How To Become a Principal

Every type of organization, including schools, needs steadfast leaders to establish the mission and guide their teams in executing that mission. Principals are responsible for overseeing the daily operations and activities of their schools. A principal is a school administrator who heads the school. They work closely with faculty and other staff to ensure that the learning environment is both safe and productive for students.

Ultimately, school principals aim to nurture academic achievement, personal growth and character development. They set academic goals, manage student behavior and disciplinary measures and respond to the concerns of parents, community members and other stakeholders. If you’re interested in how to become a principal, you’ll want to explore the job description further and then consider the typical career pathway.

If you’re passionate about the importance of education and are interested in a career beyond the classroom, then you may wish to explore how to become a principal. The job of a school principal is not typically an entry-level one. Indeed, school principals are typically required to gain experience as teachers before pursuing career advancement in school administration. Although different professionals may take slightly different career paths, the general requirements are as follows:

While there are opportunities in private schools for unlicensed principals,³ who might not hold a master’s degree, obtaining a graduate degree and state licensure may open the door to more employment opportunities. No matter where your career path in school administration leads, you may have plenty of chances to positively impact students and encourage them to achieve their dreams.

Principals are school administrators who must understand how to manage the daily operations of the school and they must also possess work experience as teachers. At the undergraduate level, the best degree for an aspiring school principal is an education degree that meets the requirements for obtaining a state-issued teaching license, which can allow principals to pursue teaching experience in the classroom.³ 

While gaining teaching experience, aspiring principals may choose to earn a master’s degree in education leadership or administration, or a similar area.³ These degrees can help prepare working teachers to transition into an administrative role.

There are various undergraduate teaching degrees to consider, and there is no single path to becoming a principal. Future principals may specialize in teaching elementary or secondary students, and they may specialize in a specific subject area. No matter which teaching degree you choose, be sure that it will allow you to meet state requirements for obtaining a teaching license or certification.³

At the graduate level, it is recommended that future school principals look for an education administration or leadership degree that teaches both soft skills and hard skills specific to school management and administration. To work toward this type of career, you may wish to consider the following degree programs:

To be an effective school principal in K-12 settings, you should be able to draw upon a diverse skill set comprised of both hard and soft skills. You’ll use your skill set when serving as the public representation of your school in the community; when establishing the mission and vision for the academic goals; and when motivating students, faculty and support staff to put forth their best effort. Some of the most important skills for principals include:^2,3

K-12 principals usually work in either public or private schools, managing daily operations. They are often present in classrooms, administrative offices and school facilities.⁷