OVERVIEW
How to Become a School Principal?
If you’ve spent years in the classroom and find yourself thinking about how to shape instruction, support teachers, and strengthen your school community, then you might be ready to explore how to become a school principal. It’s a meaningful career shift that requires planning, experience, and commitment to ongoing education, but for the right person, it’s one of the most rewarding leadership roles in education.
Principals typically need a bachelor’s degree, teaching experience, a master’s degree in educational leadership or administration, and state administrator licensure for public school roles. Exact requirements vary by state and school type. This guide covers what school principals do, the steps to get there, degree options, skills, salary, and job outlook so you can map out your own path.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Is a School Principal?
Elementary, middle, and high school principals are responsible for directing the overall operation of their school and report to the district’s superintendent. This involves various daily tasks, such as maintaining school leadership, handling problems and other issues as they occur, and maximizing staff and student success.
You may also hear the role called the head of school, the school administrator, or in some settings the headteacher. While the titles differ, the core responsibility is the same: leading the people, programs, and operations of a school community. Principals typically work closely with a district superintendent and governing body, though the level of autonomy varies by district and school type.
If you are an organized, motivated individual who’s passionate about helping students learn while supporting teachers in their success, a career as a school principal might be rewarding for you.
What Does a School Principal Do?
School principals perform a wide variety of tasks. While discipline often gets the most attention, effective principals spend just as much time on instructional design and community building. On any given day, you might:
- Direct school operations. Common school operations include managing staff, teachers, and other personnel.
- Establish scheduling and development. Establishing class schedules and activities while developing and maintaining curriculum standards is essential to ensuring the success of students and staff.
- Take disciplinary actions. This includes dealing with teacher conflicts, counseling students, and taking disciplinary actions when needed.
- Ensure security. Implementing policies and procedures that keep students, staff, and visitors safe and secure is of the utmost importance.
- Manage a school’s academic performance. Letting staff know what the school’s goals are and making sure they’re achieved on time is key to the academic performance of any school.
- Oversee hiring decisions. While teachers typically have a summer break, school principals typically work throughout the year, during which time they usually make hiring decisions.
- Evaluate teacher performance. Principals observe teachers in action and assess their performance.
- Meet with parents and teachers. During these meetings, principals discuss how students are progressing with their coursework, as well as their overall behavior.
- Manage reporting. Includes state-mandated test scores (for public schools) and other student achievements.
- Handle budgetary concerns. A school only has so much money to go around, and principals are responsible for managing its budget, including maintenance and school supplies.
With these details in mind, there are some crucial distinctions between a principal’s duties depending on whether they work in an elementary, junior high, or high school, which primarily relates to academic and student age differences. For example, a high school principal may spend more time collaborating with department heads and managing graduation requirements, while an elementary principal may focus more heavily on early literacy and classroom culture.
How Do I Become a School Principal in 6 Steps?
The path to becoming a school principal follows a general pattern, though the specifics—including required years of teaching, internships, and endorsements—vary by state. Here’s how the process typically unfolds.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Most aspiring principals start with a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field that prepares them for a teaching license. WGU offers several leading education degree programs that can be a strong starting point for future school leaders. Keep in mind that a bachelor’s degree alone does not qualify you for principal certification or administrator licensure.
Step 2: Obtain a Teaching License
To teach in a public school, you’ll need a teaching license issued by your state. Requirements vary, so check WGU’s state licensure page for information specific to where you plan to work. Many states require you to pass state-administered exams as part of the teaching license process, so plan for that step early.
Step 3: Gain Teaching Experience
Before stepping into school leadership, you need real teaching experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), principals typically need teaching experience, and many states and districts set a minimum number of years as part of their principal certification requirements. While you’re in the classroom, look for ways to demonstrate leadership: Join curriculum committees, mentor newer teachers, serve as a department coordinator, or take on school improvement roles. These experiences matter when you’re ready to apply.
Step 4: Earn a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership
A master’s degree in educational leadership or education administration is commonly required for principal certification, and most states require it for public school administrator licensure. A strong degree program in this area covers school law, finance, governance, strategic planning, people leadership, ethics, and instructional leadership, preparing you to manage the full scope of a school principal’s responsibilities.
WGU’s M.S. Educational Leadership program is designed for current teachers who are ready to move into school leadership. The program is accredited through CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation), and it’s built to fit the schedule of working educators.
Principal certification and administrator licensure requirements vary by state. Confirm that this program meets your state’s requirements before enrolling by reviewing WGU’s state licensure information.
Step 5: Complete Administrator Licensure Requirements
In most states, becoming a public school principal requires you to hold a school administrator license or state principal certification, which is separate from your teaching license. The specific requirements vary widely and may include:
- Completing an approved administrator preparation program.
- Passing state-required exams for school leadership positions.
- Completing an internship or practicum.
- Submitting a background check.
- Verifying teaching experience and employment history.
