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Are you ready to step into school leadership? If you are employed in one of New Hampshire’s school districts, you can become a licensed principal through a unique partnership between New PÕ¾ÊÓƵ College and the New Hampshire Association of School Principals (NHASP).

This collaborative Principal Licensure Program builds on NEC’s deep commitment to supporting K–12 educators and NHASP’s statewide mission to strengthen educational leadership. Together, the organizations are creating an accessible, practical, and forward-thinking route for experienced educators ready to take the next step in their careers.

To make this opportunity immediately accessible, NEC and NHASP are offering the first course in the series—ED 7060: Learning and Leading at the K–12 Level—at no cost, beginning March 9. The introductory course offers educators an opportunity to explore the principles of school leadership, develop a vision for improvement, and begin building the skills needed to succeed as a K–12 administrator.

Virtual Information Sessions

Learn more about this program and hear from both organizations at one of the following information sessions.

Thursday, February 12, at 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 19, at 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 26, at 3:00 p.m.

Principal Licensure Program Overview

Offered in partnership with the New Hampshire Association of School Principals (NHASP), this practice-based program blends graduate coursework, real-world field experience, and mentorship from practicing school leaders. You’ll build the skills to lead schools with vision, equity, and a focus on student success.

Built for Working Educators
Courses are designed with practicing professionals in mind, allowing you to continue working while completing licensure requirements.

Leadership Grounded in Real Schools
Learn from experienced New Hampshire administrators and apply your learning immediately through field-based experiences and a supervised internship.

Strong Mentorship and Professional Network
Through NEC and NHASP, you’ll connect with mentors and school leaders who understand the realities of today’s K–12 environments.

Focused Pathway to Licensure
This program is specifically for candidates who already hold the required background and are seeking principal licensure only, not an additional degree.

Note: This program is not yet approved and is pending official approval by the New Hampshire State Board of Education. You can read the full story here.

Principal Licensure Program Highlights

This NH principal licensure program offers the following benefits:

• Licensure-focused pathway
• Built for working professionals
• Partnership with NHASP
• Real-world leadership experience
• Mentorship from practicing administrators
• Instructional leadership focus
• Emphasis on equity and inclusive school culture
• Data-informed decision making
• School operations and management skills
• Strong professional network
• Aligned with NH Department of Education Standards

Why Pursue Principal Licensure?

NEC’s curriculum prepares you to lead effective, inclusive, and high-performing schools. Key areas include:

• Instructional leadership and teacher effectiveness
• School culture and climate
• Family and community engagement
• Data-informed decision making
• School management, operations, and legal responsibilities
• Vision-setting for student achievement
• Equitable and inclusive learning environments

Your learning culminates in an intensive principal internship, where you will demonstrate leadership competencies in an authentic school setting under the guidance of a licensed principal mentor.

Principal Licensure Program Learning Outcomes

NEC’s principal licensure program prepares students to do the following:

• Lead with vision and integrity by developing, advocating for, and enacting a mission and core values that promote high-quality education, ethical practice, and the academic and social-emotional success of every student.
• Design and sustain inclusive learning environments that reflect equity, cultural responsiveness, and positive school culture, ensuring all students have access to rigorous instruction and meaningful opportunities to succeed.
• Build and empower collaborative professional communities by fostering the capacity of educators and staff, cultivating strong teams, and supporting continuous professional growth that improves student outcomes.
• Engage stakeholders in strategic leadership by managing operations effectively, partnering with families and the community, and driving continuous school improvement through data-informed decision-making and shared accountability.

Recognition and Rankings

NEC Ranked Top Online College in New Hampshire

New PÕ¾ÊÓƵ College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as one of the best Online Colleges in New Hampshire, as acknowledged by  a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

NEC Ranked Top Online Bachelor Program

New PÕ¾ÊÓƵ College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a top online bachelor program in NH, as acknowledged by , a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

NEC Ranked Top College in New Hampshire

New PÕ¾ÊÓƵ College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in NH, as acknowledged by , a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

NEC Ranked Top Education Program in New Hampshire

New PÕ¾ÊÓƵ College in New Hampshire has earned recognition for offering one of the best Education degree programs in NH, as acknowledged by , a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

Program Structure

This program consists of five core courses plus an internship, aligned with New Hampshire Department of Education Standards for Educational Administration and Principal licensure.

Candidates who do not currently hold New Hampshire Professional Educator licensure will complete an additional course to meet State requirements.

Field experiences are embedded throughout the program, ensuring that theory and practice are tightly connected.

Admission Requirements

Three years of experience completed as a teacher, instructional specialist, educational specialist, or education administrator

A master’s degree (MEd, MA, MS) from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average

Course Schedule

ED 7060: Learning and Leading at the K–12 Level
ED 7075: Vision for High Student Achievement
ED 7070: School Management and Operations at the K–12 Level
ED 7065: Observing, Supporting, and Assessing Teacher Effectiveness
ED 7055: Exploring School, Family, and Community Partnerships
ED 7200: School Principal Internship
ED 7200: School Principal Internship
ED 7090: Creating Effective and Inclusive Learning Environments for All Students (As Needed)