Teachers are responsible for so much more than educating their students in English, Math, or Science. Their tutelage and guidance can change lives for the better. Teachers can impact the emotional development of their students. The quality of their teaching can even predict the future success-level of the kids they teach. But, while becoming a teacher is a noble pursuit, teachers are limited in the amount of change they can create on a large scale. This task is left to school administrators and school district leaders. In the state of Connecticut, the first step to becoming a leader in education is to earn an 092 Certificate. Here are a few things you need to know about the 092 Certification process.
What is the 092 Certificate?
An 092 Certificate program trains educators for the complex work required of school leaders and district administrators. This program is for Connecticut certified teachers who are motivated to shape their school’s organizational direction, influence their school’s performance, or impact institutional development. Completing an 092 Certificate prepares graduates for a variety of roles, including Department Chair, Special Education Director, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent of Schools. Those hoping to eventually become a Superintendent must pursue further study via the 093 Certification.
092 Certification Process
Earning a 092 Certification in Connecticut requires that you complete a specific process and fulfill a variety of requirements. These requirements include:
- Applicants for the 092 Certification must first have earned a master’s degree as well as the required graduate credits for certification. At University of Bridgeport, for example, students should complete 24 credits to earn certification.
- Applicants must also have successfully completed 50 months of teaching service.
- Applicants must complete a state-approved educator preparation program from an accredited college or university. This program must be at least 18 semester hours of graduate credit and can count towards the applicants’ required 30 hours of post-graduate work.
- Applicants must complete a course of study in special education. This coursework must be no fewer than 36 clock hours in length and should include education in the growth and development of handicapped and gifted and talented children. This coursework will prepare educators for the process of developing, planning for, and working effectively with special needs students.
- Upon completion of coursework, applicants should then garner a formal institutional recommendation for certification from their school. This recommendation will be contingent on the applicant’s completion of coursework in psychological and pedagogical foundations of learning, curriculum development, program monitoring, school administration, personnel evaluation and supervision, and contemporary education problems and solutions, in addition to special education coursework.
- Finally, applicants can apply for certification through the Connecticut Educator Certification System (CECS) using their existing Educator ID Number. Applicants will need to submit their official transcripts, as well as a fee in order to be awarded certification.
Required Coursework
As illustrated earlier, the 092 Certification requires that applicants complete highly specific coursework that will prepare them for the responsibilities associated with running and leading a school or school district. At University of Bridgeport, these Educational Administration classes include:
- Introduction to Education Leadership
- Evaluation of School Effectiveness
- Workshop in Curriculum Development
- School Law
- Public School Finance
- Supervision and Evaluation of Personnel
- Special Services
Additionally, educators completing the 092 Certification process must complete and Administrative Internship and select from a variety of leadership electives, including such courses as:
- Urban Leadership
- Current Topics in Education Leadership
- Leadership and Management of School Facilities
- Research and Data Informed Supervision
Benefits of Earning 092 Certification
The 092 Certification process may seem involved. However, there are major career benefits to be had from earning the Educational Administration Certificate. Without additional certifications, there are very few options for upward mobility open to educators. The 092 Certification can open up a world of additional career options. Furthermore, educators who transition to administrative roles will find that their pay significantly increases. Where teachers earn a median pay of $60,000 per year, principals, for example, earn a median pay of $98,490 per year. Lastly, it is an unfortunate truth that teachers have very little control over the direction that their schools move in terms of policy or curriculum. For educators who want to make a lasting impact on their school, becoming an administrator is a no-brainer. However, that transition is impossible without first earning an 092 Certification.
District and school administrators provide their constituents with leadership and guidance. They’re responsible for developing and implementing systems and policies. They evaluate teachers and curriculum, assess special education programs, and are responsible for maintaining and elevating the quality of their institutions’ education. Without their important leadership, creating and cultivating a meaningful learning environment can be challenging, at best. But effective leaders aren’t born, they’re made. Completing an 092 Certification program is the best way to become the leader your school system needs.
Are you an educator interested in becoming a leader? Learn more about University of Bridgeport’s Educational Administration Certificate!