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

New Jersey means business when it comes to its public school system. Consistently ranked among the top states in the nation for its PreK-12 system by reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report and Wallet Hub and long recognized among the best states in the nation for public school spending, SAT/ACT scores, graduation rates, and more, the Garden State is a force to be reckoned with. It’s little wonder why more than six percent of its public schools make the top 700 best U.S. schools list.

The state’s commitment to education doesn’t end with academics, either. Student and staff safety and security are always a priority here. In May 2023, Governor Murphy announced a surge of spending for its statewide school security initiative. This investment of $5.5 million (combined with another $5.79 million of federal funding) will build on the state’s initiatives to collect and digitize blueprints of K-12 school buildings.

As a New Jersey educator, you’re proud to be part of the state’s success in public education, which is why you’re committed to staying in the same system where you first honed your skills as an educator. But now it’s time to think about the ways you can serve the public school system beyond the classroom. Roles in educational leadership and administration allow experienced educators like you to effect change, improve student learning, support faculty and staff, and more. It’s an exciting opportunity to continue to serve the public school system while rising in the ranks and earning a bigger paycheck.

You’ve already done the heavy lifting of earning your teaching degree and license and working as a New Jersey educator. Now it’s time to build upon your education and earn the master’s, educational specialist, or doctoral degree that will prepare you to become a principal or superintendent.

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

Out of the classroom but firmly positioned in the school setting, building-level leadership is a great next step in your career in public education.

To become a principal in New Jersey, you’ll need to earn an Administrative Certificate, Principal endorsement through the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE).

Note: This endorsement also qualifies applicants for assistant principal, vice principal, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and director roles.

To become a principal in New Jersey, you’ll need to have at least five years of successful educational experience under a valid provisional or standard New Jersey (or out-of-state) instructional, educational services, or administrative certificate. Once you’ve met this requirement, you can begin taking the steps to become a principal in New Jersey.

Step 1. Complete a Master’s Degree or Higher in a Recognized Field of Leadership and Management

A master’s degree or higher provides the most streamlined path to becoming a principal in New Jersey. The degree must be from an accredited college or university in educational leadership, curriculum & instruction, or in one of the recognized fields of leadership or management. Recognized programs include all necessary coursework and practical experiences, including the 300-hour internship requirement, to qualify for an Administrator Certificate, Principal endorsement in New Jersey.

Just some of the programs available include: