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Saginaw Valley State University

Master of Education - Principalship

Administrator Certification – (Building or District-level)

Effective January 4, 2010, Administrator Certification became mandatory in the State of Michigan.  Administrator Certification requires the completion of a master’s degree or higher from an approved program in educational leadership or administration offered by an institute of higher education (IHE).  There are two basic endorsements available on the initial certificate (i.e. Elementary/Secondary Administrator K-12 (Building-level) or Central Office (District-level)].   

Superintendents, principals, assistant principals and other administrators (including Supervisors/Directors of Special Education) whose primary responsibility is administering instructional programs employed as a school administrator after January 4, 2010, must hold a valid Administrator Certificate.

 The following options are available for elementary/secondary certified teachers seeking this certification: 

  • Individuals who do not hold a master’s degree but wish to pursue an Administrator Certification at the building-level would follow the requirements for the Elementary/Secondary Administrator K-12 (Building-level) endorsement which is incorporated in the Master of Education (M.Ed.) – Principalship degree program.  
  • Individuals who hold a master’s degree and wish to obtain the Administrator Certification at the building-level and would like to pursue an Education Specialist degree would follow the requirements for the Elementary/Secondary Administrator K-12 (Building-level) endorsement which is incorporated in the Education Specialist - Principalship (Ed.S.) degree program.  
  • Individuals who hold a master’s degree and wish to obtain the Administrator Certification at the district level and would like to pursue an Education Specialist degree would follow the requirements for the Central Office (District-level) endorsement which is incorporated in the Education Specialist – Central Office Personnel (Ed.S.) degree program.  
  • Individuals who hold a master’s degree or higher and do not wish to pursue an Education Specialist degree should consult with a faculty advisor to establish a plan of study as requirements vary based upon prior coursework, state mandates and/or career goals.

 

While the above information represents the most current advising information available, be aware that certain factors may change affecting the validity of this information, such as changes mandated by the Michigan Department of Education. For this reason, students MUST consult a faculty advisor frequently throughout the duration of their program.