FAQs

This document does not take precedence over the FGCU Catalog, which is a comprehensive guide for students. Please refer to the FGCU Catalog for complete information.

Q1. Can I take any courses before I am admitted?
A1. Yes you can take up to 12 semester hours. However, it is recommended that you get admitted as soon as possible so that you are properly advised and take the right courses in the correct sequence.

Q2. Do I need to get admitted even if I am just seeking administrator certification?
A2. Yes, certification students must be admitted just like a degree-seeking student.

Q3. If I already have a master's degree do I need to get another one in Educational Leadership to be certified?

A3. No. Students who already have a master’s degree may elect to take a modified program for Educational Leadership Certification. The modified program is composed of the eight core course requirement, the two specialization courses, and the Administrative Practicum. They will not be required to take the two elective courses in Educational Leadership. Program completion is assessed the same as students in the master’s degree program, that is, through Portfolio Assessment. Many students who already have a master’s degree may have taken coursework that will transfer into the FGCU program and substitute for required courses. To see if you qualify for transfer courses, bring a copy of your master’s program coursework and descriptions of courses that you believe may substitute for FGCU courses to one of the Educational Leadership faculty.

Q4. What do I do if I already have Educational Leadership Certification from another state?
A4. Individuals who have certification through a master’s degree from another state and who are seeking Educational Leadership Certification in Florida must have their original transcripts sent to one of the faculty members in Educational Leadership at FGCU. The faculty will determine which courses in a candidate’s previous program meet the Florida State requirements under the program offerings at FGCU. Where the faculty identifies gaps, candidates will be required to take the appropriate coursework. In other words, candidates must meet the same requirements as if they had completed the modified program in Educational Leadership at FGCU. However, the candidate will not have to complete the portfolio assessment projects.

Q5. How do I get admitted to the program in Educational Leadership?
A5. You need to complete a FGCU Graduate School application. On that form you will indicate that you want to major in Educational Leadership. You will also need to take one of two exams: the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogy Test (MAT). Information about testing can be found on the FGCU Testing Services webpage at: http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/Testing/gregmat.htm

In addition, you will need three letters of recommendation from individuals who know your professional performance, including your current supervisor.

Q6. Do I need teaching experience or teacher certification to be certified as an administrator in Florida?
A6. You need three years of successful teaching experience. We require two years of teaching experience to be admitted to the certification programs. The question about teacher certification is a little tricky and cannot be answered in full by us as Florida DOE regulations change from time-to-time as the state works on alternative certifications. We can say, however, that if you have a valid Florida teacher license at the time you go through our program, then you should have no problems with state certification in Educational Leadership. If you come from another state or if you have private school experience only then you will want to check with the Florida DOE certification office about your particular qualifications.

Q7. Will I be able qualified to be a principal after I complete the program and get certification?
Q7. Yes. However, most school districts require you to complete a district program in order to qualify for the pool of potential candidates. This district program used to be called Level II certification, which the legislature changed a few years ago. Although it is no longer required, most districts maintained their program.

Q8. Do I have to take the Florida Educational Leadership Examination? If so, when can I take it?
A8. You must take the FELE to be eligible for certification, but it is not a completion requirement for our program at the university. You should not take the FELE until you have completed most of your coursework. Our students report to us that the FELE is easy once you have taken the courses, but that you shouldn't waste your money taking it early. Sufficient study information is available from the FELE office to help you prepare for the test. In addition, failing scores count against the university when it seeks continued program approval from the state; so we recommend that students wait until they are nearly completed their coursework to insure a passing score.

Q9. How do I get an advisor?
A9. You will be assigned an advisor upon admission to the program. The information will be provided in your admission letter. Prior to being assigned an advisor, you may see any of the regular faculty who teach in the program for advice.

Q10. How can I get quick information on all aspects of the program without talking to an advisor?
A10. The website for the Educational Leadership program provides a wealth of information about the program. This website is located at the following URL address: http://coe.fgcu.edu/edleadership/handbook.htm

Q11. At the completion of my program, can I submit an electronic portfolio instead of a hardcopy?
A11. Absolutely. In fact, we require you to submit an electronic portfolio. In your class "Technology for School Leaders" you will learn some of the skills needed to develop an electronic portfolio.

A12. No. The state confers certification. The state may have requirements for certification that will not permit some individuals to acquire certification. For example, someone who has committed a felony may not be given certification even though they completed the FGCU coursework and passed the Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE). Contact the Florida Department of Education if you have any particular concerns about whether you will qualify. For information go to: http://www.fldoe.org/edcert/