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Program Director: Kathleen Kingston, Ed.D.
Phone: (814) 871-5626
Email: kingston002@gannon.edu

Overview

The principal is the most professional staff member of the school in the most strategic position to encourage, initiate and guide changes needed to improve the learning environments available to students. The Principal Certification program at Gannon University has been developed on the premise that the building principal can be an effective visionary leader of change. A principal possesses and utilizes skills such as an in-depth knowledge of school organizations and structures within a social, psychological and political environment, and an understanding of the fiscal operation of the school. A good principal also takes a proactive role in both school and community relations.

Those interested in the program must have completed a Master’s degree in Education or a related field. The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires a minimum of five years of professional school experience and completion of an approved program of study to be certified as a principal. Candidates for principal certification must also successfully pass the PRAXIS exam.

We also offer this program off campus. Find the Cohort nearest you!

Admission Requirements

Applicants must:

• Complete an application for admission and submit three letters of recommendation, including one from the current principal and one from the current superintendent or assistant superintendent
• Have a Master’s degree in Education or a related field from a regionally accredited program
• Submit final, official transcripts from graduate degree-granting institution
• Present a copy of educational certification
• Have taken these graduate-level prerequisites:
  
• School Curriculum
  
• Research Techniques and Statistics