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

The Idaho State Department of Education requires anyone who serves as a school principal or as a superintendent to hold an Education Administrator Certificate.

Academic Obligations

For an Education Administrator Certificate with a School principal (K-12) Endorsement:

• Master’s degree from an institution accredited institution of higher learning
• Completing a state-authorized education administrator program  (at an accredited institution) of at least 30 semester credit hours (or 45 quarter credit hours) of graduate study in school administration intended to prepare school principals. The following skills of the Idaho Foundation Standards for School Administrators must be included in the program:
  • Visionary and Strategic Planning
  • Management and Organizational Leadership
  • Instructional Leadership
  • Professional and Ethical Leadership
  • Governance and Legal Leadership
  • Family and Community Partnerships

For an Education Administrator Certificate with a Superintendent Endorsement (Pre K-12):

• Education specialist, doctoral degree, or successful completion of a post-master’s sixth year program from an accredited institution
• Completing a state-authorized education administrator program  (at an accredited institution) of at least 30 semester credit hours (or 45 quarter credit hours) of post-master’s degree graduate study is intended to prepare school superintendents. The program must be in school administration and interdisciplinary supporting areas and must include the skills in Superintendent Leadership skills
• You must also receive an institutional recommendation from the institution where you completed the program

Assessments

There are no special assessment obligations for the Education Administrator Certificate.

Classroom Teaching Experience Requirements

For an Education Administrator Certificate with a School principal (K-12) Endorsement:
You must successfully complete an administrative practicum during your state-authorized college program, or have 1 year of experience as an education administrator in grades K-12.

For an Education Administrator Certificate with a Superintendent Endorsement (Pre K-12):
You must successfully complete an administrative practicum during your state-authorized college program, or have 1 year of out-of-state experience as an assistant superintendent or superintendent in Grades Pre K-12 while holding that state’s administrative certificate.

Document and Application Requirements

Utilize the Application for an Idaho Certificate/Credential form to apply for an Education Administrator Certificate. Send official college transcripts, institutional recommendations, and a completed fingerprint card along with your application fees. Mail everything to:  State Department of Education, Educator Certification, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, Idaho 83720-0027.

Background Check Requirements

Suppose you have not submitted to 1 before as an employee of Idaho’s educational system, as an applicant for Idaho education administrator licensure. You must submit to a criminal history background check. You will also be given instructions on starting the background check process through the Idaho Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Statewide Sex Offender Register.

Your fingerprint card must be sent with your application for Idaho education administrator licensure. You will not receive an education administrator certificate until the State Department of Education receives your background check results.

State Contacts

Contact schools in Idaho offering education administrator preparation programs for additional info on their programs.

For additional info on education administrator licensure in Idaho, contact the Idaho State Department of Education Educator Certification (208-332-6882) or visit their website.