School Leadership: Principal Licensure

A teaching certificate and three successful years teaching experience are required by the State for admission to principal licensure programs. In addition, two letters of recommendation, a portfolio and an interview are required as part of the application process.

Portfolio/Interview Requirements: Candidates are required to submit a portfolio and participate in an interview as part of the admission process. Details and forms to be used may be found in the “Portfolio Checklist” available in the Graduate School office or from the program director (Vicki-Petzko@utc.edu). The portfolio is to include the following:

1. A copy of the candidate’s most recent performance appraisal.
2. A current professional development plan.
3. A personal statement of career goals and how the preparation program would assist the candidate in reaching the stated goals.
4. Successful completion of an interview which addresses learning strategies, human relations skills, data-driven decision making, and high ethical standards.
5. Two completed reference/recommendation forms which confirm the following:
   1. Evidence of ability to improve student achievement and also demonstrated leadership in coaching other teachers to raise student achievement;
   2. Evidence of knowledge about curriculum, instruction and assessment;
   3. Evidence that describes qualities of collaboration, cooperation and relationship building;
   4. Demonstration of effective oral and written communications skills.

Please contact the Graduate School or Dr. Vicki Petzko (Vicki-Petzko@utc.edu) for reference forms and a checklist of portfolio requirements.