The Preliminary Administrator License (PreAL) program prepares students for a career in educational leadership, and for the Oregon Preliminary Administrator License issued by Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC).
Oregon requires administrators in public schools to hold administrative licenses, and the 26-credit, standards-based PreAL is the first administrative license required of school administrators.
Why earn a Preliminary Administrator License (PreAL) at the UO?
- Cohort-based learning — develop a professional leadership network of colleagues during your time in the program
- Expert presenters and faculty — learn from superintendents, district leaders, and university faculty
- Designed for working education professionals — earn your license in one or two years while working full-time (five-week summer session, and two weekends per month during the academic year—Friday evenings and Saturdays)
How is the UO PreAL designed for optimal learning?
- Strong class-to-practicum connection through integrated theory to practice — build the skills and basis for leadership, and the capacity to implement university-based instruction into school-based settings
- Key concentrations in equity, instructional leadership and behavior — gain a strong and integral foundation for leadership
- Comprehensive leadership training — develop a breadth and depth of understanding on a wide-range of leadership topics essential to education
- Mentor relationships — learn from exemplary school-based professionals and practicum supervisors
- Diverse perspectives — collaborate with cohort members from across Oregon
How can I participate from a distance as a PreAL student?
We offer a fully supported, synchronous distance-learning program for PreAL students who do not live within driving proximity to our campus in Eugene.
Local and distance learners all have the same opportunity to gain knowledge from our expert presenters and faculty.
Accreditation
The UO PreAL is fully accredited by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC).
Oregon requires administrators in public schools to hold administrative licenses through an accredited agency.
Program Requirements
Total Credits in a typical PreAL Program: 26 Credits (one-year or two-year programs available)
- Course work: 17 Credits
- Practicum experience: 9 Credits (360 hours of clinical administrative experience)
PreAL Program Prerequisites
Applicants must:
- Have a master’s degree (or be able to complete the master’s degree concurrently through our Concurrent MEd – PreAL Program)
- Hold, or be eligible to hold, a TSPC license
- Verify three years of full-time successful K–12 TSPC licensed experience
- Have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0
PreAL Course Work
Both the course work and practicum satisfy the 26 credit hours required for a TSPC Preliminary Administrator License (PreAL).
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| EDLD 607 Seminar: School Law and Social Justice | 4 |
| EDLD 607 Seminar: Academic Organization and Planning | 4 |
| EDLD 607 Seminar: Supervision and Instructional Leadership | 3 |
| EDLD 607 Seminar: School Management and Budget | 3 |
| EDLD 607 Seminar: Ethics and School/Community Relations | 3 |
| EDLD 609 Practicum | 9 |
PreAL Licensure and Certification
The PreAL program can be completed without entry into the Graduate School, if students have already completed a master’s degree.
When master’s-holding PreAL candidates complete the 26 PreAL credits of course work and practicum hours, they are eligible to apply to TSPC for the preliminary administrator license.