What Do School Principals Do?
Principals aim to nurture, lead, and inspire the many members of their school. They work tirelessly with a team of professionals, performing a wide range of responsibilities that touch upon nearly every aspect of the school, while empowering students and educators to reach their full potential. Responsibilities can vary, but some common duties include:
Instructional Leadership
Principals guide and support teachers in curriculum development, instructional strategy, and assessment methods to ensure high-quality teaching and learning for every student.
Staff Management
Principals are responsible for hiring, supervising, and evaluating teachers — in addition to other school staff — as well as fostering their professional growth and development to cultivate equitable educational opportunities.
Student Discipline and Support
As the chief administrator of the school, principals establish and enforce school-wide rules and disciplinary procedures, while also providing guidance and support to students facing academic or behavioral challenges in a just and equitable manner.
School Operations and Management
Principals oversee the daily functions of their school, including managing the budget, ensuring safety and security, and maintaining facilities.
Communication and Community Relations
Utilizing excellent people skills, principals serve as a liaison between the school and the wider community, fostering positive relationships and integration, and addressing concerns from stakeholders.
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How Do I Become a School Principal?
Becoming a school principal requires training and experience within the field of K12 education as the position is not an entry-level one. Generally, school principals must first gain experience as teachers or a related pupil services role before advancing into school administration. Different professionals may take slightly different paths, but some general steps apply to those looking to enter this rich and rewarding career field:
Education
The majority of principals first start off as teachers or serving in related pupil services roles. To accomplish this, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, typically in elementary or secondary education. In addition, many states also require a valid classroom teaching certificate or license, so it’s important to research the requirements for obtaining certification in your state before enrolling in a specific program.
Later, obtaining a master’s degree, usually in education administration or leadership, would be the next step. This is because the vast majority of states (over 40) require advanced degrees for principal positions. Numerous leadership programs are available, so be sure to choose the one that’s right for you, your career goals, and is approved by your state’s education department.
Experience
Most states require a minimum amount of teaching or classroom experience, usually between 1-5 years. This experience is crucial for understanding the needs of educators and students, as well as the overall functions of school administration. Lacking relevant experience can impact licensing or possibly weaken a candidate’s competitiveness in the job market. The amount of experience required to be a principal varies by state, so be sure to check your state’s requirements.
Licensure
After gaining teaching experience and successfully earning a master’s degree, the last step to becoming a principal is obtaining a school administration license. Requirements for licensure vary by state, but can include passing an exam and a background check.
How Much Do School Principals Make?
$103,639
According to April 2025 data from Glassdoor, school principals make an average salary of $103,639. The estimated average additional pay (including cash bonuses and commissions) is $28,962 per year, however, bringing the median total pay to around $133,000. Pay will vary depending on experience and work location.
How Do I Become a School Principal in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin requires at least six semesters of teacher/pupil services experience, a master’s degree, and coursework that meets the requirements for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) principal license. Fortunately, most principal preparation programs provide students with a curriculum that meets both degree and licensure requirements. A student may complete the educational requirements before gaining the required teaching experience, but they must wait to apply for the WI 5051 principal license until they have met both of these conditions.
To learn more about this pathway, visit the Wisconsin DPI’s official website.
Reasons to Become a Principal
Choosing to pursue an educational leadership role is a big decision, but the benefits can be worth it. Here are some reasons why many choose this fulfilling career path:
- Opportunities to improve student learning and educator efficacy
- The ability to drive positive change within the school organization and the surrounding community
- Professional growth and development in multiple areas, leading professionals to position themselves well for career advancement in roles such as school Superintendent or Director of Instruction
- Flexibility in making decisions and tackling new challenges allows creative problem solvers to flourish
What Skills Does a School Principal Need?
A school principal needs a diverse and robust set of skills to establish and maintain successful K-12 settings. Drawing upon both hard and soft skills, principals must navigate the intricacies of administration duties, public engagements with the wider community, and inspire other school members with their strong leadership and strategic vision to provide equitable opportunities for all students. Some of the most important skills for principals include:
- Communication Skills
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Problem-solving
- Decision Making
- Financial Management
- Build Trusting Relationships
- Adaptability & Resilience
- Community Engagement
- Visionary Leadership
- Organizational Skills
- Conflict Resolution
- Data Analysis and Use
- Program Development and Implementation
- Educational Law Knowledge
- Instructional Leadership
- Equity Focus