Education Leadership – Transformative Leadership for Thriving Communities
Administrator License (PAL)
Principal Administrator License (PAL)
The PAL Program
SOU’s School of Education offers programs for the Principal Administrator License (PAL) (previously called the Initial Administrator License (IAL) program) issued by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). The PAL is a 40-credit, cohort-based program that begins each June and continues through six quarter terms. It begins in June each year and ends a year and half later in December.
Requirements and Meeting Times
The PAL is designed to accommodate working professionals through a combination of online coursework with some in-person meetings. For the first summer, the PAL program meets from approximately mid-June to early July synchronously online, with a few in person days to build cohort connection. During the school year, PAL meets approximately once a month for one Friday evening a month online and one Saturday a month in person.
The PAL coursework (40 hours) revolves around themes identified by local practitioners, based on their working knowledge of educational leadership. The required practicum hours (300) enable students to move from theoretical foundations into actual practice at a variety of school levels.
Program Prerequisites
PAL: Program prerequisites for the PAL include a master’s degree, minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, teaching license or eligibility to hold a license, and three years of teaching experience. For those desiring a master’s degree, it can be completed through this program with an additional five credits.
Master of Science in Education, with a PAL Concentration:
Students who do not have a master’s degree may enroll concurrently in the Master of Science in Education (MSEd) program. The 40 credits for the PAL coursework are all applied toward the completion of the MEd program, which requires one additional 5 credit course, for a total of 45 credits.
Funding Available
For Southern Oregon teachers who are interested in becoming licensed administrators there are multiple funding opportunities to help pay for tuition for the PAL program.
To learn more about the PAL program and/or potential funding opportunities, contact PAL Coordinator, Dr. Renee Owen at owenr@sou.edu.
PAL Program Description
Education Founded on Holistic Values
The vision of the Principal Administrator Licensure (PAL) program at SOU is to develop leaders who are prepared to lead educational transformation and cultivate equity, excellence, and wellbeing.
SOU’s PAL program offers meaningful opportunities for students to integrate the theories of educational change with the day-to-day practice of educational administration. Classes are experiential in nature and involve a combination of case studies, authentic projects – where students participate in school improvement at their location, and extensive use of panels and discussions with school leaders.
A distinct advantage of the SOU PAL program is the culture of collegiality, where fellow students develop supportive relationships with one another and with their instructors who can meet the needs and interests of the cohort. Students work with regional administrators, whom they get to know, making job placement easy to navigate.
Student Evaluation
Proficiencies for students are demonstrated through:
- Integration of theory into practice in case studies, research projects, problem-based learning, and class activities.
- The Integration Portfolio that links coursework, practica, and personally identified research agendas in a document of program outcomes.
- Coursework, practica, and the Integration Portfolio that provide evidence of meeting state and National Educational Leadership Preparation Standards.
Questions? Email Anita Caster, Admissions Director at caster@sou.edu.
Degree Fit
Program Preparation
The PAL is for teachers who want to become Principal Administrators.
Degree Roadmap
The PAL program is a cohort program which starts each June. During the program, students attend class during summer and then during the school year in a hybrid fashion.
Program Completion
The PAL program has a 300 hour practicum. Students are also required to submit a portfolio at the end of the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the PAL program transfer to doctorate program credits later? Yes! 12-16 credits of the PAL program are accepted by most doctoral programs in Oregon.
Can I take an administrative job while in the SOU PAL program? Absolutely! In fact, PAL students are frequently offered positions as soon as they enroll in the program.
Will the PAl program transfer to doctorate program credits later? Yes! 12-16 credits of the PAL program are accepted by most doctoral programs.
Can I teach and do the PAL program at the same time? The PAL program is designed for working teachers and administrators. The work intellectually rigorous, but very manageable.
Career Path
Become a Professional
Career opportunities for a PAL:
- School Principal
- School Vice-Principal
- District Superintendent
- Curriculum Director
- Special Programs Director
- Director of Elementary Education
- Director of Secondary Education
- Director at Educational Service District
Salary Range
$72,000-$200,000
*Based on National Average
Future Success
SOU PAL Alumni
Sergio Cisneros
Principal License
Vice Principal and Athletic Director, Mazama High School
Jamie Sullivan
Principal License
Program Coordinator, Early Childhood Services (EI/ECSE)-SOESD
Mayra Garcia
Principal License
Assistant Principal, North Medford High School
Tisha Redmond
Principal License
Student Engagement & Professional Development Specialist
What Principal Administrator License Students are Saying
Southern Oregon University’s Administrator Licensure program was a major stepping stone for my goals and career aspirations. The way the program is designed is practical and full of “real-life” experiences shared by the professors, peers and guest speakers. As a cohort, we work through specific scenarios together in the classroom, which helped me to expand my professional tool box and understand how the theory connects with the practice. The professors were always accessible and willing to help me when I had questions or needed guidance during a course and more importantly, once I was in a leadership role. This program is for anyone who aspires to be a leader within education and a part of committed network of educational leaders.
The SOU administrator licensure program’s instructional team are a group of warm, intelligent, culturally aware, and heart-centered educators. I found the curriculum thought-provoking and relevant. I held an administrative position during this program, and the course assignments were functional and applicable to what I was doing in the field. I deeply value the cohort model and the cultivation of relationships that grew throughout our tenure together. I am grateful for how this program helped transform me into the mindful leader I am today!
The SOU administrative licensure program encouraged me to be my authentic self. I connect with kids and families who need to find a supportive community at school. I became an administrator to make sure they are represented. Everyone deserves to belong.
The administrator licensure program at Southern Oregon University was integral in my development as a leader. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to learn from incredible professors and collaborate with aspiring administrators, as I discovered my leadership style and developed my skill set. I am so excited to pursue my educational passion and see where my leadership journey takes me. I am a better leader today because of this program. Thank you, Southern Oregon University!
Contact the School of Education
SOU Education Program
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6936
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