Introduction
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 has additional requirements for licensure. Click here for information about Colorado Department of Education principal licensure requirements.
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 300-hour clinical-practice experience is integrated throughout the four-semester program.
Students submit performance-based assessment/content modules during the principal licensure program to an online assessment system. For successful principal licensure completion, modules not approved by the end of the fourth semester must obtain instructor approval to 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 20 principal candidates who move through the four-semester principal licensure program together. We welcome applicants from all districts and charter schools into our principal licensure cohorts. However, we also partner with metro-area districts to prepare leaders specifically for their schools.
