Learn How to Become a Principal, Superintendent, or Other Administrator in Virginia with a Doctorate or Master’s in Educational Leadership

Virginia has always been a trailblazer, and its public education system is no exception. The Virginia Constitution of 1869 passed a statewide system of free schools, and the Commonwealth soon became a template followed by other states when developing their own systems of public schools.

In 1984, the Virginia Assembly declared, “Education is the cornerstone upon which Virginia’s future rests.” Far from empty words and unkept promises, Virginia has always shown an unwavering commitment to its public school system, and its efforts in the last 40 years are proof positive that Virginia means business when it comes to educating the state’s children.

Today, Virginia’s educational system is among the best in the nation, consistently ranking in the top ten states according to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Assessment of Educational Progress. And as of 2022, WalletHub ranked it fourth in the nation for its public schools for a number of factors, including its high school graduation rate, school safety, reading and math scores, and ACT/SAT scores. Regardless of which metrics the Department of Education or national publications use to gather data, Virginia always makes the cut. It’s no wonder that Virginia still continues to serve as a shining example of what a quality public school system should look like.

Virginia is where you were honored to settle in and begin your career in education. It’s where you’ve worked hard to hone your personal teaching style and leave positive, lasting results in your wake. You’re proud to be part of the backbone of the state’s PreK-12 public school system, and you’ve got no plans to leave.

But you do have career advancement on your mind, and for good reason. Rising through the ranks and achieving roles like principal or superintendent means more professional opportunities, a bigger paycheck, and even more opportunities to make a difference in Virginia’s public school system.

Today, a growing number of master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees in educational administration and leadership has made it easier and more accessible than ever to earn the education you’ll need to become a principal or superintendent in Virginia.

How to Become a Principal in Virginia – School-level Educational Leadership

To become a school assistant principal or principal in Virginia, you must add a Level I endorsement in Administration and Supervision (PreK-12) to your Virginia teaching license through the Virginia Department of Education.

But first you’ll need to have at least three years of successful, full-time experience in a public school or accredited nonpublic school instructional personnel position that requires licensure in Virginia.

Once you’ve met this requirement, you can begin taking the steps to become a principal in Virginia.

Step 1. Complete an Approved Program Route to Level I Administration and Supervision PreK-12 endorsement

This includes earning a minimum of a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and an approved program in administration and supervision from a regionally accredited college or university. There are many colleges and universities in Virginia and across the country that offer master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees in administration and supervision that meet the qualifications for a Level 1 Administration and Supervision PreK-12 endorsement.

Just some of these programs include: