CareerExplorer’s step-by-step guide on how to become a principal.
Is becoming a principal right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
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Bachelor’s Degree (B.Ed. or BA/B.Sc.)
School principals usually begin their careers as teachers, which generally requires a Bachelor’s degree in education (B.Ed.) or a specific subject field (Bachelor of Arts-BA or Bachelor of Science-B.Sc.) Many colleges and universities offer degree programs in elementary, secondary, and special education. Coursework is structured according to grade levels and subjects that the student intends to teach. Most degree programs feature classes in educational philosophy, classroom management, and working with diverse students. To become certified, education majors are also commonly expected to fulfill a student teaching internship – often referred to as a practicum – during the course of their Bachelor’s degree program.
In states that allow prospective teachers to work as substitutes while attending university, students of the profession should seek out opportunities to do so. State boards of education may need to issue special permits or licenses to participate in these programs. Of course, working as a substitute teacher provides the chance to gain in-class experience, develop the teacher skill set, and interact with and learn from seasoned professionals.
Teaching Certificate
All states require public school teachers to be licensed before they start teaching. Licensing/certification qualifications vary by state, but most boards stipulate that candidates complete a Bachelor’s degree and supervised in-classroom internship. Many licensing boards also require that candidates pass an exam that tests general teaching skills, methods, and subject knowledge.
Receiving a National Board Certification is an advanced credential that supplements state teaching certificates.
Work Experience and Research
The experience that aspiring school principals gain as teachers lays the foundation for their career in educational leadership and administration. This experience, at least two or three years of it, is not only irreplaceable; to acquire licensure as a principal, it is commonly mandated by state laws. The specific number of years of required teaching experience varies by state.
In addition to the formal requirements, it is highly recommended that while gaining their teaching experience, prospective principals teach a variety of subjects and at as many different grade levels as possible. Furthermore, they should seek out opportunities to demonstrate their leadership skills by spearheading school and community activities and committees.
Finally, teachers wishing to become principals should research the school principal qualifications of the school boards to which they will likely apply. Knowing this information early in the education process will reduce stress and streamline transitions to graduate programs and ultimately to a position as a principal.
Master’s Degree and Letters of Recommendation
To prepare for advancement to school principal positions, teachers typically earn a Master’s degree in educational leadership or education administration. These degree programs are generally two years in duration and enrollment is often contingent upon obtaining a state teaching license. Courses normally include instruction supervision, curriculum development, administrative leadership, school law, and school finance. Master’s candidates may also be required to complete an internship and a capstone project as further conditions of graduation.
While working toward a graduate degree, students are encouraged to secure letters of recommendation from administrators and principals at schools where they have taught and from professors who have instructed them. Consulting with these professionals may also provide useful information about applications, school districts, and states to consider.
School Administrator Specialist License
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of states require school principals to have a school administrator license. To be eligible for licensure, most states require that applicants hold a graduate degree and sit for a state licensing exam. Work experience and mentoring experience may also be necessary to meet eligibility standards for the license. Specifications vary by location, but many states permit an individual to add a principal endorsement to a current teaching license.
Consider Becoming a Vice Principal
Many intermediate and high-school level institutions in larger areas hire vice principals. Depending on the district, this role may also be known as a dean of students or assistant principal. Since this position supports a principal, it is a great stepping stone to becoming one.
Doctorate Degree (optional)
In competitive school districts, a doctorate may provide an edge in being hired as a principal. It may also mean an increase in wages.
How to become a Principal
Educators seeking to become principals begin their career as teachers. They typically transition to a position in education administration by first becoming an assistant or vice principal or by pursuing a department head or curriculum specialist position.
Most states require that principals be licensed school administrators. Licensing requirements vary by state. In general, public school principals must hold a Master’s degree or other graduate-level training credentials. In some jurisdictions, prospective principals must pass a standard exam and maintain their license via continuing education in the field. Some school principals go on to earn a Doctorate; this advanced degree, of course, widens employment possibilities in the field.
Leadership is typically cited as the most important trait of a successful principal. The ability to establish goals and objectives and design strategic plans to achieve them is vital. Equally important is the capacity to create a sense of community and family within the school that fosters mutual trust and respect. The best principals know that they are not successful all on their own. They apply their leadership skills to create other strong leaders and teachers around them.
While cultivating the educators they lead, principals must also be student-centric. They must always make decisions based on what is best for students, their progress, and their personal development. To achieve this, principals may sometimes have to make unpopular decisions and stand resolute in their convictions. The quintessential principal is a believer in lifelong learning and a role model to both teachers and students.
In many ways, the career of school principal is located at the intersection of education and business. The role calls for a dedicated and experienced teacher, as well as a competent and innovative manager. Thorough knowledge of and familiarity with curricula is only one subset of the principal’s required skill set. Also crucial to the role is the aptitude to interact and communicate at all levels – with staff, students, parents, school boards, and communities at large. Add to this responsibilities for school safety, school budgets, teacher evaluations, and disciplinary matters and ‘school principal’ easily emerges as one of the most complex and demanding careers.