For state-specific guidance, visit CareerOneStop’s License Finder or your state’s department of education website.
Step 6: Build School Leadership Experience and Apply
Many principals spend time as an assistant principal, dean, instructional coach, or department coordinator before stepping into the top leadership role. These positions give you exposure to school operations, personnel decisions, and community relationships. When you’re ready to apply, document your measurable impact, prepare a leadership portfolio, and tailor your application to the priorities of each district.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
What Education Does a Principal Need?
In most instances, school principals hold master’s degrees in education administration or educational leadership. However, some principals hold only bachelor’s degrees but have significant experience as elementary, junior high, or high school teachers, or as upper-level administrators.
School principals also need different experience and certifications, which can vary by state, city, and district. Some standard requirements include:
- Classroom teaching certificate: Educators receive this certificate upon completion of an educator preparation program.
- Teaching experience: Most schools require that principals have a certain amount of experience (e.g., two years) teaching students in the classroom.
- Principal educator preparation program: After completing the program and passing the required exams, individuals will be prepared for a successful career as a school administrator.
Best Degrees for Principals
Education
Educational Leadership – M.S.
An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move into a...
An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move into a school or district leadership position, like principal, vice principal, or administrator.
- Time: 60% of grads earned this degree within 23 months.
- Tuition: $4625 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 13 total courses in this program.
This program is for licensed teachers who are ready to take the next step in their education career.
Concepts included in this program:
- School Law
- School Financial Leadership
- People & Talent
- School Operations and Management
- Leadership Ethics
Put your leadership skills to good use—in the service of America's children—with this education master's degree.
States that do not accept this program: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Principal Need?
Effective principals combine educational expertise, operational know-how, and people-centered leadership. The role demands both strategic thinking and the ability to handle whatever walks through the door.
Professional Skills for School Principals
- Instructional leadership and curriculum knowledge: Understanding what good teaching looks like and how to support teachers in improving their craft.
- School operations and budget management: Keeping the school running efficiently, including managing facilities, supplies, and staffing.
- Data analysis and school improvement planning: Using student achievement data and performance metrics to set priorities and measure progress.
- Teacher observation, evaluation, and professional development: Supporting educator growth through structured feedback and professional learning opportunities.
- Education law, policy, and regulatory compliance: Staying current on state and federal requirements, including those related to special education, student privacy, and school safety.
- Crisis management, school safety, and risk assessment: Developing and implementing safety procedures and responding effectively in emergencies.
- Scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation: Accommodating the many moving pieces that keep a school running day to day.
Personal Skills for School Principals
- Communication and active listening: Principals need to clearly communicate with students, teachers, parents, and district leaders, along with genuinely listening to all of them.
- Empathy and relationship building: Strong interpersonal skills are a must when navigating the many personalities and challenges of a school community.
- Decision-making and sound judgment: Principals make high-stakes decisions regularly, often with limited time or information.
- Conflict resolution and emotional regulation: Whether you’re mediating a student discipline issue or a disagreement between staff members, staying calm and fair matters.
- Adaptability: No two days look alike in school leadership. The best principals roll with the unexpected without losing focus on the bigger picture.
- Integrity and ethical leadership: Parents, students, and other teachers look to their school principal for leadership as a model for the values the school community holds.
- Organization and prioritization: With so many responsibilities, knowing what needs your attention now versus later is essential.
How Much Does a Principal Make?
$105,870
According to the BLS, the median annual wage for elementary, middle, and high school principals was $105,870 in May 2025. Variables that can impact pay include level of education, relevant certifications, years of experience, location, school size, and whether the school is public or private. Actual compensation varies significantly by state, district, and contract terms.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
20,600
The BLS reports little to no change in demand for school principals. Despite that projection, about 20,600 openings are expected each year, largely because educators transfer to other occupations or retire. The overall picture is one of steady replacement need. Factors like student enrollment, state and local budgets, and existing teacher retirement continue to shape the demand for qualified school leaders.
Is Becoming a School Principal Right for You?
Moving from teaching into a principal certification program is a big decision. Before you take that step, it’s worth asking yourself some honest questions:
- Do you want to influence instruction and school culture beyond your own classroom?
- Are you comfortable making high-stakes decisions with incomplete information?
- Do you enjoy coaching adults and supporting teacher growth, not just working with students?
- Can you balance long-term strategic planning with frequent interruptions and urgent needs?
- Are you willing to meet your state’s licensure requirements and complete a graduate degree program?
- Do you value community-facing leadership and relationship building?
If most of these questions resonate with you, school leadership might be a strong fit. If a few give you pause, that’s worth sitting with too.
Our Online University Degree Programs Start on the First of Every Month, All Year Long
No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It's back-to-school time at WGU year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you'll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor's or master's degree—sooner than you might think!
Next Start Date
{{startdate}}
Interested in Becoming a School Principal?
Learn more about degree programs that can prepare you for this meaningful career.
