How to Go From Teacher to School Principal

Written by Matt Cates
Published on March 4, 2023 · Updated on March 23, 2023

How to Go From Teacher to School Principal

Written by Matt Cates
Published on March 4, 2023 · Updated on March 23, 2023

If you’re a teacher looking to take on greater responsibilities and make a larger impact, you’ve probably considered becoming a school principal. But how exactly does one move from the world of teaching to running an entire school? The path from teacher to principal isn’t as complicated as you might think! 

If you’re ready to switch tracks and kickstart your new career adventure, this guide will help you navigate the process smoothly. Let’s first take a look at the biggest reasons for starting the journey from teacher to principal! 

Why Become a School Principal?

Every educator has their own motivations for wanting to transition from teacher to principal. A few of the most common include: 

  • The desire to make a broader impact on students’ lives
  • Being able to create positive change
  • Ambition to move up and implement their ideas at a larger scale 
  • Still haveing a beat on what it takes to teach students while also being a school leader
  • Increased pay, community exposure, and responsibilities

School Principal Salary and Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), American principals earn a median annual salary of $98,490 (as of May 2020 with the top 10% making over $152,500 per year). Many variables account for this wide disparity, including geographic location, years of experience, academic backgrounds, and whether one works for a public or private school. 

The BLS projects job growth to remain steady at 8% over the coming decade, which tracks with the average for all industries. However, that’s no guarantee of job security! There are a limited number of schools needing principals, so those entering this field can increase their chances of finding a position by knocking out some advanced academic education and training. 

Steps to Go From Teacher to School Principal

Let’s dig into the exact steps of how to become a principal, starting with work experience. 

Practical hands-on teaching experience is very important. Typically principals have at least five years of teaching experience under their belts, so the more you can get, the more competitive you’ll be as a candidate. You can also dedicate yourself to taking on more tasks or becoming a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA).

School principals should hold a graduate degree, such as a master’s in educational leadership or a master’s in educational administration. Coursework covers day-to-day tasks like: 

  • Creating a master schedule
  • Managing staff and evaluating teachers
  • Overseeing budgets tied to categorical funds
  • Goal setting
  • Community relationship-building 
  • School safety procedures

When it comes to certification and licensure, every state has its own requirements. Most states demand that principals complete their master’s then pass a certification process to ensure they possess sufficient skills and knowledge to do the job. 

Once you pass your exam and background check, you’ll be certified and able to apply for licensure if needed for the state you want to work in. Private schools may not require licensure. 

*Note, in some cases, candidates with a master’s outside of educational leadership or educational administration may apply via alternate state programs. 

Tips for Teachers Who Want to Become Principals

The above are the minimum requirements, but as we mentioned, it’s a competitive field with limited numbers of openings. To distinguish yourself, it pays to go above and beyond, so here are a few tips to help you stand out! 

Join (or ideally, lead) committees and participate in professional learning communities.
Work on your public speaking and writing skills. Every communication you deliver should be clear, concise, and add value.
Show management what you’re made of by displaying outstanding judgment and well-considered decisions that lead to positive impacts. 
To lead the team and maintain rapport with parents and students, principals must be persuasive. This requires a grasp of psychology and the motivational factors that drive behavior. Commit to understanding the problems of those you intend to serve. 
When you’re sitting in the big chair, you’ll be expected to have solutions ready on day one. Problem-solving is a systematic process requiring specific ways of thinking. Many colleges offer courses or even certifications for this specialized training. 
Parents trust schools with their children, and principals bear the most responsibility for maintaining a safe and secure environment. 
Many principals start as vice or assistant principals or even instructional coordinators. Don’t be afraid to pay your dues in these stepping stone roles. 

How Long Does it Take to Go From Teacher to School Principal?

When it comes to timelines, there are many variables to consider and no one-size-fits-all approach. A big variable is how many years of teaching experience are required for a specific position. Another variable—how many of your academic requirements have you completed already? 

Generally speaking, it takes at least four years to complete a bachelor’s degree if attending full-time. Assuming you’re doing a bachelor’s to become a teacher, you’ll also have to pass a certification exam. While the exam itself only takes a few hours, some people like to take a few weeks to study. 

At this point, many reach a crossroads. Do they go straight into teaching or keep going to finish their master’s? Typically, a master’s program takes another two years, though there are exceptions. If you are working full-time, you might only be able to attend classes part-time, thus extending the timeline. 

Another factor is that some institutions offer combined degree options that allow you to work on credits for your undergraduate and graduate degrees simultaneously. These accelerated programs, sometimes called 4+1 programs, can shave off a few months or more. 

So far, we’re looking at an average of six years worth of full-time education requirements, unless you opt for an accelerated bachelor’s-master’s combo package. 

But most undergrads enter the job market instead of going after their master’s degree right away, which brings us to the question—how many years does a teacher need to work before applying for a principal position? 

This is the most significant variable when it comes to mapping out a timeline, and there is no hard rule on how much experience one needs. According to the BLS, principals need “several years of teaching experience.” However, that is certainly not always the case.

Like teachers, principals must also pass a certification exam. Once that is done, teachers can become principals with only a year or two years of experience, providing their other qualifications push them over the top (or if the school has no other applicants holding better credentials). 

Once your academics are done and you’ve had sufficient work history for the positions you want to apply to, next comes applying and interviewing! As you might expect, this process can take a few months, especially if you’re holding out for a specific school or position. However, it can pay to take a principal job at a smaller school for a few years and move on later versus waiting for your dream job to open.  

As you can see, there are many factors that influence the path from teacher to principal, but here’s a common route: 

  • Gain teaching experience after finishing a bachelor’s degree 
  • Attend college part-time while working
  • Finish your master’s degree and principal certification in 3-4 years
  • Start applying to principal positions!

How to Become a Principal Without Being a Teacher

While most schools might hesitate to hire someone with no teaching experience, it isn’t unheard of, either. Some schools want principals with more in-depth management backgrounds, and they simply aren’t as interested in their teaching past. 

There are even cases where principals don’t have a master’s in educational leadership or educational administration. In those cases, though, they may have instead gone through a principal training program. 

Principal training programs can supplement your master’s and qualify you for jobs, but they extend your timeline a bit. Depending on the program, they might take weeks, months, or even a year, but they almost certainly bolster your resume!

Of course, many principals come from a background in education as a teacher. By skipping teaching experience, you could jeopardize your own credibility to teachers at your school. In the vast majority of cases, principals benefit from having professional teaching experience.

Best Degrees to Become a School Principal

Obtaining a great degree helps you stand out from the crowd, so we’ve put together a few tips as you search for the right schools. Most opt for either a master’s in educational leadership or educational administration, but what’s the difference? 

degree in educational administration is heavy on day-to-day management operations related to the school and even the building itself. Students may learn the following:

  • Policy
  • Hiring, managing, and evaluating staff and teachers
  • Finances and budgets
  • Relationships with staff, studnets, parents, community members, and all stakeholders

This degree is for those ready to immerse themselves in a K-12 setting. 

In comparison, a degree in educational leadership takes a broader approach. This degree prepares visionary principals to leverage skills that strategically transform schools into successful institutions. Course material involves:

  • Objective critical analysis
  • Troubleshooting
  • Change implementation

Since change can be hard to manage, leadership skills and communication are even more vital to modernize schools, improve school climate, and boost teacher, staff, and student performance. 

This degree is suitable for both principals as well as district-level leadership professionals who are responsible for enhancing and maintaining the overall reputation and clout of their schools. 

There will be similar courses in both degrees, such as law, finance, and community relations. Leadership paths have an additional focus on organizational culture, coaching, and mentorship. Students can expect both degree types to feature:

  • Internships
  • Capstones or thesis projects
  • Potential practicums 

Universities.com’s 10 Best Schools for School Principals

Universities.com showcases many outstanding schools that offer administration colleges in the U.S. An applicable degree from any of these highly-ranked schools will help pave the career route from teacher to principal!

  1. Texas Christian University
  2. Boston College
  3. University of Georgia
  4. University of Florida
  5. University of Washington – Seattle Campus
  6. Saint Joseph’s University
  7. University of Maryland – College Park
  8. University of Hawaii at Manoa
  9. New York University
  10. Salisbury University

 

If you’re looking for other schools that offer administration programs to help you level up your career, check out the Find Your Perfect “U” tool. You can search over 6,000 colleges and universities with 11 different filters to find the perfect school for you!

Where Can I Learn More About Becoming a School Principal?

Want to learn more about how to become a school principal? Check out these professional organizations: 

  • National Education Association – NEA brings “the expertise, drive, and dedication of 3 million educators and allies to advancing justice and excellence in public education.” A treasure trove of resources! 

Teacher to School Principal FAQs

  • Can a teacher become a principal?
    • Yes, most principals start their careers as teachers, working for a few years before finishing a master’s and a principal certification. 
  • Is it worth going from teacher to administrator?
    • It is worth it for teachers ready for a change of pace, a better salary, more responsibility, and an opportunity to make an impact on a broader scale.
  • How long should you teach before becoming a principal?
    • The longer you teach, the more experience you can add to your resume. There is no hard number, but most principals have at least five years of teaching background. 
  • Do principals make more money than teachers?
    • Yes, the median annual wage for principals is $98,490 compared to $62,870 for high school teachers. 

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