Becoming a school principal typically requires a master's degree in educational leadership, school administration, or a closely related field. Most states also require several years of teaching experience before a candidate can pursue an administrative license or certification. Aspiring principals complete graduate programs that cover topics such as instructional leadership, school law, finance, community engagement, and data analysis. Many states require candidates to complete an administrative internship, working alongside an experienced principal to develop real leadership skills before taking on a school of their own. District-level administrators, such as superintendents or curriculum directors, often hold doctoral degrees and bring extensive experience leading schools at multiple levels.

To Prepare...

Run for student council, take on a leadership role in a club or sport, or organize a school event to practice guiding a group, making decisions, and being accountable to others.

Take classes in English, public speaking, statistics, or psychology, if your school offers them, as these subjects build the communication and analytical thinking skills that school leaders use every day.

Sign up to be a peer tutor, a reading buddy for younger students, or a mentor through a school-based program to start building the relationship skills that are at the heart of school leadership.