Guidelines on How to Become a School Principal

Review your state’s degree and certification prerequisites. Each state imposes different criteria for school principals, ranging from Master's degrees in Science and Education to certifications in school administration. Consult your state’s board of education to ascertain the specific qualifications and credentials required to pursue a career as a principal.

• Perusing books authored by fellow educators will also enhance your understanding of the degrees, certifications, and competencies essential for aspiring principals.

Complete a bachelor’s degree. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree is a fundamental requirement regardless of the state in which you aspire to become a principal. However, having a bachelor’s degree in education is not always mandatory for gaining teaching experience and obtaining a teaching certification.

• There are various avenues to earning a bachelor’s degree, ranging from online to on-campus options. Determine your preferred method and dedicate yourself to your studies!
• Although not always obligatory, majoring in education will familiarize you with the numerous requirements, certifications, degrees, and pathways available for pursuing a career as a principal after graduation.

Obtain your teaching certificate or credentials. Acquiring your teaching certificate, following the completion of a bachelor’s degree, is a prerequisite that permits you to teach at any educational level. Each state’s board of education stipulates distinct requirements and specializations, often fulfilled through a teaching certification, which may involve selecting a particular subject or grade level. Referring to state-specific teaching certification guides will assist you in determining the necessary certification licenses and requirements applicable in your chosen state.

• Most teaching certifications necessitate taking a praxis test, often with the option of subject-specific assessments.
• While not always compulsory to specify the exact subject or grade level you wish to teach, the more precise you can be, the easier it becomes to identify the relevant qualification and certification requirements.
• Attaining a National Board Certification serves as an advanced credential that complements your state teaching certificate or credentials.

Accumulate teaching experience prior to pursuing graduate studies. Engaging in teaching before entering a master’s program provides invaluable hands-on experience and exposes you to the typical practices, challenges, and issues faced by fellow educators and students alike. Seek teaching positions by contacting your state’s board of education or directly inquiring about vacancies with schools.

• Teaching within your specialized subject or age group acquaints you with essential skills for aspiring principals, such as effective communication, leadership, and motivation.
• Teaching also enables you to develop interpersonal skills through daily interaction with other educators and administrators.

Complete a master’s degree. Virtually all principal positions, whether in public or private schools, elementary or high schools, necessitate a master’s degree in educational leadership or educational administration. A master’s degree in education typically delves deeper into teaching methodologies while also addressing topics such as school law and finance, educational theory, and psychology.

• Many education master’s programs require approximately 1-5 years of teaching experience, with the specific duration contingent upon factors like program requirements and preferred school districts.
• A master’s degree also provides insight into the myriad administrative duties associated with being a principal, including liaising with superintendents and school boards, overseeing staff recruitment and organization, and occasional student disciplinary matters.

Gain experience teaching across various age groups, subjects, and areas. The more teaching experience you acquire, the better understanding and insight you'll have into administration. While it's essential, and sometimes required, to specify your preferred areas, ages, or subjects, having diverse teaching experiences allows you to effectively communicate with different age groups, parents, and administrators.

Showcase your leadership abilities. While obtaining administrative experience may not always be feasible without fulfilling certain requirements, there are numerous ways to demonstrate your communication, interpersonal, leadership, and critical-thinking skills by actively participating in your school and community.

• Volunteer for committees, activities, or planning groups within your school to enhance your administrative skills.
• Assist in organizing fundraisers, blood drives, and school events.

Select a specific age group or type of educational institution. While the required certifications for principals may appear similar across different pathways, active principal roles often demand diverse skill sets. Whether it's elementary or high school, public or private institutions, deciding on your preferred type of institution will help narrow down the necessary information for letters of recommendation, cover letters, and interviews.

• Seek advice from former professors or administrative supervisors if you have a diverse background in teaching various ages and subjects, to determine your best fit.
• Consider your long-term objectives and identify administrative positions that align with those goals.

Research the qualifications required by your district for principal positions. Like states, each district has its own set of requirements for prospective principals. Consulting both the state's board of education and the district's board of education will help you understand the specific requirements for the available position.

• Many districts post job vacancies, application requirements, and applicant recommendations on online job boards.
• Some districts may mandate principals to pass an exam or complete specific training. If uncertain about your district's requirements, consult the school board of the district to which you're applying.

Explore opportunities for career advancement. Many administrative roles offer prospects for progression. Applying for assistant or vice principal positions frequently opens pathways to head principal roles, and potentially even superintendent positions.

• Consult your district’s school board and the specific school to which you're applying to ascertain available advancement opportunities.

Obtain letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation play a significant role in securing a position as a school administrator, much like in other job applications. Contacting previous administrators or principals from your teaching experiences, as well as professors from your academic history, can validate your potential and expertise.

• Seeking advice from past administrators or professors may also provide valuable insights into potential applications, districts, or states.
• Ensure to allow several weeks for the completion of recommendation letters before submission.

Craft a tailored cover letter. Once you've identified the school and administrative role you're applying for, it's time to draft a cover letter. Address the hiring school board or administrator directly, clearly articulating your past experiences and future aspirations that qualify you for the position.

• Incorporate specific hands-on experiences, such as teaching specific age groups, coordinating school-wide events, or relevant graduate coursework.

Prepare for the interview. The interview is often the final stage before securing a position as a school administrator or principal. Review your application materials and familiarize yourself with the role’s requirements prior to the interview.

• Research the challenges and statistics of the school district to which you're applying, and outline potential solutions you could offer.