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

The Louisiana Department of Education issues 2 kinds of administrative certificates: Educational Leadership, Level 1 for School principals and Educational Leadership, Level 2 for Superintendents.

Academic Obligations

Level 1: You must possess a master’s degree and 27 semester hours of graduate credit that includes 3 semesters in each of the following classes:

• Theory of Educational Administration
• School principalship (Elementary or Secondary)
• Supervision of Instruction
• Educational Research
• History/Philosophy of Education
• School Curriculum (Elementary or Secondary)
• School Law
• School Finance
• School Personnel Administration

You must also possess 3 semester hours of graduate credit from 1 of the following courses:

• School Facilities
• School Community Relations
• Program Development and Evaluation

Level 2: You must possess a master’s degree and 48 semester hours of college credit as follows:

• 30 semester hours of graduate credit

Assessments

Level 1: Pass the Praxis II School Leaders Licensure Assessment

Level 2: Pass the Praxis II School Superintendent Assessment

Classroom Teaching Experience Requirements

Level 1: You must possess at least 5 years of full-time teaching experience in a Louisiana school system at the level in which you wish to become a school principal (i.e., elementary, or secondary). You must also possess a valid Level 3 Professional Teaching Certificate.

Level 2: You must possess at least 5 years of full-time experience as a superintendent, assistant superintendent, supervisor of instruction, school principal, or assistant school principal in a Louisiana school system. You must also possess a valid Level 3 Professional Teaching Certificate.

Other Information

Utilize the Application for Certification Update packet to apply for both kinds of leadership certificates. Include a copy of all Louisiana teaching and/or administrative certificates you have, along with Praxis II scores and official college transcripts. Do not forget your application fee. Mail all of this info to Louisiana Department of Education, Attention: Certification, P. O. Box 94064, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9064.

Background Check Requirements

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

State Contacts

For additional info on educational leadership preparatory programs in Louisiana, make contact you’re your institution of choice.

For additional info on administrative licensure in Louisiana, make contact with the Certification Division at 1-877-453-2721.