If you are the type of person who dreams about making an impact in education, then a career as a principal may be perfect for you. Principals have the responsibility of overseeing the welfare of the faculty and students within a school. They also have a passion for improving educational standards and motivating teachers to excel in the classroom. You may have wondered, “How do I become a principal?” If you want to become a principal, you should plan on pursuing an educational degree beyond the typical four-year college degree. You should also feel comfortable providing leadership for a large number of people on a daily basis.
What’s it like to be a principal?
When you become a principal, you will be constantly dealing with the daily issues that arise in the school environment. You may need to deal with a problem student who misbehaves in the classroom on a regular basis. You may need to consult with faculty members who are receiving complaints from parents. On the flip side, you can play a positive role in the local community by leading outreach efforts and getting students involved in giving back to the community. You may also inspire students to achieve their dreams and to pursue academic success. When you are a great leader, the faculty and students will want to achieve their best at your school. As a principal, you will likely have a schedule that is packed with meetings during the week. You will be required to attend conferences with teachers or other board members in the community. You may need to also find ways to increase the funding for your school.
Education Requirements
To become a principal, you will need to pursue a Master’s degree. You will need to also have a certificate in Educational Leadership. If you want to become a principal, then you should try to gain teaching experience before entering this career. Having teaching experience gives you the chance to understand the ways that students behave in the classroom. You will have a better perspective of how to handle difficult situations that may arise with problem students in the classroom. You will also need to obtain a principal and teacher certification. The exams that are required vary depending on the state in which you plan to be a principal.
It is also a good idea to try to gain experience as a vice principal before you apply for positions as a full-time principal. Being a vice principal gives you a sense of the additional responsibilities that a principal has. When you become a principal, you should be prepared to work very long hours.
Salary & How to Get a Job
According to the BLS, the average salary of a principal is about $86,000 a year. You can find principal positions in a variety of schools. You should decide whether you want to be a principal for an elementary school, middle school or high school. Also, you should consider the type of environment that you desire. You may want to become a principal at a private school, rather than a public school. If you work in a private school setting, you should be prepared to deal with all sorts of demands from parents.
Being a principal gives you the opportunity to set a good example in your local community. You can inspire teachers to make a difference in the lives of students, and you can also inspire students to achieve their highest levels of academic success. Being a principal is one of the best ways to be a leader in the community.
References:
1. http://education-portal.com/how_to_become_a_school_principal.html
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_2075201_become-school-principal.html
3. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm