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

The New York State Department of Education issues School Administration and Supervision certificates at the Pre K-12 level. This may be at the level of School Building Leader (School principal) or School District Leader (Superintendent).

Academic Obligations

School Building Leader:
You must successfully complete a state-authorized preparation program for school education administrators and receive an institutional recommendation from the program. You must also acquire a master’s degree from an accredited institution.

School District Leader:
You must successfully complete a state-authorized preparation program for school education administrators and receive an institutional recommendation from the program. You must also acquire a master’s degree from an accredited institution, and successfully complete an additional 60 hours of graduate courses.

Assessments

School Building Leader:
You must pass Parts 1 and 2 of the New York State Educator Certification Exam – School Building Leader.

School District Leader:
You must pass Parts 1 and 2 of the New York State Educator Certification Exam – School District Leader.

Classroom Teaching Experience Requirements

School Building Leader:
You must possess at least 3 years of full-time teaching experience.

School District Leader:
You must possess at least 3 years of full-time school administration and teaching experience.

Documents and Application Requirements

Once you meet the educational, experience and assessment obligations, you may apply for 1 of these administrative certificates online through the TEACH system. Pay all application fees online. Make sure to mail the following materials to the Office of Teaching Initiatives of the New York State Department of Education:

• Official transcripts from institutions attended, showing successful completion of an education administrator preparation program, receipt of a degree, and any additional courses necessary
• Copy of your NY teaching certificate
• Institutional recommendation
• Score reports from the NYSTCE exams
• Experience authentication form
• Substitute of Experience for College Supervised Student Teaching form, if necessary

Mail these materials to the New York State Education Department, Office of Teaching Initiatives, Room 5N-EB, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany NY 12234.

Background Check Requirements

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

State Contacts

For additional info on New York education administrator preparation programs, search this database.

For additional info on education administrator licensure in New York, contact the New York State Education Department Office of Teaching Initiatives at 518-474-3901.