Teaching is a rewarding profession in so many ways. But, for some teachers, there comes a time when they feel a calling to do something that takes them beyond the classroom, while still in the education field. For them, the natural next step is to become a principal. Below we list the documentation, training, credentials, to become a principal in the state where you work.
How Do You Become a Principal? The Path From Teacher to Principal
Becoming a school principal requires classroom teaching experience, advanced graduate education, a state-approved administrative credential, and typically a transitional role in school leadership before securing a head principal position. The standard pathway involves earning a teaching certificate and completing two to five years of classroom teaching, building leadership experience through roles such as department chair or mentor teacher, completing a master’s degree or Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in educational leadership or administration, fulfilling state-specific licensure requirements including an administrative internship, and passing state-mandated assessments.
