Teachers and administrators often refer to their profession as a calling. A passion for teaching and a desire to make a difference in the lives of students is often what draws people to education, but that alone isn’t always enough to succeed in this field. Individuals working in education must envision a clear professional path; otherwise, they risk career stagnation.
As an education professional, you can fend off career stagnation by adopting a mindset of continual learning and seeking out new opportunities to grow. By clarifying your career options, we hope that you’ll continue to pursue your passion, share your knowledge with students, and never forget what drew you to education in the first place.
For Classroom Leaders
Career advancement can happen inside the classroom. For example, the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program was established in 2019 to make six-figure salaries a reality for Texas teachers. High-performing teachers can earn one of three designations: Recognized, Exemplary, and Master. Earning a designation generates annual teacher-focused allotment funding for a teacher’s school district. Depending on their campus of employment, a Master teacher can generate anywhere from $12,000 to $32,000 for their school district, with at least 90% of funding going toward teachers’ salaries.
Teachers with an active National Board certificate and active Texas teaching certificate can automatically earn a Recognized designation, but eligible teachers looking to earn their Master designation can do so by meeting performance standards and by applying to the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Teachers set on remaining in their current positions should consider pursuing a designation to realize their potential and earn a higher salary in the process.
For Aspiring School Leaders
Administrating is no less noble a pursuit than teaching. As they advocate for and support teachers and students, assistant principals and principals wear many hats throughout the school day. Principals are vital for overseeing operations, developing curricula, and improving student success. Even teachers who had never before considered these roles often find themselves excelling and thriving in them.
To become a Texas principal, you must meet TEA’s certification requirements:
- Hold a master’s degree from an accredited university.
- Have a valid classroom teaching certificate.
- Have two years of creditable experience as a classroom teacher at an institution approved by TEA or another stage agency.
- Complete an approved principal educator preparation program.
- Pass the Principal as Instructional Leader (268) exam and the Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL).
Chances are you already hold a valid classroom teaching certificate and have two years of creditable teaching experience under your belt, which just leaves earning a master’s degree, completing a preparation program, and passing the exam. Easier said than done, right? But what if you could meet these remaining certification requirements through a single master’s degree program? At The University of Texas Permian Basin, you can. And you can do so from the comfort of your own home.
Becoming a Certified and Experienced Principal
UT Permian Basin offers an online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program aligned with the Texas SBEC Principal as Instructional Leader certification competencies. An approved principal educator preparation program, our master’s degree program will help you qualify for principal positions in Texas. Certification is, however, only a fraction of what’s needed to succeed as a school principal.
Under the guidance of our experienced and esteemed faculty, you’ll develop the diverse skill set needed to supervise school programs, build a team of passionate instructors, and foster a collegial school culture, all to ensure the delivery of high-quality education. Self-reflection is among the most important skills a principal can possess, which is why our program teaches the value of reflecting on performance, acting on feedback, and striving for improvement. In as little as one year, you can graduate with the experience and qualifications needed to step into an administrative role.
For Aspiring District Leaders
Any education professional can experience career stagnation—even assistant principals and principals. Like their students, they must become lifelong learners if they’re to realize their full potential. Administrators interested in making a significant impact in their life and the lives of students can pursue a career as a school superintendent. Responsible for overseeing entire school districts, superintendents must collaborate with principals, teachers, coaches, support staff, and members of their community to effectively advocate for their students.
Superintendents are remarkable people capable of thriving under extraordinary pressure. Developing the leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills needed for this role may seem daunting, but rest assured, they can be learned and mastered.
Designed for assistant principals and principals, our online Superintendent Certification program can help you not only meet TEA’s certification requirements but also gain the skills and experience needed to make the role your own. In our online courses, you’ll explore financing, safety, cultural diversity, and other essential public education topics. Our online program is also one of the only four-course programs in Texas with a practicum component throughout, giving you the chance to reflect on your learning as you work to transition into a district-level administration role. Earn your superintendent certification in as little as two semesters and open the door to new possibilities.
Propel Your Career Forward at UT Permian Basin
UT Permian Basin’s Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Superintendent Certification programs are designed for education professionals interested in making the most of their career opportunities and reaching their full potential. UT Permian Basin’s College of Education also offers online education programs for teachers interested in earning their master’s degree and earning a dual certification. Learning is itself a noble pursuit: one that can empower you to find a rewarding career.
Take the next step on your career path. Apply to one of our online programs to change the trajectory of your life and career.