Program Overview

Introduction to the Principal Administrator License (PAL) Program

The Principal Administrator License (PAL) program at Southern Oregon University (SOU) is designed to develop leaders who are prepared to lead educational transformation and cultivate equity, excellence, and wellbeing. The program offers a unique opportunity for students to integrate theories of educational change with the day-to-day practice of educational administration.

Program Overview

The PAL program is a 40-credit, cohort-based program that begins each June and continues through six quarter terms, ending a year and a half later in December. The program combines in-person and online meetings, making it accessible to working educators. The coursework is largely experiential and project-based, with a focus on authentic leadership proficiency in the Oregon Leadership Standards.

Program Requirements

To be eligible for the PAL program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• Teaching license or eligibility to hold a license
• Three years of teaching experience (preferably)
• A master's degree in education, or enrollment in the SOU MSEd with PAL concentration program

Program Structure

The PAL program meets approximately once a month for one Friday evening online and one Saturday in-person, making it manageable and enjoyable for working educators. The program includes a 300-hour practicum, which enables students to move from theoretical foundations into actual practice at a variety of school levels.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the PAL program can pursue various career paths, including:

• School Principal
• School Assistant Principal
• District Supervisor
• Curriculum Director
• Special Education Director
• Special Programs Director
• Director of Educational Service District

Salary Range

The salary range for PAL graduates can vary, but the national average is between $72,000 and $200,000.

Student Testimonials

The PAL program has received positive feedback from graduates, who appreciate the program's focus on holistic values, experiential learning, and supportive relationships with instructors and peers.

Program Completion

To complete the PAL program, students must demonstrate proficiencies through:

• Coursework that integrates theory into practice
• A 300-hour practicum demonstrating authentic leadership proficiency
• An Integration Portfolio that links coursework, practica, and personally identified leadership agendas

Degree Fit

The PAL program is designed for teachers who want to become administrators. The program can be completed concurrently with the Master of Science in Education (MSEd) program, with the 40 credits from the PAL program applying towards the completion of the MSEd program.