Becoming a school principal represents a significant career advancement for educators, with principals earning considerably more than classroom teachers. The St. Thomas University (STU) online Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Administration program prepares educators for principal roles through evidence-based coursework focused on organizational leadership, ethical decision-making and innovative school management. The program can be completed in as few as 20 months while educators continue working in their current teaching positions.
Elementary school teachers earned a median annual wage of $62,340 in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while principals in the same period earned a median annual wage of $104,070. The path to principal leadership requires strategic planning, advanced education and years of classroom experience.
Educational Requirements for Aspiring Principals
Principals typically need a master’s degree in education leadership or education administration, according to BLS. These graduate programs teach prospective administrators how to manage staff, create budgets, set educational goals and work effectively with parents and community stakeholders. Coursework typically covers curriculum development, instructional leadership, school law, education finance and organizational change management.
An educational specialist degree offers an advanced alternative to a traditional master’s program, providing many of the same competencies as doctoral programs without the dissertation requirement. The Ed.S. degree demonstrates commitment to professional growth and positions graduates for competitive principal roles. Programs emphasize practical application of leadership theories, data-driven decision-making and strategic planning for school improvement initiatives.
Teaching Experience and Licensure Prerequisites
Almost all states require principals to possess valid teaching certification and classroom experience, according to the Texas Education Agency. Teaching experience requirements typically range from 2 to 6 years, depending on the state. This prerequisite ensures principals understand the instructional challenges teachers face and can provide meaningful guidance and support to their staff.
Working as a classroom teacher builds essential leadership skills that translate directly to principal responsibilities. Teachers develop expertise in curriculum implementation, student assessment, parent communication and conflict resolution. Many educators also gain informal leadership experience by serving as department chairs, grade-level coordinators, curriculum committee members or instructional coaches before pursuing formal administrative roles.
Principal Licensure and Certification Process
States issue administrative licenses or certificates that authorize individuals to serve as school principals. Licensure requirements vary by jurisdiction but commonly include completion of state-approved preparation programs and passing administrator assessments. Most states require candidates to participate in a practicum or internship as part of pre-service preparation or during the first years as a principal, according to the Wing Institute. These supervised experiences allow aspiring principals to work directly with experienced administrators to develop practical leadership skills.
Administrator exams assess candidates’ knowledge of school operations, instructional leadership, personnel management and education law. Background checks and fingerprinting are standard requirements for principal certification. Some states also mandate specific coursework in areas such as special education, English language learner instruction or culturally responsive leadership to ensure principals can meet the needs of a diverse student population.
Career Path and Professional Development
The typical progression to principal begins with classroom teaching, advances to assistant principal and culminates in a head principal role. Assistant principals often oversee specific school functions such as discipline, curriculum coordination or student services, providing valuable administrative experience. This steppingstone approach allows future principals to develop leadership competencies gradually while maintaining a connection to instructional practice.
Professional development remains essential throughout a principal’s career. The National Association of Elementary School Principals serves 35 million children in pre-K through 8th grade, according to the National Association of Elementary School Principals. The organization provides ongoing training, resources and advocacy for school leaders. Principals benefit from joining professional associations, attending leadership conferences, participating in mentorship programs and engaging in collaborative learning networks with other administrators.
Advancing Your Educational Leadership Career
The path to principal leadership demands dedication, advanced education and strategic career planning. STU’s online Ed.S. program provides the flexibility working educators need while delivering rigorous preparation for administrative roles.
The program’s emphasis on evidence-based solutions, ethical leadership and critical thinking equips graduates with competencies that translate directly to successful school management. Educators who invest in this advanced credential position themselves for meaningful career advancement while gaining the skills needed to transform educational outcomes for students and communities.
Learn more about St. Thomas University’s online Educational Specialist in Administration program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aspiring principals often have questions about the specific requirements and timeline for entering school leadership roles. The following answers address common concerns about education, experience, certification and career preparation for principal positions.
How long does it take to become a principal?
The timeline varies but typically requires 6 to 10 years. This includes four years to earn a bachelor’s degree, 2 to 6 years of teaching experience and 1 to 2 years to complete a master’s or Ed.S. program.
Do you need a master’s degree to become a principal?
Most states require at least a master’s degree in education administration or leadership. Some states accept Educational Specialist degrees or other advanced graduate credentials in related fields.
How much teaching experience do you need to become a principal?
Requirements range from 2 to 6 years, depending on the state. Some states count experience as a school counselor or instructional coach toward this requirement.
What is the salary difference between teachers and principals?
Principals earn significantly more than teachers. The median difference is approximately $41,730 annually based on 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data for elementary teachers and principals.
Do all states share requirements for principals?
No, each state sets its own certification requirements. Requirements differ in degree levels, teaching experience, exams and internship hours.
Can you become a principal with an Ed.S. degree?
Yes, an Educational Specialist degree meets or exceeds the master’s degree requirement for principal certification in all states. The Ed.S. demonstrates advanced leadership preparation beyond a traditional master’s program.
What exams do you need to pass to become a principal?
Most states require passing scores on administrator assessments that test knowledge of instructional leadership, school operations, personnel management and education law. Exam names and formats vary by state.
Is an internship required to become a principal?
Many states require supervised internship or practicum hours where candidates work with experienced principals to develop practical administrative skills. Internship requirements typically range from 100 to 300 hours, depending on the state.
What does a principal do daily?
Principals manage school operations, supervise staff, coordinate curriculum, handle disciplinary matters, communicate with families, oversee budgets and ensure compliance with educational standards. Daily responsibilities vary based on school size and district structure.
How can I prepare for a principal role while teaching?
Seek leadership opportunities such as department chair positions, curriculum committees, mentor roles or instructional coaching assignments that build administrative skills. These experiences demonstrate leadership capacity to hiring committees.
Prepare for Principal Leadership at St. Thomas University
St. Thomas University’s online Educational Specialist in Administration program prepares educators for principal and administrative leadership roles through practical, evidence-based coursework. The program emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership strategies and effective organizational solutions, positioning graduates to drive innovation in educational settings.
With 100% online coursework, educators can complete the program in as few as 20 months while continuing to work and gain the teaching experience many states require for principal licensure. The Ed.S. provides many of the same competencies as an Ed.D. program without a dissertation requirement, and all credit hours may be transferred into STU’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership if graduates choose to pursue doctoral studies.
