How to become a school administrator: Education, certification, and experience

School administrators plan academic schedules, coordinate curriculum, evaluate staff, and manage school budgets to create a safe learning environment. By guiding academic standards, supporting teachers, and fostering a collaborative space, they are essential to a thriving academic community. While the path to educational leadership requires dedication, it offers a rewarding opportunity to shape the future of students and staff alike. This post explores the vital role of school leaders and outlines how to become a school administrator, including the education, certification, and experience required.

The vital role administrators play in shaping school culture and student success

Research suggests effective principals can have a positive effect on schools.¹ Their presence is associated with essential outcomes, such as improved student achievement, reduced absenteeism, and increased teacher retention.¹ According to a report by the Wallace Foundation, these positive effects are often stronger in urban schools and schools with greater concentrations of student poverty.¹

In addition, school leadership is second only to classroom instruction among school-related factors that affect student learning.² A positive school climate can influence academic achievement, students' healthy development, and violence prevention.³ Principal leadership serves as a critical lever for continuous school improvement, with positive effects often mediated through parent-teacher trust, professional capacity, and instructional guidance.⁴

What does a career in education administration look like?

Education administrators in K-12 settings plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities (such as student transportation or food services) of schools.⁵ While "school administrator" is a broad term that can encompass a variety of vital roles, this post focuses primarily on the path to becoming a principal or vice principal.

Sample job titles in educational administration include:⁶

• Principal or vice principal
• Superintendent
• Special education director

Principals oversee all daily school operations, coordinate curricula, manage staff, and provide a safe learning environment for students.⁷ Their day-to-day duties involve evaluating teachers, reviewing achievement data, organizing professional development, managing budgets, and coordinating security procedures.⁷ Note that administrator requirements can vary significantly by state or school district, as well as between public and private schools.

Step 1: Meet the educational requirements

To enter this career, aspiring principals typically need a master's degree in education administration or leadership.⁷ Graduate programs in education focus on essential leadership competencies, such as staff management, budget creation, academic goal setting, and community relations.⁷

For example, an online Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) in educational administration will include coursework covering education law, human resources management, school resource management, and data-driven leadership. This academic foundation is designed to prepare you for the wide array of financial, legal, and operational challenges you will face in a leadership role.

Step 2: Gain necessary teaching experience

Educational leaders need a deep understanding of classroom dynamics, which is why candidates typically need several years of teaching experience.⁷ The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that a common background includes five years or more of work experience in a related occupation (such as teaching or school counseling) before stepping into a principal role.⁷

Licensure-oriented graduate programs often require applicants to have three to five years of teaching experience in a state-accredited school while holding a professional level teaching license. This instructional background provides essential credibility, as administrators are directly responsible for staff evaluation, classroom observation, curriculum oversight, and school improvement decisions.⁷

Step 3: Obtain state licensure and certification

Most states require public school principals to be licensed as school administrators.⁷ While licensure requirements vary by state, candidates typically must hold a master's degree, pass an exam, and complete a background check.⁷

Many states use the School Leadership Series assessments as part of the licensure process for principals and superintendents.⁸ As part of this series, candidates may take the Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision test, which measures whether entry-level school leaders demonstrate the standards-relevant knowledge and skills necessary for competent professional practice.⁹ Because testing and qualifying-score expectations differ by jurisdiction, requirements vary; check your state education agency or licensing office (such as your state's Department of Education or professional standards board) for current requirements.¹⁰

Essential skills for educational administration positions

Beyond formal education and licensure, principals must possess a specific set of interpersonal and technical skills to succeed. Communication skills are critical, as leaders must communicate effectively with students, teachers, and parents to resolve academic or behavioral issues.⁷

Important qualities for a school principal include:⁷

• Strong interpersonal skills to build trust and a positive school climate
• Leadership capabilities to manage daily operations and staff development
• Decision-making skills to evaluate curricula and allocate funds
• Critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities to assess student achievement data

Prepare to lead with an educational administration program from the University of Kansas

Stepping into a leadership role allows you to foster an environment where both students and teachers can thrive. The University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences offers an online Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.) in educational administration designed to provide the leadership frameworks and licensure alignment necessary for career advancement.

By completing your master's degree or certificate at KU, you will gain the specialized knowledge needed to navigate education law, manage school resources, and make data-driven decisions that elevate your entire district. The university provides the coursework and practicum support necessary to help you transition from the classroom to the administrative office with confidence. View the admissions details and take the next step toward a rewarding career in educational leadership.

Reach out to an admissions outreach advisor today to learn more about how the university can support your goals.