Massachusetts · Career guide
How to become a Principal in Massachusetts
Principals manage a school's instruction, operations, staff, family engagement, and student safety. The role typically requires 3-5 years of classroom teaching, a master's degree in educational leadership, completion of a state-approved principal preparation program, and passage of a state administrator licensure exam. Salaries materially exceed classroom-teacher pay (often by 40-70%) but the hours and accountability are correspondingly higher.
No principal / school leadership positions are open in Massachusetts right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.
Certification path in Massachusetts
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
- Pass the required exams. Massachusetts typically requires:
- Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Communication and Literacy Skills — Reading and writing skills
- MTEL Subject Matter Knowledge — Content knowledge for your licensure area
- MTEL Foundations of Reading (PreK–6 or PreK–8) — Reading instruction competency for elementary educators
Principal / administrator licensure is a distinct tier with its own preparation program and exam. Some states require an internship under a sitting principal as part of certification.
- Apply for your initial license through Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) →
- Job-search in Massachusetts. We'll track principal / school leadership openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.
Alternative pathways in Massachusetts
If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Massachusetts offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:
- Massachusetts Employer-Based Route: District-sponsored program for career changers
- Teach For America (active in Boston and Lawrence)
- Commonwealth Residency Teacher Preparation Programs
- Career/Vocational Technical Education (CVTE) licenses for industry professionals
Massachusetts salary context
Average teacher salary in Massachusetts: $83,622/year (rank #6 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $46,262/year.
Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Massachusetts salary guide for the breakdown.