Becoming a Principle

A school principle is a challenging yet rewarding profession. In addition to having at least 3 years experience teaching in the classroom, candidates will achieve a master’s degree in school administration and management. Students who are interested in attaining a master’s degree in school administration and management will be able to finish the program in 2 years on full-time status. Part time enrollment is also available for most programs. The degree plan is offered at most accredited colleges or universities that have programs in graduate coursework in education. The program will focus on the aspects of running a school, including management of employees and budgeting. A school principle salary starts around $50,000 to well over $100,000 depending on the level of school they are assigned to. A high school principle, for example, will make more money than an elementary principle. Other possible professions for this degree include Assistant Principle, Testing Coordinator, or Curriculum Writer. These jobs vary in pay, but typically pay $10,000 - $15,000 more than a teacher in a school district.

The main Principle of a school is responsible for managing the staff and budgets for the school. They are also in charge of settling disputes and assigning duties for the teachers in their school. Principles enforce the school budget and monitor the classrooms to ensure that students are learning successfully. Principles will complete many observations, where they can monitor teachers on their campus. Assistant Principles assist the Principle in their responsibilities, and usually offer support in the form of student discipline. Assistant Principles also assist in calling parents as necessary when needed. Another administrative position available for this degree is called a Testing Coordinator. Most states require that students pass mandatory annual tests that show students are learning at a normal rate. A Testing Coordinator will ensure that the testing process runs smoothly and provides each campus with the materials needed to prepare for the exams. Graduates with this degree can also work as a Curriculum Writer which decides what students need to learn for each subject and correlates this to the mandatory state testing. Curriculum writers are also responsible for training teachers in their focused subjects.