“Effective character education is not adding a program or set of programs to a school. Rather it is a transformation of the culture and life of the school.” – Dr. Marvin Berkowitz, renowned educator and researcher 

Is it your professional goal to one day occupy the principal’s office? If so, you’ll need exceptional drive and vision, classroom teaching experience, and at least two key credentials. The National Association of Secondary School Principals reports that 76% of states require a master’s degree to become principal. All states require proof of completion of a certification exam, for which the master’s degree in many cases functions as a preparatory program. Together, these qualifications can equip you with the leadership aptitude you need to excel in the role of principal.  

Leadership means many things in the context of school principalship. Effective school leaders: 

  • Direct all instructional and organizational efforts. 
  • Develop class schedules. 
  • Establish a mission for the school. 
  • Foster a high-quality, safe, and inclusive learning environment for all students.  
  • Assemble a dedicated faculty. 
  • Shape school culture.  

As principal—the head of the institution—you will be in a unique position to define school culture. A healthy culture can deliver significant and specific benefits to an educational institution and its faculty, students, and even community. 

Taking the Lead in Shaping School Culture 

School principals guide all aspects of an institution’s operations, from setting and upholding academic standards to looking after the school’s budget. They ensure that faculty have access to all the resources they need. Capacity building, defined as “a process for strengthening the management and governance of an organization so that it can effectively achieve its objectives and fulfill its mission,” is a core concept with which all principals become intimately familiar.  

All these logistical responsibilities figure into the cultural equation, but they’re just the beginning. Human interactions can often yield even more valuable results—sometimes in the form of actionable data. School principals can have a tremendous effect on their school culture by: 

  • Proactively involving parents and the community by hearing concerns and developing ways to address them.  
  • Remaining accessible to students rather than spending most of the school day in the office. 
  • Holding regular activities that involve the entire school and giving students a part in leading these activities. 
  • Delegating some aspects of leadership so that faculty and students have a role in creating a stronger school and world, thereby making their own contributions to the school’s culture. 
  • Cultivating an open environment where all can feel they’re seen, heard, and important members of the school community.  
  • Regularly assessing students’ attitudes toward the school, teachers, administration, and classmates using a variety of data-collection tools. 

Where to Prepare for Your Future Principalship  

The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership empowers you with the acumen to become an impactful principal in the K-12 setting. Led by accomplished professors and built around a robust curriculum aligned with Texas SBEC Principal as Instructional Leader certification competencies, our program dives deeply into the many facets of school leadership. If you live outside of Texas, we encourage you to consult your state’s educator certification agency to confirm that our program meets their certification requirements. You can start our MA in educational leadership degree with no GRE and finish in as little as one year. 

Recognized for Excellence in Education 

The University, our College of Education, and our programs are widely acknowledged for their quality. UTPB has been: 

Master Educational Leadership Without Sacrificing Other Important Responsibilities 

We designed our master’s degree in educational leadership program to be practical for busy educators. Our primarily asynchronous online format enables you to complete exams and all other aspects of the degree from practically anywhere in the world at any hour of the day. You won’t find a more accommodating way to maintain your professional and personal responsibilities while earning a credential that can help you have a greater influence over the education experience of tomorrow’s adults. 

You’ll shape school culture and countless lives as a principal. UT Permian Basin’s online master’s degree in educational leadership prepares you for that career leap. Apply today! 

Sources: 
https://www.sec-ed.co.uk/best-practice/defining-character-education/
https://www.edweek.org/leadership/5-ways-principals-can-establish-a-strong-school-climate/2020/10