Career and Technical Administrative Director Certificate

Career and technical administrators are responsible for managing a diverse group of tasks, students, faculty, and staff. They are also instrumental in helping others achieve growth, satisfaction, and success, with the ultimate objective of improving instruction.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that all individuals who are employed as a director in a state-approved CTE Center must hold a state-issued administrator certificate.

IUP is the approved provider for administrator certification in western Pennsylvania and offers the program you need to become a certified career and technical education administrator.

Career and Technical Administrative Director Certificate

The IUP Career and Technical Administrative Director Certificate program is based on standards established by PDE and prepares individuals to assume the role of institutional leader for long-range planning, effectively promoting community involvement, providing for sound business and financial management, and providing facilities and state-of-the-art equipment. A CTE director creates a climate that allows the management team, faculty, and support staff to function in a self-directed manner and assume responsibility for their actions.

Program Requirements

The IUP Career and Technical Administrative Director certification program is comprised of graduate-level courses that are offered in a blended format, with the majority of instruction completed online and utilizing video conferencing technology. Students will be required to work closely with a school administrator who has demonstrated a willingness to sponsor the student to complete the field experiences or course assignments in a real-life setting. The program includes 500 hours of authentic simulation and field or internship experiences which are embedded throughout the program. This approach allows students to gain valuable field experience every step of the way, all while learning the related theory. This certification program is designed to be completed in two years when continuously enrolled and upon completion of all courses. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required in all courses. 

Course Requirements

Leadership Certification Courses (24 credits)

• MEDU 761 - Connecting Community and School - 3cr

• MEDU 764 - Educational Technology for Today and Tomorrow - 3cr

• VOED 610 - Personnel and Student Management in Career and Technical Education - 3cr

• VOED 611 - School Code and Policy in Career and Technical Education - 3cr

• VOED 612 - Fiscal Responsibilities & Financial Oversight in Career & Technical Education - 3cr

• VOED 613 - School Law and Legal Responsibilities in Career and Technical Education - 3cr

• VOED 614 - Curriculum Development and Analysis in Career and Technical Education - 3cr

• VOED 615 - Administrative Leadership in Career and Technical Education - 3cr

Praxis

For Career and Technical Administrative Director certification, students are required to successfully complete the PRAXIS: School Leadership Licensure Assessment/SLLA. Visit ETS for additional information.

Program Completion and Certification

The Pennsylvania Department of Education will issue the Career and Technical Administrative Certificate to students who have a bachelor's degree, have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in an educational setting that is related to the instructional process, have completed the approved program of graduate study, and have presented evidence of satisfactory achievement on the PRAXIS: School Leadership Licensure Assessment.

Admission

Individuals seeking admission to the program should go to the IUP School of Graduate Studies and Research. In addition to the requirements listed (application, goal statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts), you will also be required to submit:

1. A letter of recommendation from a career and technical administrative director indicating a willingness to assist the candidate with field experiences.

2. A personal résumé indicating at least three years of relevant professional experience related to the instructional process in a career and technical education school. 

You must be accepted for enrollment by the School of Graduate Studies and Research and the Center for Career and Technical Personnel Preparation in order to begin the certification program.

Additional Information

The Career and Technical Administrative Director Certificate Program Handbook is an overview of the program and includes important information about admission, program objectives, program highlights, and university procedures.

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