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 PK -12 Initial 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 Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC).

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 the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium.

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 had a minimum of three (3) years of experience as a certificated employee. Exceptions are to be approved through the Department Chairperson.

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.  

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, Federal Way, Olympia, Bremerton and Mount Vernon.

CERTIFICATION
Successful completion of the School Principal Certification Program qualifies an individual for the Initial School Principal's Certificate for grades K-12. The certificate will be valid for seven years. Candidates are required to submit a formal application to the Graduate Program Manager for the issuance of the credential.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE GRADUATE CENTER .