How to Become a School Principal in Ohio: A Step-by-Step Guide

The role of a school principal is a cornerstone in education, and the job market is looking bright for education leaders and administrators. In fact, data from Lightcast suggests that the demand for these roles is expected to grow by 4.4% in Ohio through 2032 compared to the 2.8% growth across all other industries in the U.S. – making it the ideal time to consider a career in this field.

But what does it take to turn this aspiration into reality? 

Aspiring principals in the state of Ohio require a unique blend of educational qualifications, leadership skills and administrative qualities. Below, we'll further explore the path to becoming a principal in Ohio, so you'll know exactly what to expect.

Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree and Professional Teaching License

The first step in your journey to becoming a school principal in Ohio is to earn a bachelor’s degree. Recommended areas of study include education and educational administration, which will help prepare you for a career in teaching and, eventually, educational leadership.

Once you complete your bachelor’s degree in education, the next step is obtaining your professional teaching license. Becoming a licensed teacher in Ohio involves passing the necessary exams and fulfilling state-specific requirements.

Bonus Resource:How to Become a Teacher in Ohio

Step 2: Gain Teaching Experience

Gaining successful teaching experience after obtaining your professional teaching license is essential for moving up the administrative ladder.

As noted by Dr. Tanya Moore, program chair for primary education and the M. Ed. at Franklin University, most aspiring principals spend several years teaching at the grade level they are interested in leading.

“Typically, an up-and-coming principal spends several years in a classroom teaching at the level they are interested in leading. In Ohio, you need at least two years of teaching experience with a standard teaching licensure to apply for licensure. While teaching, aspiring principals usually try to find additional ways to lead within their building.”

Lastly, it's worth mentioning that you can choose to simultaneously pursue your principal licensure master's degree while also working to gain the required two years of experience. By doing both in tandem, you can accelerate your professional development and move into a principal role more quickly. 

Get a FREE education career action plan filled with resources and recommendations from those who are already there.

Alternative: Gain Experience Through a Professional Pupil Services License

Adjacent to traditional classroom teaching is providing pupil services. You may want to consider obtaining a professional pupil services license to help garner the necessary experience required for your master’s program.

This license allows you to work in roles such as school counselor or academic advisor, which can sometimes count toward successful teaching experience, depending on the graduate school program you want to enter.

However, make sure to check this against the requirements of your principal licensure program, as each school is unique in what they'll qualify as teaching experience.

Step 3: Complete a Master’s Degree (M.Ed. in Principal Licensure or Alternative) 

To become a principal in Ohio, you’ll need to first earn a master's degree from an accredited institution. 

While any master's degree can be pursued, a degree in education (such as an M. Ed in Principal Licensure or an M.S. in Educational Administration) is highly recommended due to its direct relevance to the field. 

In Ohio, principal licenses are specific for three grade levels: pre-K–grade 6, grades 4–9 and grades 5–12. A master's degree in education (M.Ed.) specializing in one of these grades, earned from an accredited university, will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed for a principal role.

During your M.Ed. in principle licensure program, you'll study educational leadership theories, organizational management and strategies for creating a positive school culture.

Dr. Moore also notes that comprehensive coursework and integrated internships will help you gain insight into constraints like ethics, laws and values.

“Students are expected to gain experience in all areas of the Ohio Standards for Principals. This includes mission, vision, core values, ethics and professional norms, school improvement, curriculum, instruction and assessment, professional capacity of school personnel, equity and cultural responsiveness, community care and support, meaningful engagement of families and community, strategic staffing and school operations.” 

If, on the other hand, you hold a master’s degree outside the realm of education, you’ll typically be required to take a post-master’s education certificate program. These certification programs typically take 6-12 months to complete and include all of the necessary coursework and practical experiences you’ll need to earn an Ohio principal license. 

In addition to completing your coursework, you’ll also need to ensure that you’ve met all other graduation requirements. This includes holding an active teaching license in Ohio, completing any internship requirements and having accumulated at least 2 years of teaching experience by the end of your program. 

Step 4: Complete an Approved Principal Preparation Program

A principal preparation program in Ohio is designed to equip you with the real-world skills needed for educational leadership. These programs typically last 1–2 years and include coursework, internships and field experiences, all of which are necessary to obtain licensure.

It's worth noting that, at some institutions, this program is built into their master's degree in principle licensure offerings.

For example, Franklin University's M.Ed. in Educational Leadership-Principal Licensure Program includes a Principal Internship Course in which you must earn 200 field hours with their mentoring administrator. You must also track your time in each of the Ohio Standards for Principals categories and complete a school improvement project.

Completing an approved principal preparation program or equivalent can provide advantages, including gaining practical experience, networking with professionals and securing a solid foundation for your future role as a principal.

Step 5: Get a Letter of Recommendation

After completing your program, you’ll need a letter of recommendation from your institution's dean or head of teacher education. 
This endorsement attests to your qualifications and capabilities, serving as an essential component of your licensure application to the Ohio State Board of Education.

Step 6: Pass the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Tests

A master's degree in education with principal licensure prepares you to take the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) exam, which is required to obtain your principal license.

Dr. Moore says that the licensure examination heavily emphasizes understanding the law, especially special education law.

"The OAE test weighs heavily on instructional leadership, school management, ethics, community relations and educational law. There are also various situational questions to elicit decision-making skills, ensuring that your judgment is sound and lawful.”

Passing the OAE principal licensure exam involves scoring at least 220 on a scale from 100 to 300, with tests covering multiple-choice and written components.

Step 7: Pass the Background Check and Pay Principal Licensure Fees

When applying for your first Ohio principal license, you must pass both the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and FBI criminal background checks. These checks must be no older than one year at the time of license issuance.

In addition, a professional principal license fee is required, and you must renew your license every five years by completing further coursework or contact hours. Specifically, you must complete six semester hours of coursework or 180 contact hours relevant to your principal's license and approved by your local professional development committee.

Step 8: Secure a Principal Position

Once you have obtained your principal license, the next step is to secure a position as a school principal.
Building a strong application, resume and interview skills is important to cross the finish line to a principal position, and Dr. Moore notes that it's well worth the effort.

“My time as a building principal was some of the best of my career. A building principal has a profound impact on education, specifically on student success and school improvement. There is an opportunity to build your vision and strategically plan to meet the needs of your teachers and students. It is also such a great way to engage the community.”

Is Ohio’s Principal License Recognized in Other States?

If you currently hold a professional principal license in Ohio and wish to work in another state, you'll need to contact the relevant state's department of education to find out if your license is recognized. 

Each state has unique requirements and rules for holding a principal license, and it's important to know what they are before making any big career decisions.

Conversely, licensed principals from other states looking to work in Ohio should contact the Ohio Department of Education to explore alternative licensure pathways. You can submit your credentials for review to see if you qualify for a comparable Ohio license or if other requirements need to be met.

Get Started Today! Prep For Your Principal License at Franklin University

Becoming a school principal in Ohio is not just a career goal; it’s a pathway to significantly impacting the education sector.

Franklin University offers a comprehensive M.Ed. in Educational Leadership-Principal Licensure program to equip you with the necessary skills and credentials to become a principal.

Don’t wait. Take the first step toward your future and request more information or apply today!

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