Becoming a principal in Texas is a rewarding journey that requires careful planning and access to the right resources.
Whether you’re currently a teacher or you’re an aspiring teacher with the goal of someday becoming a principal, understanding the certification process will help you meet your goal of moving from the classroom to the front office to become a school administrator.
Below we’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions about principal certification in Texas, covering everything from the essential requirements to the exams and programs that will help you reach your goal. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of the path ahead and the steps you need to take to become a successful school leader in Texas.
To earn your Texas principal certification, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) requires that you meet five requirements. They are:
The PASL, or Performance Assessments for School Leaders, assesses your progress and efficiency as a principal or vice principal. This assessment includes fulfilling tasks that focus on:
The PASL is an important step toward becoming a school principal because it helps determine whether you’re ready for the challenges that typically come with entering into a school leadership position.
The TExES Principal 268 is a content exam that prepares educational leaders for their roles in managing students, faculty and staff. You must pass this content exam if you wish to become a principal in Texas.
The TExES Principal 268 content exam focuses on methods used to improve school performance and increase student achievement. This exam is not just a test of knowledge but also an assessment of your readiness to inspire and guide a school community toward excellence.
An Educator Preparation Program (EPP) is a comprehensive training pathway designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become certified educators in Texas. If you have a bachelor’s degree (this doesn’t have to be a degree in education) and are looking to obtain a teaching license in Texas, enrolling in an EPP is a fantastic option.
These programs offer a blend of coursework, hands-on teaching experience and mentorship, ensuring that you’re well-prepared for the classroom.
But an EPP isn’t just about getting your Texas teaching license. It’s also an excellent foundation for those aspiring to move into school leadership roles, such as becoming a principal. Many EPPs include specialized training and resources that focus on leadership development, preparing you not only to teach effectively but also to manage and inspire a school community.
By completing an EPP, you’ll be on a solid path to both starting your teaching career and positioning yourself for future opportunities in educational leadership, such as passing the TExES Principal 268 exam and becoming a principal in Texas.
Selecting the right educator preparation program is crucial when earning your Texas teacher certification as you advance in your career. When evaluating a certification program, look for one that:
At this stage in your career, mentorship and support are critical. Even with extensive classroom experience, having guidance from seasoned principals and ongoing support from your program can be beneficial.
Leading educator preparation programs will offer this level of mentorship and emphasize practical, real-world applications, ensuring you are thoroughly prepared to succeed as a principal and make a significant impact in the educational field.
Micah is the Director of Curriculum & Technology. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in British Literature, from the University of North Texas and a Master of Arts in Teaching, from Louisiana College. In his previous career, Micah served for 14 years as a banker and bank manager. For the majority of this period, Micah managed the Downtown Fort Worth location of Frost Bank. In 2005, Micah finally surrendered to his true calling to be an educator. After a brief, but fulfilling term teaching high school English at Flower Mound High School in Lewisville ISD, Micah went to work for the family business, training teachers.
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