Learn How to Become a Principal, Superintendent, or Other Administrator in Missouri with a Doctorate or Master’s in Educational Leadership

Solid programs also involve some sort of practicum or internship in which you assume the responsibilities of an administrator. Hands-on experience is invaluable, and can prepare you when you step into a full-time position.

Step 3. Complete a Course in Psychology/Education of the Exceptional Child

While pursuing your master’s degree, you must complete a course on the psychology and education of exceptional children. In this course, you’ll learn:

How to Become a Superintendent in Missouri – District-Level Educational Leadership

There are two prerequisites to becoming a superintendent in Missouri.

1. Obtain an educational post-bachelor’s degree (abbreviated as EdSp).
2. Pass the 059 Superintendent assessment.

Fulfilling these obligations qualifies you to become a Certified Administrator.

Step 1. Find an Educational Specialist Program

This is where our list of schools (see below) will help you out. Some universities offer EdSp through a master’s or PhD program. Others, such as the University of Missouri, offer it as a 30-hour certification program separate from a graduate degree.

EdSp programs introduce you to the challenges of running a district. You’ll build competence in organizational development, complying with the law, communicating with diverse stakeholders, and using district-wide data to inform decisions.

In practice, EdSp programs endow you with a mix of hard and soft skills. For example, you’ll learn how to develop a district’s culture. Spearheading such an initiative requires emotional intelligence and mindfulness. You must reflect on how your actions – as the superintendent – will incentivize principals and staff. If you’re detail-oriented, so will those reporting to you. If you implement a bottom-up approach to curriculum development, you’ll put the teachers in charge. The bottom line: You’ll shape the environment.

Step 2. Pass the 059 Superintendent Exam

You can register for the 059 Superintendent assessment through Missouri Educator Gateway Assessments. It’s an online-proctored test, featuring 80 multiple choice questions and 2 written assignments. You’ll have three hours and 15 minutes to pass the exam.

Step 3. Apply to Become a Certified Administrator

After passing the 059 Superintendent assessment, you can fill out an application for the Certified Administrator qualification through the DESE Applications portal.

Here’s something to keep in mind: If you already have your Initial Certified Administrator qualification, and work as a principal, you’ll have to update your certification through DESE. You can contact the help desk through the DESE Applications portal for assistance. 

Superintendent Salary and Jobs in Missouri

What can you expect to make as a superintendent in Missouri? The median annual pay for district-wide educational leaders is $127,490 per year. That number fluctuates depending on where you work.

For example, if you work in the St. Louis metropolitan area, you can expect to earn around $128,180 per year – slightly above the statewide median. However, if you oversee a school district in or around Kansas City, you could earn upwards of $138,540 per year. It largely depends on how many students are under your supervision.

Educational leadership Degree Options in Missouri: Doctorate and Master’s in Educational Leadership

Like we said, Missouri’s spearheading some innovative practices throughout its education system. Legislators are open to new ideas, of which you have plenty. Take the next step. Your master’s degree will be the foundation for a change-making career in education. Here’s a list of all the schools offering master’s and PhDs in educational leadership throughout the show-me state.