal History Evaluation, go to the link: https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Investigations/Preliminary_Criminal_History_Evaluation-FAQs
Every student enrolled in any EDUC, RDNG, & SPED course that requires observations will be required to complete a background check with the school district where they have been assigned. The school districts will run the background checks and notify Schreiner University Education Department the status of the background check.
Please be aware that if you should receive a negative background check at any time, you will not be able to meet the training requirements of the Schreiner University Teacher Education Program and will not be able to be certified through the state of Texas. If we can assist you in any way, please let us know.
In accordance with 19 TAC §228.35(a)(5)(A), military service members or military veterans may be given credit for certain verified military service, training, or education toward the training, education, work experience or related requirements (other than certification examinations) for educator certification requirements, provided that the military service, train, or education is directly related to the certificate being sought. Contact the education department for additional information.
Effective September 1, 2015, the TEA waives certain fees for eligible military service members, military veterans, and military spouses. For more information, please see the TEA website at: https://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Certification/Military_Community
Information regarding Military Service Members, Military Spouses, and Military Veterans may be found in the Texas Administrative Code 234 at: https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=19&pt=7&ch=234&rl=1
In accordance with 19 TAC §228.35(a)(5)(B), those who are not military service member or military veterans may be able to substitute prior or ongoing service, training or education, provided that the experience, education or training is not also counted as pare to the internship, clinical teaching, or practicum requirements, and the aforementioned was provided by an approved EPP or an accredited institution of higher education within the last five years, and is directly related to the certificate being sought.
The Schreiner University Teacher Education Program adheres to all Texas Education Agency requirements for teacher certification and all Texas Administrative Codes for Educator Preparation Program (EPP) curriculum, coursework, and training.
Teacher Certification
Current Statistics from ASEP – TEA Accountability System for Educator Programs: All Statistics for 2022-2023 are taken from the previous year. This is the normal method of accreditation rating.
ASEP Indicator 1 – PPR state exams: 2021 – 100% | 2022 – 88%
ASEP Indicator 1B – Certification Exams for Content Field: 95% overall for all content fields
ASEP Principal Exam – Pass Rate: 94%
PIL Certification
Current Statistics from ASEP – TEA Accountability System for Educator Programs: All Statistics for 2022 – 2023 are taken from the previous year. This is the normal method of accreditation rating.
TExES Exam 268 Principal as Instructional Leader: 94%
Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL): 100%
Schreiner University Educator Preparation Training Includes the most up to date, relevant, creative approaches to curriculum and pedagogy for a diverse student population and global society!
Teaching with Poverty in Mind using the work of Eric Jensen
Trauma Informed Pedagogy
Teaching and Learning through the Arts
Training in Mental Health First Aid, Awareness, and intervention for helping students with dyslexia succeed in school, and diversity and equity in education.
Instructional technology and Digital Literacy are also included in many courses and include training in the International Standards for Technology in Education (ISTE) and Universal Design which enhances learning by:
- representing information in multiple formats and media.
- providing multiple pathways for students’ action and expression.
- providing multiple ways to engage students’ interest and motivation.
Schreiner University EPP Performance Review – 5 years with a PPR 100% Pass Rate and 90% job placement rate!
Teaching License Reciprocity Guidelines by State
Texas Workforce Commission – Search for Teaching jobs in Texas and compare wages
Look for a Teaching Position in Texas – TASA Career Center
Schreiner University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award certificates as well as associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Schreiner University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Let’s Talk 💬
Meet Your Professors
Dr. Neva Cramer
Dr. Neva Cramer Director of Education and Graduate Studies in Education – research and publications in learning through the arts, trauma informed pedagogy, creating engaging learning environments, and supporting literacy through the visual and communicative arts.
Nvcramer@schreiner.edu
I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist, and there are as few as there are any other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.
John Steinbeck
Dr. Joan Bowman
Dr. Joan Bowman Associate Professor in Education and Coordinator of the Principal as Instructional Leader Program. – research and presentations in instructional technology and innovative online learning. Dr. Bowman uses her prior experience in public school administrative leadership to train and prepare future educational leaders.
JBowman@schreiner.edu
Dr. Doug Monk
Dr. Doug Monk Assistant Professor in Education- research and presentations in principal preparation. Dr. Monk teaches and supervises pre-service teachers and prepares principal candidates for the state certification exams. As a former teacher and administrator in Texas public schools, he ensures the success of our future professional educators and leaders.
DMonk@schreiner.edu
Liliana Lovisa
Liliana Lovisa, Teacher Certification Officer for Profession in Education.- With many years of experience at Schreiner University, Ms. Lovisa serves as Certification Officer and Compliance and Placement Coordinator, playing a key role in preparing the next generation of educators. In addition to these responsibilities, she is an adjunct instructor, sharing both practical insight and academic knowledge in the field of teacher preparation. Her dedication to student success and educational excellence continues to make a meaningful impact on both campus and the broader educational community.
Amy Billeiter
Amy Billeiter Graduate Field Supervision Compliance and Site Coordinator – Ms. Billeiter has worked as a teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Currently, she supervises required documentation and acts as a liaison and oversees experiences between candidates and mentors.
Dr. Gilberto Ponce
Dr. Gilberto Ponce – Associate Director of Education / Assistant Professor- Dr. Gilberto Ponce brings many years of experience in public and charter school systems, having served as a teacher, instructional coach (Math), and administrator (campus and district). His research and presentations focus on Dual Language leadership, sustainable bilingual education programs, second language acquisition, and effective ESL instruction and observation. Dr. Ponce is passionate about preparing the next generation of educators and school leaders and is proud to contribute to the vibrant academic community at Schreiner University in the Texas Hill Country.
Contact
We would be happy to answer any of your questions!
