K-12 Principal Program Details

In our K-12 Principal License program, you will be equipped, empowered, and inspired toward success in administrative leadership. The program is designed to provide you with the right blend of challenging work and personal support.

We have opportunities to start throughout the year. Please contact your Enrollment Counselor for more information.

Total credits

30

Finish in as few as

1.5 years

Courses

• Leadership & Theory Foundations (EDUC800)

  Examination of the roles school leaders play as they pertain to ethics and influencing the school community. Analysis of the historical, philosophical and cultural aspects of educational reform. Analysis of leadership simulations using a combination of models for decision making, human communications, conflict management, organizational change, vision building, and school communication Exploration of the balance between personal faith and/or values and professional leadership in an environment characterized by separation of church and state.

  4 credits

• Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment (EDUC810)

  Engages in contextual learning applying principles of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Develops effective curricular and instructional plans for organizations. Analyzes district-wide literacy initiatives and leads school-wide literacy efforts. Explores professional development, research, and best practices for integrating curriculum, instruction, and technology.

  4 credits

• Leadership for Inclusive Learning Environments (EDUC825)

  Exploration of the dynamics of engaging differences, including cultural, ethnic, religious, gender, ability, age differences, and others. Focus on providing effective leadership in pluralistic systems, including creating a hospitable organizational environment and maintaining relationships with diverse partners and stakeholders. Analysis of assumptions, beliefs, behaviors, and capacities with regard to differences.

  4 credits

• Administration of Essential Educational Programs (EDUC830)

  Analysis of school policies and procedures to ensure that essential programs are in place. Awareness of how personal belief systems affect decision-making. Examination of school relationships, communication, culture and environment, teachers and student engagement, school supervision, safety, instructional supervision, and student learning.

  4 credits

• Operations and Personnel Administration (EDUC840)

  Application of personal and organizational management skills. Synthesis of school/district mission and vision in systemic planning and relationship between leadership and conflict management. Development of communication to foster public relations and address organizational politics. Analysis of the factors of school cultures. Integration of faith/worldview and core values with leadership strategies.

  4 credits

• Legal Issues in School Administration (EDUC860)

  Examination of educational laws and policies, the process by which they are created, and their impact on schools. Analysis of leadership and communication around legal issues and policies, with emphasis on accuracy, clarity, and correct implementation. Evaluation of laws and policies, their application and outcomes, and recommended changes.

  4 credits

• Resource Management (EDUC865)

  Examines constitutional authority for public school funding and tax structures. Evaluates budgets and publications against best practices. Applies emerging practices and key aspects of human resource management. Analyzes resource allocation to improve student learning. Explores connections between personal values, ethics, and resource management in schools.

  4 credits

• Principal Internship (EDUC886)

  School-based experience of at least 320 hours. 240 hours at one setting and 40 hours at each of the other two levels. Joint supervision of Bethel faculty and onsite licensed and practicing principal. Direct experience in administrative duties and synthesis of learning between academic program and host district administrative needs.

  2 credits

How is the License Awarded?

The K-12 Principal License is awarded through the Minnesota Board of School Administrators after completing all required steps, including:

• K-12 Principal Internship: A paid or unpaid school-based experience of at least 320 hours to be completed over 12 continuous months. Students are placed in their local area.
• Electronic Portfolio: A portfolio demonstrating skills learned throughout the program through audio, video, and other forms of electronic documentation.
• License Review Panel: A panel of practicing administrators and program directors reviews each student based on their portfolio, a presentation, and a question and answer session with the panel. A license application process is initiated for students who meet the standards. Students who do not meet the standards will work with their onsite mentor and advisor to reinforce skills that need improvement.

Please note that this license program is not eligible for financial aid.