The School Principal Certification Program is designed to prepare an individual for a position as a school principal in the elementary and/or secondary school. Successful completion of this program will qualify the student for a P -12 Residency  School Principal's certificate in the State of Washington. The program meets or exceeds the standards of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the standards of the Washington Administrative Code and the National Policy Board for Educational Administration.

This 30-quarter credit program includes an internship in which the students conduct supervised administration in a school setting over the course of the entire school year. Internship experiences apply the competencies and skills defined in the Washington Administrative Code and by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration .

Each applicant must hold a master's or other advanced degree. In addition, it is necessary to have completed a program for Teacher or Educational Staff Associate certification and have one year demonstrated successful school-based experience; three years’ experience is preferred as a certificated employee. Exceptions are to be approved through William Prenevost, Program Chair and Associate Professor of Education, by calling 206.281.2370.

COMPONENTS OF THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

• Educational Leadership Core: Provides the background, perspectives, and resources necessary for leadership as a school principal.
  
• Internship: Provides practical experience under the supervision of a certified school principal and qualified Seattle Pacific University personnel.  See the Principal/Program Administrator Intern Handbook.

STATE FUNDED INTERNSHIPS
The State of Washington invites principals-in-training to apply for the State Internship Grant, which pays for the substitute so that the intern can be released from classroom duties. The funding of internships is for public school interns only. This application is made to the Association of Washington School Principals in late winter of each year.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications to the School Principal Certification program are accepted throughout the year.

LOCATIONS
Principal Certification programs are offered on campus, Olympia, Bremerton and Stanwood.

CERTIFICATION
Successful completion of the School Principal Certification Program qualifies an individual for the Residency School Principal Certificate for grades K-12. The certificate will be valid for seven years. Candidates are required to submit a formal application to the School of Education Certification Officer for the issuance of the certificate.

OPTION FOR A SECOND CERTIFICATE

Students who have earned residency principal or program administrator certification from SPU may earn the other certificate (either principal or program administrator) by completing 6 additional internship credits. A valid teaching or ESA certificate and completion of EDAD 6581 are required for those who wish to add a principal certificate. For more information on specific requirements, contact Dr. William Prenevost. All coursework for the second certificate must be completed within three years of earning the previous certificate.

STUDENT OUTCOMES

Information regarding program completion and job placement rates may be found on the Information and Data Management website: http://www.spu.edu/depts/idm/docs/Gainful%20Employment.pdf.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE GRADUATE CENTER .