Some possible jobs within this career area are:
Most teachers need at least a Bachelor’s Degree, but depending on your state and career path, you might need a post-graduate teaching certificate or a Master’s Degree. Some school districts also require that teachers return to school for certification or other career development every few years.
Most colleges or universities offer these forms of certification:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- Teaching Certificate
- PhD
Teachers, specifically good teachers, are always needed and in demand. Municipal taxes pay for public schools, which means that your area’s economy can dictate the school district budget and the number of jobs for teachers. To remain competitive in the job market, teachers often return to school to get their Master’s Degree. Some school districts tenure their teachers, which can be excellent for job stability.
Most teachers need a four-year degree, but some school districts require a Master’s Degree, which can add two to three more years of study. A typical teaching certificate takes between two and three years to earn.
How to Become a School Principal
A school principal, also known as an educational administrator, does much more than mete out detention to wayward students; she is also in charge of the management of all business aspects of a school. If you become a school principal your duties will include writing mission statements as well as developing and maintaining curriculum, goals, and objectives. You will also be in charge of hiring, of meetings with teachers, parents, and community members, school budgets, official reports, and making sure that all national and state academic standards are met.
Most people who enter a principal career position begin their career in education as a teacher, and often hold another administrative job such as assistant principal before they become a principal. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) although some private schools hire principals who hold a bachelor’s degree, most states require that a principal hold a master’s or doctorate degree in either educational leadership or education administration. Most states also require those who enter a school principal career to be licensed; some states require testing before licensure is granted. Often teaching experience is an additional requirement.
To earn a master’s degree in order to become a principal you will typically be required to take coursework such as organization of schools and school systems, public policy, law and ethics, principles of supervision, diversity issues for school leaders, and foundations of curriculum in addition to classes that correspond to the budgeting and accounting aspects of the position.
School Principal Salaries
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median school principal salary in 2008 was $83,880, with the lowest 10 percent earning under $55,580 and the highest 10 percent earning over $124,250. Educational Research Service reports average school principal salaries in the 2007 to 2008 school year as follows, depending on the school level of employment:
- Senior high school $97,486
- Jr. high/middle school 91,334
- Elementary school 85,907
(Salary data retrieved 5/29/11)
To get the education you need to become a school principal, find a degree program now!