With classrooms evolving and leadership roles growing more complex, becoming a school principal in 2025 is about much more than managing teachers—it’s about inspiring communities.
The Role of a School Principal: Leading with Purpose and Impact
School principals are the visionary leaders of their schools. Beyond overseeing daily operations, they shape learning culture, mentor teachers, manage budgets, support students, and engage with parents and the wider community. As instructional leaders, they set the tone for academic excellence, school safety, and inclusive practices.
This blog explores the responsibilities, skills, educational qualifications, professional experience, and salary outlook for the exciting career role of a principal.
School Principal Salary Trends and Career Outlook in 2025
Principals work in public and private elementary, middle, and high schools.
Demand for school leaders remains high due to increasing retirements, growing student populations, and the need for innovation in education.
- National Median Salary (2024): $104,070 per year for elementary, middle, and high school principals.
- School Principal Average Salary in Texas (2025): $102,071 per year.
However, salaries can vary depending on factors like experience, location, and school size. The salary for principals can also vary according to the years of experience or seniority level of the candidate.
Key Responsibilities of a School Principal
So, what are the responsibilities of a principal?
School principals wear many hats! They’re the CEOs of their schools, responsible for a lot of different things that keep the school running smoothly and ensure students get a great education.
Educational Leadership:
- Provide visionary leadership to the school community.
- Set goals for academic excellence and implement strategies to achieve them.
Administrative Management:
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the school.
- Manage budget, scheduling, and resource allocation.
Staff Supervision and Development:
- Hire, evaluate, and support teachers and staff members.
- Ensure a positive learning environment and foster professional growth.
Student Discipline and Support:
- Implement disciplinary policies.
- Promote positive behavior and provide support services for academic and personal needs.
Curriculum Development and Implementation:
- Collaborate with educators to design and implement effective curriculum.
- Ensure alignment with educational standards and promote student learning.
Community Engagement:
- Build partnerships with parents, community organizations, and local businesses.
- Support student success and enhance school resources and programs.
Student Monitoring:
- Track student progress and analyze assessment data.
- Implement interventions to address academic challenges and improve outcomes.
Crisis Management:
- Respond to emergencies and ensure safety and security.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders during critical incidents.
Essential Leadership Skills for Principals in Today’s Education Landscape
In 2025, school leadership requires more than administrative know-how. The job of a school principal is multifaceted, requiring a blend of strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
Principals are expected to:
- Lead with emotional intelligence and empathy
- Embrace data-driven decision-making
- Manage change effectively, especially with edtech integration
- Foster equity and cultural responsiveness
- Communicate transparently with all stakeholders
These skills are increasingly cultivated through advanced educational leadership degrees, including Ed.D. and M.Ed. programs.
School Principal Requirements: Degrees, Licenses, and Credentials for Aspiring Principals
Most school principal positions in the U.S. require:
- A Master’s Degree in Education or Educational Leadership
- Teaching Experience (typically 3–5 years): Most states require 3–5 years of teaching experience before advancing to administration
- State-Issued Principal or Administrator License
Licensing by State
- Texas: Requires completion of an approved principal preparation program and passing the TExES Principal as Instructional Leader exam.
- California: Requires a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential.
- New York: Requires a School Building Leader (SBL) certification.
- Florida: Requires a Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) and a Master’s in Educational Leadership.
- For up-to-date requirements in your state, consult your state’s Department of Education website.
How a Doctorate in Educational Leadership Strengthens Your Career Path?
While not always required, an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership provides the advanced knowledge and strategic insight needed for district-level leadership, policy influence, and systemic school improvements.
Benefits include:
- Stronger candidacy for principal and superintendent roles
- Mastery in educational law, ethics, and policy
- Enhanced leadership, mentoring, and organizational change skills
Explore Acacia’s Online Ed.D. Program
A Step-by-Step Path to Become a School Principal in 2025
The path to becoming a principal involves acquiring the necessary qualifications and experience.
Let’s find out what are the eligibility criteria to become a principal.
1. Educational Criteria: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s or Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Begin with a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field and continue with a master’s program or Doctorate program to develop strategic leadership skills.
Prospective principals need a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field and also a master’s degree in education administration or leadership. Pursuing a doctoral degree program in educational leadership will enhance your skill set and expertise in areas like school management, education law, finance and instructional leadership.
A doctoral degree in education empowers educators to emerge as scholarly practitioners and leaders equipped to address the forthcoming challenges within the teaching profession.
2. Gain Teaching Experience – Teach in a classroom to understand pedagogy and student needs.
In addition, principals need teaching experience. Every principal starts their journey as a teacher, accumulating several years of teaching experience before advancing to the role of a principal. This typically ranges from one to five years, depending on the specific school and its requirements.
Most schools prefer candidates with teaching experience in the classroom. This will ensure that the candidate has firsthand knowledge of student needs, teaching process and overall educational system from a teacher’s point of view.
3. Get Licensed – Fulfill your state’s administrative certification requirements. Before initiating the submission of applications, it’s crucial to verify that your licensing and certifications adhere to the state’s guidelines.
The criteria for obtaining a school principal license in the United States differ from state to state. While certain states mandate that school principals must acquire a license or certification to serve in their role, others do not impose such requirements. However, obtaining licensure can be beneficial for principals as it may increase their job prospects and earning potential.
Typically, states that necessitate licensure for school principals will expect candidates to possess a master’s degree in education or a relevant discipline, finish a principal preparation program endorsed by the state, and successfully clear a licensure examination. Additional prerequisites might involve a specified duration of teaching experience and a background screening.
4. Apply for Principal Roles – Showcase leadership experience and credentials.
Equipping yourself with the right skills and knowledge is key to becoming a successful school principal. Now that you understand the path, skills required, and the promising outlook for principals, are you ready to take the next step?
Advance Your Leadership Journey with Acacia’s Online Ed.D. Program
Acacia University offers a 100% online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership designed for working professionals who want to lead with purpose.
- Fully online and flexible
- Practical, real-world leadership training
- Career-focused curriculum designed for K–12 administrators
- Affordable tuition with financial aid options available
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How long does it take to become a school principal?
Typically, it takes 6–8 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s, 1–2 years for a master’s, plus 3–5 years of teaching experience.
- Do I need a doctorate to become a principal?
A doctorate is not required for most principal positions, but it is increasingly preferred for district leadership and high-performing schools.
- What is the best degree for school leadership?
A master’s in educational leadership or administration is the standard requirement. An Ed.D. in Educational Leadership provides advanced skills for senior roles.
- What are the school principal requirements in my state?
Requirements vary. Most states require a master’s degree, teaching experience, completion of a state-approved prep program, and passing a principal certification exam.
- Are there online programs to become a school principal?
Yes. Acacia’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is 100% online and designed for working educators.
