Spark Innovation With a K-12 Principal License
Teachers make a strong positive impact on their communities every day. Their school principals work to provide students and teachers with an environment that encourages learning. If you hold a master’s degree and have at least three years of teaching experience, you may be eligible to earn a K-12 Principal Graduate Certificate at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
This certificate opens the door for pursuing a principal license in Minnesota. Our program complies with all requirements of the Minnesota Board of School Administrators for teachers who wish to apply for a principal license. Here, we discuss the process of earning a principal license and how education at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota can put you on the right path.
Take Advantage of This Online Learning Opportunity
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers this program for students to complete remotely, and it can be completed in two years. This program involves two hours of synchronous study per week where students attend online sessions at scheduled times. The online coursework reflects real-world issues, with examples provided by a wide network of administrators working in Minnesota. The certificate program includes an immersive, 320-hour field experience that allows participants to engage with relevant elementary, junior/middle, and high school administrative experiences.
In addition, students in this certificate program gather on our Minneapolis campus for a Summer Institute. This recurrent event allows for certificate program participants to meet and network while exploring inspiring presentations and workshops together. Program graduates are encouraged to participate in Summer Institute as an ongoing addition to their professional development.
Applicants to the program must possess a master’s degree and have at least three years of successful classroom teaching experience while holding a valid classroom teaching license.
Develop Skills in Administration and Management
The K-12 Principal Graduate Certificate program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is designed to help students develop practical skills needed for directing and managing learning organizations. Students are encouraged to engage in collaborative planning and decision-making, in keeping with modern educational standards. They learn about human resources management, budgeting processes, and how to effectively manage the physical operations of a school.
As with all courses and programs at our Lasallian Catholic institution, there is an emphasis on ethical leadership. We help students to develop good character attributes and understand how their goals must align with deeply held values. There is an emphasis on how to communicate with all stakeholders, who include parents, students, staff, administrators, and government officials. Certificate program students will understand why inclusiveness is so important, and how to measure the literacy levels and numeracy systems in their schools and districts.
Courses are designed to cover the core competencies required for a principal license, including community relations, political influence and governance, and how to analyze problems. Students also learn about policies and laws that govern education in Minnesota. Important considerations for principals today include safety and security, and this will be explored during our graduate certificate program, as well.
Expand Your Horizon With Catholic Lasallian Education
There are many working teachers with ideas about how schools and learning systems might be better organized. If you are one of those teachers and you want to take the next step and earn a principal license, consider applying to this exciting certificate program. We also offer a few other programs in which you may be interested:
Superintendent Graduate Certificate
The Superintendent Graduate Certificate program is designed for educators and administrators who already possess their administrative or principal license in Minnesota.
Doctor of Education: Leadership
This Ed.D. in Education Leadership program is oriented toward educators who want to pursue a career that integrates scholarship and high-level leadership. With a doctorate in educational leadership, graduates of this program are empowered to direct the changes needed in education today.
Director of Special Education Graduate Certificate
For those interested in advancing in their careers in special education, we offer the Director of Special Education Graduate Certificate. In this program, students learn how to effectively supervise special education programs, solve challenges in these settings, and ensure a quality education for students of all abilities.
Ed.S. in Educational Administration
This program offers a unique opportunity for educational professionals to gain advanced expertise in the field. In addition to specialized coursework, it involves practical research and a thesis. It focuses on leadership theory and the practical skills needed to lead schools where students thrive. This program is remote, with students completing some synchronous study each week, and can be completed in about three years.
Explore our K-12 Principal Graduate Certificate program, as well as our other programs in educational leadership, with our admissions staff. They can help you determine eligibility and answer questions about program requirements. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers virtual information sessions for these programs, as well.
Earn Your Principal License and Become a Leader in Education
Everyone working in education today understands the need for qualified, dedicated principals and other administrative leaders. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota provides a practical, comprehensive K-12 Principal Graduate Certificate program, fully online. For more information, contact us today.
