I want to be a school principal. What classes in college do I need to take, and what degrees must I have?

Answer 1

First, you must become a teacher. That means you need to finish a bachelor's degree in education and acquire a full certification or licensure as defined by the state. Then, you can prepare for advancement to become a principal by completing a master’s or doctoral degree.

Principals, assistant principals, central office administrators, academic deans, and preschool directors usually have held teaching positions before moving into administration. To be considered for education administrator positions, workers must first prove themselves in their current jobs. Because much of an administrator’s job involves interacting with others—such as students, parents, teachers, and the community— a person in such a position must have strong interpersonal skills and be an effective communicator and motivator. Knowledge of leadership principles and practices, gained through work experience and formal education, is important. A familiarity with computer technology is a necessity for principals, who are required to gather information and coordinate technical resources for their students, teachers, and classrooms.

In most public schools, principals, assistant principals, and school district administrators need a master’s degree in education administration or educational leadership. Some principals and central office administrators have a doctorate or specialized degree in education administration. Most States require principals to be licensed as school administrators. License requirements vary by State, but nearly all States require either a master’s degree or some other graduate-level training. Some States also require candidates for licensure to pass a test. Increasingly, on-the-job training, often with a mentor, is required or recommended for new school leaders. Some States require administrators to take continuing education courses to keep their license, thus ensuring that administrators have the most up-to-date skills. The number and types of courses required to maintain licensure vary by State. In private schools, which are not subject to State licensure requirements, some principals and assistant principals hold only a bachelor’s degree, but the majority have a master’s or doctoral degree.

Answer 2

Here are the basic requirements for an educational administrator:

Licensing and Certification
Administrative Endorsement as a School or Program Administrator
The Department of Education (depending on the state) may issue the following types of administrative endorsements:
1) Professional administrator of a school.
2) Professional administrator of a program.
3) Supervisor of curriculum and instruction.

A person holding an endorsement as an administrator of a school may be employed by a school district as a superintendent, principal, assistant superintendent, vice principal, administrative assistant, supervisor, or coordinator of various programs such as those also covered by an endorsement as an administrator of a program: nursing, psychology (as it is applied in a school), speech therapy, physical therapy or occupational therapy. Contact the Department for specific licensure and coursework requirements.

Fees
Fees are subject to change. The initial application fee is $110. An additional endorsement is $45.


Preparation
To work as an education administrator, you must:
complete a graduate degree;
have years of experience in education;
be self-confident and persuasive;
be able to direct and motivate people;
have strong communication skills; and
be decisive and determined.

Formal Education
Many principals and assistant principals have an advanced degree in education administration. A master's degree in education is acceptable in most cases. Some jobs require a doctoral degree (Ph.D.).

School district superintendents must have at least a master's degree and experience in education administration. Administrators who oversee school counseling programs usually have a master's degree in school counseling.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's and master's degrees in education administration. Courses include school law, curriculum development, and personnel administration.

Work Experience
Many principals and assistant principals begin their careers as teachers. Teachers in public schools must have at least a bachelor's degree and a teaching license.

On-the-job Training
Many states require you to take continuing education courses each year. This is so you keep your skills up-to-date and maintain your license.

Military Training
The military is a good source of training for this occupation.

Answer 3

Normally, school principals start their careers as teachers and then get promoted to being a principal. So, I would say to get your master's degree in education, teach for a while and then apply for a principal job once one opens up. They are very coveted positions and usually the position goes to someone who has been a teacher for a while and has made an impression in some way. Good luck!

Answer 4

First, do you want to be a teacher? Many school districts want to know that you can deal with children, first. The basic degrees for that are a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Education (any subject area emphasis you like---science, math, social studies, etc.)

Once you have teaching experience, usually five years or more in my state, you have to take special leadership courses to be a principal because it requires specific certification from the state's department of education.

Other states may have different requirements. It's best to check with the university you want to attend and your state's department of education. They can guide you better in your career goals.

Answer 5

As far as I know there a couple of different routes you can take. Many principles started out as teachers, thus having an educational backround in teaching. However, many schools offer degrees in school administration. I have a friend who is majoring in high school administration with a minor in education.

Answer 6

on the surprising part, you're doing more beneficial effectual than a large number of for-earnings grads. you've not defaulted on your loans. Edit: Scotty, it also calls for a minimum 6 years of finished-time college learn, not a reasonable option for someone with 100k in debt who has probable already taken the max quantity of federal loans. An RN from a community college can be a easier option

Answer 7

Yes, do the things recommended above. But also learn meditation or yoga or some other stress releasing techniques, because you'll need them. You'll be stuck between the parents and the teachers -- not always a comfortable place to be. Good luck.

Answer 8

You will need at least a master's degree in school administration.
Your undergraduate degree should probably be in education.

Answer 9

You'll need a masters or a doctorate in Education, but should consider majoring in something else in college. You should take education and management courses.

Answer 10

go to college , get a degree in the subject u love. then take eduction courses from the eduction dept.. u can get an emergency teaching credential, teach and go to school. in the education dept. they have administration course's. these courses will get you an admin. certification. it's not difficult and since u can teach and go to school u will have it made.