Learn how to become an Education Administrator or School Principal in Delaware.

The Delaware Department of Education provides Standard Certificates for School principals and Assistant School principals as well as Standard Certificates for School District Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents.

Academic Obligations

Standard Certificate for School principals and Assistant School principals

1 of the following degrees is required:

• Master’s degree in education leadership from a state or NCATE-authorized program
• Master’s degree in education from an NCATE specialty organization recognized educator preparation program or a state-authorized educator preparation program
• Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution AND successful completion of a 3 semester hour graduate-level course in

Standard Certificate for School District Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents

One of the following degrees is required:

• A doctoral degree in educational leadership from a state or NCATE-authorized program
• A doctoral degree or master’s degree in education from a regionally accredited institution AND a current Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent certificate from another state
• A doctoral degree or master’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution AND successful Assessments

No additional Assessments are required to receive either the Standard Certificate for School principals and Assistant School principals or the Standard Certificate for School District Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents.

Classroom Teaching Experience Requirements

Standard Certificate for School principals and Assistant School principals

You must possess at least 3 years of teaching experience in the level to which you wish to be assigned School principal or Assistant School principal.

Standard Certificate for School District Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents

1 of the following obligations must be met:

• A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience at the PK-12 level
• A minimum of 5 years of full-time PK to 12 leadership experience
• A combination of A & B to equal 5 years of total experience

Document and Application Requirements

Apply online for both the Standard Certificate for School principals and Assistant School principals and the Standard Certificate for School District Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents.

Background Check Requirements

Before you acquire your education administrator license, you must undergo a criminal history background check.

State Contacts

For additional info on licensure for education administrators in Delaware, contact the Delaware Department of Education Certification Office at (302) 857-3388 or visit their website.