Explore how much school principals earn, learn how to become a principal, and discover the step-by-step process and credentials you'll need to get started.
Author: Brooke Selg
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.
(It starts with becoming a teacher!)
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:
In Colorado, 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. In Colorado, these credentials are called a principal license. Similar to teaching licenses, each state has different requirements you must meet to earn your license. You’ll apply for your principal license from the state of Colorado.
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To earn your initial principal license in Colorado, you’ll need to do a few things. These are the basic steps:
You’ll need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
In Colorado, you must have three or more years experience as a fully licensed teacher or special services provider like a school counselor or school nurse in an elementary or secondary school.
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 the Colorado Department of Education.
You’ll need to pass the principal exams before you get your license. The exam varies from state to state. In Colorado, it’s called the PLACE Principal Exam. It’s designed to ensure you have the knowledge and skills to fulfill your duties as a principal.
You must pass a criminal history and background check before becoming a principal in Colorado. You will also need to complete the fingerprinting process.
You will apply for your license through the Colorado Department of Education. You will need some additional documents, like your transcripts from your bachelor’s degree program, your principal preparation program, and teaching experience verification. (1)
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, Colorado has an alternative principal pathway for people who haven’t yet completed their principal preparation program. To qualify, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. You’ll also need an Individual Plan approved by the Colorado Department of Education, or be enrolled in an approved alternative principal preparation program. This is district-specific, and there must be an available role that requires a principal license. Be sure to visit the Colorado Department of Education website to learn more.
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 who motivates others, promotes a supportive environment and ensures equal opportunities for all.
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.
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)
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.
New Leaders, an organization that helps train fair-minded principals and school leaders from different backgrounds, recommends looking for a principal preparation program that:
These program hallmarks will help you launch with a strong start!
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.
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!