The concept of principal licensing has been established in the education sector as a process of reforming school activities and student performance. The main purpose behind licensing is to ensure that school leaders are qualified and possess necessary skills for leading and managing the school activities and exercises. This research is carried out to define the importance of principal licensing in schools and education institutions. Licensing does not only improve teaching quality, but it prominently changes the school environment wherein learning culture is more promoted for schools. In this respect, the study defines how licensing makes the principals accountable towards school improvement activities and environment. Licensing in this research is discussed as a policy framework that comprises school leadership development that defines as well as distinguishes entry-level skills and expertise for principals. In addition to this, the research is supported with discussion about licensing process in the context of UAE and other countries.
TopIntroduction
The process of principal licensing is essential for school and district leaders as it serves as a mechanism to hire individuals that are competent to complete specific job role. In general context, principals are required to earn a master's degree prior to pursuing certification or licensing. Each state has different requirements for licensing and certification. Licensing is typically required for both education administrators and principals while managing their academic profession (Tucker, 2003). Likewise other professions, school and educational institution need strong and compelling leaders who can shape and guide objectives for school and student's progress. In this respect, efficient principal and school leaders are deemed as the key to advancing goals that can make the school progress in academic field. However, before becoming a leader, it is crucial for the principals to prove their potential by showing the ability to lead in challenging time (Vogel & Weiler, 2014). At the same time, their capability is tested to know if they are able to provide support and constructive criticism for improving teaching standards in the school.
There has been a lot of studies and research conducted in the area of licensing for teachers; however, the importance of principal licensing for school development has also gained interest among academicians and educators. The research in this regard, defines the relationship of principal licensing as a school improvement policy. Licensing not only specifies the necessary qualifications and skills for attaining position of principal but also is a regulatory process which has become necessary for the education sector.
Apparently, the process of licensing has been developed as a part of developing school's ability and proficiency because licensing ensures to appoint effective and talented teachers for overall quality education (Abdallah & Musah, 2021). In UAE, licensing in teaching sector is also required to ensure that students are in safe and healthy environment (Warner & Burton, 2017; Abdallah & Musah, 2021). The Ministry of Education has clearly set standards for school environment; hence only licensed or certified teachers have the opportunities to work in education sector. In addition to this, the research also emphasizes on the certification requirements which principals have to meet prior working as school leaders. Therefore, the research in detail explains the contribution of certification process in school improvement. The research also highlights the challenges related to the same domain.
Principal licensing is necessary not only in the UAE but in other countries around the world; hence the research describes to licensing and certification requirements of different countries. Therefore, it is evident that the licensing process is considered as an essential requirement to be fulfilled to ensure optimum delivery of educational services. In the research, opinion of different scholars and authors have been included through secondary research and it will assist in meeting the aims of the research study. The role of principal is to provide leadership, direction, and guidance to promote the teaching and learning aspects; hence licensing and certification requirements are significant for school improvement aspects.