Job Description - Principal:
A principal manages an elementary, middle or secondary school. He or she is responsible for everything that goes on inside the building. A principal establishes educational goals for his or her school and makes sure the faculty meets them.
Employment Facts - Principal:
There were 230,600 elementary and secondary school administrators, including principals, employed in 2008.
Educational Requirements - Principal:
One typically needs a master's degree in education administration or educational leadership to become a principal. Some have a doctorate or specialized degree in education administration. Most principals begin their careers as teachers.
Other Requirements - Principal:
In most states principals must be licensed as school administrators. Requirements for licensure often include earning a master's degree and passing a written exam.
Principals must have good leadership skills and strong determination. They must be confident, innovative and motivated individuals.
Advancement Opportunities - Principal:
Experienced principals sometimes become principals of largers schools. Others may become school district superintendents or presidents of educational institutions.
Job Outlook - Principal:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job growth for education administrators, including principals, will be about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2018.
Earnings - Principal:
Elementary and secondary school administrators, including principals, earned a median annual salary of $85,220 in 2009.
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a Principal currently earns in your city.
A Day in a Principal's Life:
On a typical day a principal's tasks might include:
- reviewing, approving and implementing new programs or modifying existing programs if necessary
- meeting with parents and teachers to discuss students and school policies
- preparing budgets
- writing grant applications
- providing guidance to parents, students and teachers
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Education Administrators, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos007.htm (visited May 12, 2010).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Education Administrators, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/11-9032.00 (visited December 6, 2010).
