do you have to teach first before becoming a prinicipal if you have a masters degree in public administration

do you have to teach first before becoming a prinicipal if you have a masters degree in public administration?
I have a masters in public administration and about 6 years of work experience as a manager in the healthcare field. if I cant become a principal what else can i do besides work for the government?
Higher Education (University +) - 3 Answers

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1
It depends upon the educational requirements where you live. At the level of principal, you might need to possess a post-Master's certificate. A local college or educational school might have more specifics in the area you live in. Your MPA degree should have an equivalent level of flexibility as a MBA...just build up your working or volunteer experience along a line of different industries...that way you give yourself more of that flexibility. Unless you are going to be certified or licensed from your education, or you are "specializing" such as being a lawyer, engineer or nurse, and you hold a significant amount of general and varied working experience, and you have established a significant and important networking system in the professional atmosphere, the major of your degree typically is only important to you.


2
Most schools want principals that have first been teachers. But the exception might be a rural school or private school...and then you would get some experience. I'm also not sure about your degree -- most principals have Master's of Educational Administration.


3
You have to be certified in school administration to be a principal in most states. I have never met a principal who did not teach for a while before getting administration certification. Public administration might qualify you for administrative work in many corporations. Hospitals have administrators as do other health facilities.