Everyone dreams of a career that truly makes a difference in the lives of others. Becoming a school principal is one of the best ways to inspire others, create a positive school culture and be a leader in your community. 

Let’s take a look at what school principals do, how to become one and some frequently asked questions about becoming a school administrator.

Principals are the leaders of their school community. They build and maintain positive relationships with teachers, staff, students and parents. Great principals are effective communicators and listeners.

You can see them in the halls with walkie talkies in hand, attending to the most important issue of the moment. School principals have to be ready for any situation from an urgent meeting with a parent to an unexpected snake on the playground during recess. Principals learn to expect the unexpected and no two days are alike.    

Principals pack a lot into each day. They manage the building budget and make decisions related to the allocation of funds. They oversee the daily operations of their school. Principals also make sure curriculum and policies align with district, state and federal regulations. They observe teachers in their classrooms and coach them to reach their full potential as educators. Great principals promote a positive school culture and inspire others to be their best selves.

Some other job duties of principals include: 

• Discipline, coach, and counsel students when necessary 
• Plan and attend school events 
• Hire and support teachers and staff

In most states, you’ll need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to start your journey to becoming a principal. To become a school principal, you’ll need credentials. Depending on the state you want to work in, these credentials are called a certificate or license, but they are the same thing. Similar to teaching licenses and certificates, each state has different requirements for becoming a principal. You’ll apply for your license or certificate through the state education agency.

The specific requirements to be a principal vary by state, but in general, you can expect these basic steps:

1. Meet education requirements

In most states, you’ll need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Many states require a master’s degree, but check your state’s eligibility guidelines. Some states also require you to have a valid classroom teaching certificate. 

2. Meet experience requirements

Almost all states have a minimum requirement for teaching experience or related leadership experience such as corporate management. 

3. Complete a state-approved principal preparation program 

There are plenty of leadership programs designed to prepare you for your role as a school principal. You will learn valuable skills like how to create a safe and supportive school climate and relationship-building exercises. If you decide to start the pathway to becoming a principal, be sure to choose a program that is right for you and is approved by your state education department. 

4. Pass your exams

You’ll need to pass the principal exams before you get your credential. The exam varies from state to state. It’s designed to ensure you have the knowledge and skills to fulfill your duties as a principal. 

5. Complete and pass a background check 

You must pass a criminal history and background check before becoming a principal. You will also need to complete the fingerprinting process.  

6. Apply for your principal credential  

You will apply for your certificate or license through your state education agency. You might need additional documents, like transcripts from your principal preparation program, a recommendation from your university or college, teaching or work experience verification and a valid teaching certificate.

Some states are paving the way for career changers and other professionals to become school principals through non-traditional pathways. There are ways to earn your principal credentials while working as a school administrator—which lets you learn on the job and earn a salary right away.

For example, South Carolina has an alternative principal pathway for people who haven’t yet completed their principal preparation program, but have other professional work experience. (1)

Becoming a principal without teaching is possible, but it is not the norm. Most principals have at least some experience as classroom teachers or educational support staff. Many states require principals to have a minimum amount of teaching experience.

Every school community deserves a leader passionate about inspiring others, fostering equity and building positive learning environments.

If you’re considering school leadership, now is the perfect time to start your journey. There is a school that needs your skills, care and leadership.  

Teachers, students and communities are waiting for the right person to inspire and lead. You can be that person.

What is the salary for a principal? 

Principal salaries vary by school district and state! Research from 2022 shows the median salary for elementary, middle and high school principals throughout the United States was $101,320. (2) 

I already have an out-of-state principal credential. Can I be a principal in another state?

You must apply for a principal certificate or license in your new state. The process is different for every state, so be sure to check the requirements for the state you want to get a principal job in. Some states have reciprocity agreements with each other, making the process easier. Reciprocity means the new state recognizes your principal credentials, so you might get to skip some paperwork and testing requirements.  

What should I look for in a principal preparation program?

According to New Leaders, an organization that works to develop and support diverse, equity-focused principals and other school administrators, you should look for a principal preparation program that: 

• Teaches essential leadership skills with flexibility and support for personal growth
• Has built-in job opportunities 
• Offers one-on-one coaching (3) 

These program hallmarks will help you launch with a strong start!

What are other school administrator jobs?

Schools have many administrative positions! You can become a vice principal, dean of students, school coordinator or even a superintendent. You may need other credentials, depending on your position.

Are there other leadership opportunities for teachers besides administration? 

Definitely! You can significantly impact your school by becoming a teacher leader. You might mentor new teachers, facilitate professional development for your colleagues, or serve on the PTA or your school leadership team… just to name a few possibilities!

1. South Carolina Department of Education. (2023). Alternative principal certification. https://ed.sc.gov/educators/school-and-district-administrators/alternative-certification/alternative-principal-certification/ 
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (May 2022). Occupational handbook: Elementary, middle, and high school principals. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm 
3. New Leaders. (2022, March 17). Thinking about becoming a principal? https://www.newleaders.org/blog/thinking-about-becoming-a-principal