Illinois educators interested in becoming educational administrators can find no better opportunity than moving from the classroom to the principal’s office. Before making the career transition, teachers must complete a master’s program from a regionally accredited higher education institution and submit evidence that they meet the state’s requirements for becoming the top administrator on campus.
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) online Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Educational Administration with a Specialization in Principal Preparation program prepares graduates to meet eligibility standards for principal or assistant principal endorsement on their Illinois Professional Educator license. With opportunities to develop school leadership skills online and in the field, SIUE equips educators to pursue new career opportunities upon graduation.
Steps to the Principalship in Illinois
To become a principal in Illinois, educators must hold a professional educator license and have four years of experience as either classroom teachers or school support personnel. Teaching experience in the Illinois Department of Corrections can count toward the experience requirement, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.
Educators must also hold a master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution that provides educational leadership and administration coursework. They must also complete an internship or equivalent experience as part of their program.
From there, Illinois educators take two tests necessary to earn the Pre-K – Age 22 Principal Endorsement on their Illinois educator license. The Principal as an Instructional Leader tests (195 & 196) consist of two computer-based exams that each take about four hours to complete. All test scores are valid indefinitely, with test dates available year-round by appointment.
Faculty and staff at SIUE assist educators in providing all supporting documentation to earn the principal endorsement. Upon graduation, SIUE verifies that candidates completed each necessary step that entitles them to certification with the Illinois State Board of Education.
The program’s coursework is also generally acceptable for certification in other states, including Missouri, and follows standards established by the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) and the National Policy Board for Educational Administration. Educators who complete all steps and obtain the principal’s endorsement set themselves up for their future career options, including the opportunity to pursue a superintendent endorsement if they so choose.
Why Go Online for an MSEd in Educational Administration – Principal Preparation?
SIUE’s online MSEd – Principal Preparation program offers the flexibility for educators to work while completing requirements to take their careers to the next level. The program allows students to complete courses around their busy schedules and bring home income as they continue to obtain more experience as a teacher or school support staff member.
Online coursework provides educators with the theoretical knowledge they need to make an immediate impact as principals and campus leaders. Courses such as Analysis of Educational Issues: Socio-cultural Foundations of Education provide educators with a strong background in the challenges facing students and how educators can meet the needs of a diverse student population. Other courses focus on educational theory and research behind effective instructional leadership, teacher evaluation and curriculum leadership.
SIUE ensures that students do not have to sacrifice the value of an in-person internship experience as they complete their course requirements online. Educators have opportunities to gain field experience in curriculum leadership, supervision, data-driven school improvement and accountability, and the principalship. Those program elements also meet the Illinois State Board of Education’s requirement that candidates for a principal endorsement gain internship credit as they complete their master’s degrees.
Satisfy Educational Requirements With a Specialized Master’s in Education From SIUE
SIUE’s online MSEd – Principal Preparation program gives educators all the tools they need to successfully earn a principal endorsement on their Illinois educator license and take the next step forward in their careers.
With the support of experienced faculty, rising educational professionals will discover how to successfully step into school leadership positions and shape the campuses of the future.
