Can I become a principal without becoming a teacher?

Question

Roger Raber · Accepted Answer

No, you cannot become a principal without becoming a teacher. One of the standard requirements for becoming a principal is a valid teaching license. While some states offer alternatives to teaching experience for administrative candidates, all states require teaching licenses.

In 37 states, one of the qualifying standards for becoming a school principal is three years of teaching experience. The standard does indicate that the teaching experience can be replaced by related experience. This implies that while in possession of a teaching license, it may not be necessary to have ever taught.

A total of 39 states, in addition to the traditional administrative path of holding a master's degree, teaching license, and three years of teaching experience, offer non-traditional paths to principal certification. While these pathways are not explicitly defined, these states reserve the right to introduce experimental and innovative alternatives to administrative licensure. These alternative pathways do not however eliminate the requirement of a teaching license.