If you have experience in educational leadership, becoming a school principal might be the next step in your journey. Principals play a critical role in shaping school culture, supporting teachers and staff, and ensuring student success. This fulfilling career offers opportunities to lead in elementary, middle and high school settings.
This guide explains how to become a school principal, the requirements and skills needed to succeed, and how the online Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) – Educational Administration with Principal Licensure program from Youngstown State University (YSU) can help you achieve this goal. You’ll also learn more about the career outlook for school principals as you explore this vital role in education.
What Does a School Principal Do?
School principals manage daily operations, including overseeing school activities and staff, developing class schedules, and implementing and maintaining curriculum standards. Principals counsel and discipline students, foster relationships with parents and the community, and work to establish a distinct school culture. They also supervise and support staff, oversee the school’s budget and campus maintenance, and establish security procedures for all students, sthotaff and visitors.
School principals work in a range of environments from elementary and middle schools to high schools, and may serve in public, private or charter institutions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual income for school principals is $104,070 as of May 2024. Approximately 20,800 openings for elementary, middle and high school principals are projected each year, on average, over the next decade. With roughly one in 10 school principals leaving their job in the 2021-22 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), demand for qualified school leaders remains high.
How to Become a Principal
Earning a bachelor’s degree in education is the typical starting point to become a school principal. Most states require a minimum of three years of hands-on teaching experience before advancing to a leadership position, along with a state-issued school principal or administrator’s license.
To take the next step, you will also need to earn a relevant master’s degree to become a school principal. YSU’s online M.S.Ed. – Educational Administration program equips students with the essential skills in legal compliance, finance, data analysis and personnel management. You’ll also develop the instructional leadership skills needed to drive academic achievement and support student success.
What Are the Requirements for Principal Licensure?
Earning principal licensure involves several key steps, according to Teach.org, beginning with the completion of a state-approved principal preparation program. These programs prepare you for your role by developing vital leadership skills, such as creating a safe and supportive school environment and building strong relationships with students, parents and staff.
In addition to holding an active teaching license, you’ll need to pass specific state-issued principal licensure exams before receiving your credentials. After meeting those requirements, you must also complete a criminal history and background check.
Finally, you’ll apply for your license through your state’s education agency. The agency may require you to provide transcripts from your degree program, proof of previous teaching or work-related experience, and a valid teaching certificate before you receive your license.
Skills to Succeed as a School Principal
Successful school principals have several key skills in leadership, budgeting and management. You should have a strong understanding of curriculum development and good organizational skills to manage schedules and financial resources, as well as the ability to ensure smooth school operations. Principals also possess solid problem-solving skills that enable them to successfully handle budget issues, student or parent issues, and community concerns.
Soft skills of a successful school principal include the ability to clearly and effectively communicate with others. You should also have experience with activities such as maintaining close collaboration with others and community engagement. These skills encompass a range of daily activities, including public speaking, fundraising and public relations efforts.
Inside the Online Master’s in Educational Administration Program
The online M.S.Ed. program at YSU focuses on the newest demands facing educational leaders, such as trauma, poverty, the opioid crisis and more. This program includes an online principal licensure option that provides an in-depth look at current issues affecting education, allowing you to discover how to improve essential skills such as collaborating with students, parents, colleagues and the community. You’ll complete a combination of coursework and practical application, including clinicals, to prepare you for a wide variety of leadership roles while learning from seasoned professors with real-world experience.
YSU’s online M.S.Ed. programs offer a flexible, convenient all-online format ideal for busy working teachers that can be completed in as few as 12 months. This comprehensive M.S.Ed. degree program with Principal Licensure prepares students for several roles aside from school principal, including assistant principal, vice principal and educational administrator.
Take the Next Step to Becoming a School Principal Today
With YSU’s M.S.Ed. with Principal Licensure online program, you’ll discover how to move from the classroom to a role in administration with courses you can complete at your own pace. Plus, you’ll gain the vital skills and knowledge required to ensure that you’re well-prepared to serve as a respected school principal in today’s ever-evolving educational landscape.
This program is designed to meet licensure requirements and leadership expectations, helping you step confidently into a principal role. Contact the admissions team or apply today if you’re ready to begin your school administration journey with YSU’s online M.S.Ed. Educational Administration with Principal Licensure program.
