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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
These skills are increasingly cultivated through advanced educational leadership degrees, including Ed.D. and M.Ed. programs.
Most school principal positions in the U.S. require:
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:
Explore Acacia’s Online Ed.D. Program
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?
Acacia University offers a 100% online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership designed for working professionals who want to lead with purpose.
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.
A doctorate is not required for most principal positions, but it is increasingly preferred for district leadership and high-performing schools.
A master’s in educational leadership or administration is the standard requirement. An Ed.D. in Educational Leadership provides advanced skills for senior roles.
Requirements vary. Most states require a master’s degree, teaching experience, completion of a state-approved prep program, and passing a principal certification exam.
Yes. Acacia’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is 100% online and designed for working educators.
© 2025 Acacia University. All rights reserved.
