Learn how to become an Education Administrator or School Principal in Utah.
For Utah educators looking to move into school leadership positions at their schools, the Utah State Office of Education offers routes to administration licensure. School education administrators are qualified persons trained in school leadership, leading their schools to become better education institutions.
Academic Obligations
Administrator candidates for administrative endorsements in Utah must already hold their Level 2 Teaching Licenses (if you are an educator with a Level 1 Teaching License, see Utah Educator Certification Renewal).
To acquire an administrative license area of endorsement, candidates must acquire master’s degrees in education, in addition to completing an education administrator preparation program. During their education administrator preparation programs, potential education administrators study management concepts, learning what kinds of skills they need to effectively communicate with staff, develop school-wide programs, and lead in times of crisis.
Assessments
To be qualified for an administrative endorsement, candidates must pass 1 of 2 Assessments. The Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision exam covers curriculum and instruction improvement for potential education administrators. This exam tests an administrator candidate’s knowledge of staff development and program integration, and group leadership. The Utah State Office of Education requires candidates to receive a score of 151 to be qualified for licensure.
Administrator candidates may also successfully complete the School Leaders Licensure Assessment to earn licensure. This test examines an administrator candidate’s knowledge of education systems, asking them to outline their visions and goals for a school. Administrator candidates must earn scores of at least 163 to pass licensure obligations.
Classroom Teaching Experience Requirements
To become education administrators, candidates must have completed at least 3 years of experience as professional educators. Additionally, candidates must successfully complete administrative practicums to be qualified.
Utah standards dictate that administrative candidates successfully complete a minimum of 450 hours of supervised administrative experience. During their practicums, licensure candidates gain the first-hand experience in administrative positions at both elementary and secondary school levels.
Their practicum experiences give potential education administrators opportunities to understand the school community, and collaborate with faculty and students to develop educator educations.
Document and Application Requirements
During their education administrator preparation programs, candidates for licensure must complete all application forms. These forms are sent to the Utah State Office of Education.
Different programs will have specific rules and obligations for their application processes, so you should meet with your academic adviser to learn more.
Background Check Requirements
All candidates for administrative licensure in Utah must undergo fingerprinting and background checking to ensure they are qualified to lead their schools.
Utah offers an online background check process. Administrator candidates should choose the “LiveScan” electronic fingerprint option, and print out the Microsoft Word materials detailing the rest of the process. Accessing the materials costs $74, payable by debit or credit card.
State Contacts
For additional info on adding an administrative area of endorsement to your license, contact the Utah State Office of Education at 801-538-7740.
