K-12 Supervisory (Certificate)
Welcome to the Supervisor Certificate Program at Rutgers University–Camden This graduate-level program prepares educators to take on formal leadership roles in K–12 school systems. The Supervisor Certificate is required in New Jersey for professionals responsible for the ongoing supervision of instructional personnel—including supervisors of instruction and athletic directors who do not hold a standard principal’s endorsement. It also qualifies holders for appointment as an assistant superintendent in charge of curriculum and/or instruction. If you are looking to advance in your current role and lead with confidence, this certificate is designed for you.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
The Supervisor Certificate program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to support, develop, and evaluate instructional staff across grade levels. You’ll explore leadership models, instructional best practices, and the foundations of effective supervision. Through courses in supervision, leadership dynamics, and curriculum design, you’ll examine how to lead for equity, implement standards-driven reforms, and foster professional growth in the educators you support.
In addition to developing leadership competencies, you’ll gain practical tools for designing, evaluating, and improving curriculum. Coursework focuses on bridging theory and practice—helping you analyze curricular models, apply design principles, and lead curriculum development aligned with district goals. By the end of the program, you’ll understand the core responsibilities of supervising instructional personnel, be able to create and assess curriculum tools, and apply best practices to support teaching and learning across PK–12 schools.
Whether you aim to supervise instruction, direct curriculum initiatives, or move into central office leadership, this certificate provides a pathway to meaningful advancement and instructional impact.
Program Overview
DETAIL | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| DEGREE | Graduate Certificate |
| CREDITS | 12 credits |
| FORMAT | Part time |
| DURATION | 2-4 semesters |
Course Requirements
View the Course Schedule.
SUPERVISION OF INSTRUCTION (56:300:600)
This course is intended to provide a foundation upon which aspiring school administrators can evaluate the effectiveness of teacher instruction at all grade levels and support the growth and development of teachers. The course examines models of effective instruction, the theoretical underpinnings of supervision, and best instructional practices that would inform effective instruction.
LEADERSHIP DYNAMICS (56:300:601)
This course focuses on leadership traits, strategies and techniques used by administrators and supervisors to implement systems of observation and evaluation; introduces students to key theories about leadership of organizational change as theory applies to schools; and introduces students to key principles in standards-driven reform.
CURRICULUM DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT FOR INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERS (56:300:602)
Students analyze and apply principles for designing curricula that focus on developing deep, flexible, and creative understanding. This course aims to construct a useful bridge between theory and practice. Participants in the course apply their emerging understanding to a project that applies course learning.
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION (56:300:603)
This course focuses on all concepts of the curriculum; introduces philosophy of curriculum development, principles and procedures, preparation, approaches, direct and indirect influences.
Admissions Requirements
DETAIL | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| TRANSCRIPTS | Bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate school 3.0 GPA in Bachelor’s degree or higher |
| PERSONAL STATEMENT | A letter of interest/purpose |
| COVER LETTER & CURRICULUM VITAE | A curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter should be included if one’s work experience is relevant to the application |
| NJDOE REQUIREMENT | Candidates must hold or be in the process of obtaining a NJ instructional certificate. |
Application Deadlines
Preference is given to those submitted before the deadline for both decisions and funding opportunities. Applications received after the deadlines will be considered based on available space and budgetary constraints.
Fall
AUG 15
Spring
OCT 15
Summer
MAY 1
Reach Out to Us
Let’s begin a conversation about your academic and professional goals. If you have questions regarding the curriculum, faculty, admission criteria, or committee, please feel free to contact the Graduate Program Director. For administrative inquiries concerning the application process, campus, tuition, and fees, reach out to the Graduate School. We are dedicated to assisting you from application to graduation day.
GRADUATE SCHOOL CONTACT
Erick E. Watt-Udogu
Assistant Dean, Graduate School-Camden
erick.watt.udogu@camden.rutgers.edu
(856) 225-6149
Take the Next Step.
We invite you to explore the boundless opportunities that await you here, where a world-class faculty, diverse community, and innovative curriculum converge to nurture your intellect and foster your professional growth. Your future starts with a simple yet significant act – learning more about the exceptional programs we offer. So, why wait? Start your application journey with us, and together, we’ll unlock a future filled with possibilities and endless success.