Many teachers see becoming a principal as a logical next step in their career evolution, perhaps because it is often perceived to be a viable way to make “real” money while continuing to stay in the field of education. Assuming that you are already a licensed teacher, here are 4 steps that you should take towards becoming a principal.

Step 1: Gain Leadership Experience

Teachers who are interested in transitioning to a principal role often begin by volunteering for leadership committees or instructional leadership teams within their school to gain experience and build their resumes. If you have a good relationship with your current principal, you can also schedule time to discuss professional aspirations and get advice and direction.

Alternatively, some teachers will choose to leave the classroom and go into a Reading Specialist or Learning Coach position as a path towards becoming a principal. Both of these positions work closely with a principal and are instrumental in helping with curriculum planning and staff professional development.

Step 2: Earn your Master’s Degree

Along with leadership experience, you’ll want to consider earning your master’s degree. When choosing a master’s in education degree program, most aspiring principals will select a specialization that will provide them core knowledge in the administration field. For example, a common specialization is Administrative Leadership or Professional Leadership. These programs provide curriculum on leadership, human resources, and budgeting and also provide an opportunity for a hands-on internship with a practicing principal.

You can find a local program or you can consider an online Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, which has the convenience of being completed while you continue to work and with more flexible hours.

Step 3: Get your Principal License

Requirements to become an administrator vary from state to state. There are no Federal requirements as each state’s Department of Education sets those rules. In the state of California, you are required to obtain your Administrative Services credential.. In the state of Florida, you must pass the FELE exam (Florida Educational Leadership Examination) in order to gain their certification in Educational Leadership. In New York, you must gain your School Building Leader (SBL) certificate, which is earned by completing a master’s degree and passing the School Building Leader Assessment test. Another example is the PLACE Principal test in Colorado.

Step 4: Land a Principal Job

Once you have the proper license in place, it does not mean that you will immediately find a position as a principal. Or, you may find it difficult to find a position at a school you want to work at. Networking can certainly help. Most states and even some school districts will have some type of Administrators Association that can be joined. For example, in California, you can join the Association of California School Administrators. In Florida, you can join the Florida Association of School Administrators. These types of associations can provide you with valuable contacts and allow you to become better known in the district’s administrative circles.

Another popular place for potential administrators to start is summer school. Applying for and getting a summer school administrative job is typically easier than getting a full time position during a regular school year. There are usually more open positions available for summer school administrative jobs. Although you are sometimes thrown into a summer school leadership situation without much guidance, it’s an invaluable experience. Furthermore, if you do well, it speaks volumes to your employer about your capabilities as a future administrator.

If you’re looking to gain some actual administrative experience before becoming a full-fledged principal, another option for you might be to try and gain district employment as an assistant principal (AP). Most AP’s work closely with their principal on a daily basis. They are usually put in charge of things like discipline, attendance and community building.

View a list of schools offering online Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration, or read our companion article about the Duties of a School Principal to learn if the role is right for you.