LEO offers coursework that leads to eligibility to apply for the initial license for K-12 principal through the Colorado Department of Education. In addition to coursework, the Colorado Department of Education also requires an exam. Information about Colorado Department of Education exam requirements can be found here https://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeprof/endorsementrequirements.
Admission to the LEO principal licensure program is competitive. All principal licensure applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and a teaching or special services license; we also recommend principal licensure applicants have a minimum of three years of post-licensure teaching or special services experience. LEO’s principal licensure program is project-based, requiring students to present evidence of meeting both state and national standards through performance based assessments. A 400-hour clinical-practice experience is integrated throughout the four-semester program.
Students submit performance-based assessments (PBAs) during the principal licensure program to an online assessment system. For successful principal licensure completion, PBAs not approved by the end of the fourth semester must be completed within the two subsequent semesters (not including summer.)
Note: Those already holding a master’s degree and 5 years of leadership in education should also see the Administrator License - Executive Leadership Program for pursuing K-12 administrator (superintendent or district-level leadership) licensure.
Principal Licensure Cohort Options
Typically, cohorts are comprised of approximately 25 principal candidates who move through the four-semester principal licensure program together. We welcome applicants from all districts into our principal licensure cohorts. However, we also partner with metro-area districts to prepare leaders specifically for their schools.
Principal Licensure Course Requirements:
EDUC 5751 - Principal/Administrator Licensing I. Semester Hours: 3 to 9
EDUC 5752 - Principal Administrator Licensing II. Semester Hours: 3 to 9
EDUC 5753 - Principal/Administrator Licensing III. Semester Hours: 3 to 9
EDUC 5754 - Principal or Administrator Licensing IV . Semester Hours: 3 to 9
Total: 32 semester hours for Principal Licensure.
