EDUCPCP000 - Principal Certification
Our Principal Certification Program brings together the values and requirements of the Texas Education Agency with the academic quality of Rice University. You will learn how to develop a strategic vision that prioritizes high-quality instruction and student achievement; establish a school-wide culture committed to improving student learning through clear goals, targets, and strategies; cultivate a reflective practice that focuses on solutions, treat challenges as opportunities and support staff through organizational changes. This program is suitable for teachers with two or more years of experience. See our Master of Arts in Teaching as an alternate path for those seeking a Principal Certification but do not have a master's degree.
Program Details
The Rice Principal Certification Program is appropriate for educators who already hold a master's degree and a Texas teaching certificate and seek focused training in educational leadership. This eighteen-month program is designed for K-12 educators that have at least two years of teaching experience and are motivated to learn the skills necessary to be an effective school leader.
Prerequisites
Applicants must have:
- Master's Degree (3.0 GPA or higher)
- Two Years of Teaching Experience (by matriculation semester)
Don't have a master's degree?
Learn more about our Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program. The MAT plan of study facilitates a specialization in organizational leadership, allowing you to earn your MAT and principal certification simultaneously.
Application Requirements Checklist
- Principal Certification Application
- Official transcripts of all college or university coursework
- Two Letters of Reference
- One reference must be from current principal or school supervisor. The second reference may be academic or professional.
- Proof of valid classroom teaching certificate
- Service record from school district(s)
- A minimum two years of teaching experience is required.
- Timed Writing Sample
- 60 minutes, to be submitted on the day of the interview
- Statement of Intent
- Principal Mentor Form
- Serves as verification of campus support for practicum year
- Application Fee ($85)
Admissions Interview
Applicants will be interviewed by members of the Education Admissions Committee when all application documents have been received and reviewed.
| Admissions Cycle | Classes Start | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Entry | May | January 15 |
| Late Deadline Entry for Summer or Fall Entry | May or August | March 15 |
| Spring Entry | January | October 15 |
Assessment or Teaching Diverse Learners (3 Credits)
In Teaching Diverse Learners, students focus on methods and strategies for learners who have different ways of seeing the world, different experiences, and different learning needs.
Instructional Leadership (3 Credits)
A great leader is, at their core, an excellent coach. Hone your skills as a catalyst for instructional improvement and student achievement by sharpening your coaching skills.
Organizational Leadership (3 Credits)
In this course, students are challenged to tests of their skills in areas like school financial management, student demographics, test scores, teacher effectiveness and meeting the needs of the community.
Practicum for Principals (6 Credits)
During this two-semester course, students will implement the knowledge they gained from classroom experiences into tasks that benefit their home schools (while under the guidance of a school mentor and a field supervisor).
Coursework takes place in the summer, spring and fall.
Rice University is committed to keeping the costs of the Rice Principal Certification program as low as possible. Program costs reflect a significantly reduced tuition rate from normal Rice University tuition and are designed to accommodate part-time students.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $2,010 per course |
| Parking | $70-$240 per year; varies depending on the parking permit selected |
Does not include books, other supplies as needed, late fees, university required fees, State exam fees, or State certificate fees. Additional information regarding tuition and fees can be found on the Cashier's website.
Our Principal Fellows program targets school leaders, preferably those teaching in high-need schools, who are ready to take on the challenges of instructional and organizational leadership in public schools.
We are offering a select number of scholarships for our principal certification program that will reduce tuition by a minimum 25 percent of our normal per course tuition rate of the required courses. Principal Fellow opportunities can be discussed during the interview stage of the application process.