How to Become a Principal: All You Need to Know

Education

Transitioning from the classroom to the principal’s office is a pivotal step in an educator’s journey. For teaching professionals, becoming a principal presents a significant opportunity for career advancement in education and a chance to shape the future of schools. However, it requires more than mere teaching experience.  

Aspiring principals must develop leadership skills, pursue advanced qualifications, and cultivate strategic thinking to meet the evolving demands of today’s educational landscape. After all, a principal's vision is paramount for achieving school excellence. This expectation of visionary leadership signals a strategic shift towards transformational leadership models, where principals are viewed as agents of change and improvement, inspiring their teams and fostering a shared commitment to excellence.   

In this article, you’ll explore the path to becoming a principal while uncovering the key steps, required qualifications, and strategies needed to excel in this role.  

The Path to Educational Leadership 

Every successful principal starts with solid classroom experience. This foundational experience provides a deep understanding of instructional practices, curriculum delivery, and student engagement. These skills will later help underpin effective educational management. 

Advanced qualifications are critical for those seeking to elevate their careers. Earning a Master of Education, like the comprehensive programme offered by Sunway University, equips educators with in-depth knowledge of educational leadership, policy, and instructional design. This degree also fosters competencies in digital pedagogy and data-driven decision-making, essential for modern school leaders. With different types of master’s in education to explore, educators can be better prepared to discover diverse leadership pathways. 

Beyond academic qualifications, many systems, including Malaysia’s, require completion of formal principal training programmes. In public schools, candidates must complete the National Professional Qualification for Educational Leaders (NPQEL), which focuses on areas such as financial management, school law, and instructional leadership. Participation in such programmes ensures that new principals possess the key competencies required for them to thrive.  

Deepening Expertise in Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Leadership 

For any aspiring principal, mastery of curriculum development, pedagogical approaches, and leadership practices is essential. A strong grasp of the curriculum enables principals to guide teachers in implementing evidence-based teaching strategies that resonate with diverse learners. Staying updated on pedagogical innovations – such as digital integration, flipped classrooms, and differentiated instruction – ensures schools remain competitive and responsive to student needs. 

Leadership, meanwhile, extends beyond daily management. It’s about fostering a shared vision, empowering teachers, and creating an environment that enables students to thrive. This integrated expertise is a hallmark of advanced educational preparation, as emphasised in Sunway University’s 100% online Master of Education.  

Experience Requirements and Career Pathways to Principalship 

Progression to leadership roles, such as Head of Department or Senior Assistant, builds essential management skills for school leaders. These roles cultivate expertise in coordinating teams, managing resources, and implementing strategic initiatives. Taking on these responsibilities not only sharpens your leadership skills but also demonstrates readiness for broader school administration challenges. 

Regardless of the school level, substantial and meaningful teaching experience forms the bedrock of a principal's career. While international benchmarks often suggest 3 to 5 years of teaching as a minimum, the Malaysian system typically requires a more extended period of service before one is considered for leadership programmes. 

Other than that, advanced education will also provide aspiring principals with the right skills to advance their careers.  

Key Skills and Competencies Every Principal Should Have  

The duties of a principal are extensive, and these responsibilities span several critical domains including:   

  • Overall School Management & Leadership: This includes setting the school's strategic direction by developing its vision and mission, engaging in comprehensive strategic planning, and ensuring effective school management across all operational facets.   
  • Curriculum & Instructional Leadership: Principals are charged with overseeing the implementation of the curriculum, ensuring its alignment with educational policies, rigorously supervising teaching and learning processes, fostering pedagogical innovation among staff, and ultimately driving academic excellence and improved student achievement.   
  • Student Affairs: This broad area involves managing student discipline proactively, ensuring student welfare and safety, overseeing guidance and counselling services, and implementing health programmes designed to support holistic student development.   
  • Co-curricular Management: A key responsibility is the promotion and effective management of a vibrant and diverse co-curricular programme, aimed at nurturing students' talents, character, and overall holistic growth beyond the academic curriculum.   
  • Human Resource Management & Development: This involves leading and managing all academic and non-academic staff. Responsibilities include involvement in staff appointments, conducting performance appraisals, and, crucially, fostering a culture of continuous professional development for educators and support staff.   
  • Financial Management: Principals must oversee school budgeting processes, manage financial resources, including government grants and school-generated funds, ensure stringent accountability and transparency in all financial dealings, and adhere to established financial procedures.   
  • Physical Infrastructure & Resource Management: This includes managing and maintaining the school's physical facilities and resources, ensuring a safe, conducive, and well-equipped learning environment for both students and staff.   
  • Community & Stakeholder Engagement: A vital aspect of the principal's role is building and sustaining positive, collaborative relationships with parents, the Parent-Teacher Association, the local community, various educational authorities and other relevant external agencies.   

The extent of these responsibilities highlights that teaching experience, while essential, does not fully prepare one for the complexities of a principal's role. Specialised knowledge in areas like financial management, human resources, and strategic planning is a distinct skill set that requires dedicated development.  

Principal Salary Prospects and Career Outlook in Malaysia and Southeast Asia 

In Malaysia, the average annual salary for school principals is about RM133,848, with experienced leaders earning over RM167,091 each year. As for high school principals, the average salary is reported at RM151,877. This highlights the considerable responsibility principals have in guiding institutional success. 

Note: The salaries cited in this article are accurate at the time of writing. Actual figures may vary based on specific school (size, type, location), additional allowances, qualifications, and individual performance. Private school salaries, in particular, can differ significantly based on curriculum (e.g., international vs. local), school prestige, and benefits package. 

The job market for principals remains robust, underpinned by Malaysia’s network of over 10,000 primary and secondary public schools, alongside an expanding array of private and international institutions. National strategies, such as the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013–2025, place emphasis on enhancing school administration and leadership standards, ensuring sustained demand for qualified principals. 

While financial rewards are a component, the primary motivators for many aspiring and serving principals are deeply connected to the opportunity for impact and professional fulfilment. The capacity to lead effectively, honed through experience and advanced learning, directly contributes to achieving these intrinsic rewards. 

Master of Education: Your Path to Principalship Starts Here 

Becoming a school principal is a challenging yet rewarding journey. It allows you to shape young lives, inspire teachers, and drive educational excellence in your community. 

A master's degree in education from Sunway University lays a solid foundation to enhance your leadership potential. This programme hones your leadership skills, strategic insights, and understanding of effective school management, preparing you for the complexities of the role. 

Ready to elevate your educational leadership and pursue principalship? Explore Sunway University’s 100% online Master of Education or connect with our Education Counsellors to discuss how we can help you become an impactful school leader.