Comprehensive Vocational Education Supervisor

This graduate certification program is based on career and technical program standards established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. It requires study and experience in (a) the history, philosophy, and foundations of career and technical education; (b) curriculum theory and development; (c) instructional leadership; (d) personnel management; (e) student services; (f) facilities management; and (g) interpersonal and intergroup communications.

The program combines formal coursework with an extensive internship in both area vocational-technical school and comprehensive secondary high-school settings. During the internship, the candidate for certification works as a supervisor under the direction of a Resident Leadership Resource Person (RLRP) and a Temple University supervising teacher educator.

Admission to the Program

Students are admitted to the program for either the Fall or Spring semester. Applications are processed two months before the start of each semester. Students who do not meet the application deadline can expect their applications to be processed during the following semester.

Individuals seeking admission must:

• submit a formal application (to receive an application form, call (215) 204-8374 )
• submit two letters of recommendation, (one from a vocational administrative director and one from a secondary school principal)
• provide official transcripts of all collegiate undergraduate and graduate coursework
• submit scores on the Miller Analogy Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
• submit a copy of their latest professional certificate
• submit a resume
• submit a copy of scores from the Praxis exam

An interview is also required for admission.

The minimum requirements for admission to the program are:

• acceptance into a graduate degree program at Temple University
• a graduate grade point average (GPA) of at least a 3.0, or an undergraduate GPA of at least a 2.5 (C+)
• a strong letter of support from a vocational administrative director and a secondary school principal
• an MAT/GRE score appropriate to the GPA
• a successful interview with Leadership Program faculty

Course Requirements

In order to be accepted into the internship/seminar part of the program, candidates must complete the following courses (or their equivalents) with no less than a 3.0 GPA:

During the course-completion phase of the program, candidates are expected to schedule appointments with their advisors at least once each semester.

Written Assessment

A comprehensive examination is scheduled upon completion of all coursework. This exam, which usually takes two to three hours to complete, draws from all content areas circumscribed by the program standards mentioned in the first paragraph of this document and will require candidates to be versed in contemporary supervisory theory and its application. Only those candidates who successfully complete the assessment will be permitted to participate in the internship.

Internship Requirement (CTE 9685)

Candidates who complete course requirements with no less than a 3.0 GPA and who successfully complete the comprehensive assessment will be permitted to enroll in the supervisory internship. Because only ten students are admitted to the internship component of the program each semester, the application for an internship must be submitted at the beginning of the semester in which the candidate registers for the last required course. Candidates should also submit the completed Application for Internship when they register for their last course.

Applicants must provide evidence that specific schools (AVTS and comprehensive high schools) are willing to sponsor an internship and that an administrator in each school is willing to function in the role of RLRP. Interns must recognize that the internship will last for at least one semester and will continue until all the competencies associated with the Comprehensive Vocational Education Supervisor Certificate program have been attained.

Seminar Requirement

Candidates serving an internship are required to participate concurrently in a seminar that complements the internship.

Oral Assessment

After having successfully completed the internship and seminar, candidates will be examined orally by a Council of Educators Review Board (COE). This assessment will address leadership, sensitivity, scholarship, problem solving, decision making and human relations issues. The oral exam taps the same content areas as those described in the written assessment section.

The COE experience provides candidates with an opportunity to interact with practicing vocational leadership professionals. In addition, it affords incumbent professionals an opportunity to gauge the preparation of prospective vocational leadership professionals. Portfolios developed during the internship are also discussed during the oral assessment.

Program Completion and Certification

Candidates who complete all program requirements and who meet other Pennsylvania certification requirements will be recommended for the Comprehensive Supervisor Certificate.

Contact Information

Chester P Wichowski, D.Ed.,

Top of page