Principal Certification

To be eligible for the Principal Certification program, you must have at least a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and either a Residency Teacher Certificate or an Educational Staff Associate Certificate and shall have at least three years of documented successful school-based experience in an instructional role with students. Individuals who have a master's degree or other advanced degree do not need to complete a second master's degree in order to obtain certification as a school principal.

Success in increasing student achievement often hinges upon a principal's ability to create a shared vision within the school community, and new organizational structures that engage teachers and parents in meaningful, site-based learning strategies. The Principal Certification program offers current research and best practices to enable you to become an effective leader within a broad range of constituents: students, teachers, parents, and the community.

Principal Certification candidates in Western Washington can earn their Residency PK-12 Principal Certificate from SPU in a convenient, non-cohort program in one of three sites: Seattle, Stanwood, or Olympia. The Educational Leadership department chair will build a personalizaed study plan in consultation with each student.

Each applicant can complete their Principal Certificate in as few as five quarters, although completing in two years is typical. SPU offers all administrator certification candidates a "Summer-Only" option for completing the seven required classes. Under this plan, students will complete four courses one summer, three the next, and complete their internship in the school year between the two summer sessions. The university offers on-campus summer room and board for students who wish to take advantage of this Summer-Only option. 

The Principal Certification program requires 30 credits, which includes seven core courses, and an Internship.

Internship

The Principal Internship (9 credits, 3 per quarter) allows you to engage in leadership and administrative activities under the supervision of a mentor principal or vice principal in a school setting. Over the course of a school year, you can both acquire and practice skills that are crucial to your future success as a school principal. In conjunction with SPU's Educational Leadership faculty, you are responsible for securing the site and mentor for your internship. Principal Internships are designed to be completed in conjunction with a full-time contract; it is not necessary to take a year off.

Certification

Successful completion of the program will qualify you for a P–12 School Principal Certificate in Washington state with reciprocity in other states. Candidates are required to submit a formal application to the certification officer in the School of Education for the issuance of the credential.

Locations and Schedule

The seven Core Courses for the Principal Certification program are offered in three locations: SPU's main campus, Olympia, and Stanwood. Face-to-face classes meet one evening per week, usually from 4:30–7:05 p.m. Classes offered during the Summer Sessions meet at SPU during weekdays.

Applicants must submit the following items to the Graduate Center:

• Application and $50 application processing fee.
• Copy of Residency Teacher or ESA certificate, front and back.
• Official transcript(s) from each college/university attended.
• Personal statement (1–2 pages).
• Résumé.
• Two letters of recommendation (one supervisory, one professional).

Autumn Quarter: August 15
Winter Quarter: November 15
Spring Quarter: February 15
Summer Session: May 15