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

Washington State’s public school system is not without its challenges. Funding issues, declining student enrollment, and dips in student achievement are just some of the issues at hand in the Evergreen State.

But not all is lost here, not by a long shot. Washington’s commitment to its K-12 public schools is unwavering, and improvements since the dark days of the pandemic are beginning to emerge. Graduation rates continue to climb, reaching 82.3 percent in 2022 – that’s an increase of six percent over the last decade. And the graduation rate here is projected to increase by almost eight percent in the years leading up to the 2032-2033 school year.

Washington also continues to rank among the top states for its school safety efforts. According to WalletHub, Washington was among the top five in the nation for its school safety audit requirement, its law regulating mandatory school resource officers, and more.

You’re a Washington educator – the backbone of the state’s public school system, and you’re all in; for better or worse, for both its challenges and its successes. Your dedication runs deep, and that means advancing and growing in the same public school system where you first became an educator. Your next step involves moving out of the classroom and into administration where you can make a difference in new and exciting ways.

Whether your career plans include becoming a principal or superintendent, a graduate degree in educational administration and leadership should be squarely in your sights. Washington State is home to a nice variety of master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees that will prepare you to become a confident educational leader who will take Washington State into the next era of public school education.

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

Educational leadership for you means remaining in the school building where you practice as an educator but aiming your sights on supporting your fellow teachers and staff, implementing new curriculum standards, counseling students, and more. To become a principal (or assistant principal or vice principal) in Washington State, you’ll need to earn a P–12 Principal Certificate through the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

But first you’ll need to hold (or have previously held) a regular teacher, educational staff associate, or Initial/Continuing CTE Certificate and have at least three years of successful, school-based instructional experience in an educational setting.

Once you meet these requirements, you can begin taking the steps to become a principal in Washington.

Step 1. Complete a Minimum of a Master’s Degree and a State-Approved Principal Preparation Program

To become a principal in Washington, you’ll need to earn a minimum of a master’s degree and complete a state-approved principal preparation program. Many colleges and universities, both in Washington State and across the country, offer master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees that include an embedded principal preparation program that meets Washington State standards.

These programs include all coursework and practical experiences necessary to qualify for a principal certificate in Washington. The Washington Professional Educator Standards Board maintains a list of list of state-approved principal preparation programs.

Core coursework in these programs include topics like: