Board approves new options for principal certification

The Board of Education has approved additional certification options for principals.  These options include: 1) a PreK-12 principal program for new principals and 2) a PreK-12 principal endorsement for current principals who wish to add to their current certification at either the K-8 or 7-12 level.

Additionally, a principal endorsement has been created for educators with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. This endorsement is valid for five years only, unless the holder also has completed a master’s degree in education within the last 10 years.

All endorsements will be approved by the Department of Education with a transcript analysis based on the course requirements/suggestions from higher education.

Specific requirements along with a listing of coursework can be found at http://www.state.sd.us/deca/OPA/NewPrincipalCertOption/NewPrincipalOption.htm