Principal Job Description: Top Duties and

Qualifications
A Principal, or Public School Principal, oversees the daily activities and operations within a
school. Their main duties include disciplining or advising students, approving Teachers’
curriculums and ensuring the school environment is safe for all students and staff members.

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Principal duties and responsibilities

It’s critical that job functions are conveyed accurately to ensure the most qualified applicants
apply. The responsibilities and duties of the principal include:

 Ensuring that academic policies and curriculum are followed 

 Developing and tracking benchmarks for measuring institutional success
 Helping teachers maximize their teaching potential
 Meeting and listening to concerns of students on a regular basis
 Encouraging, guiding and assisting student leaders and teachers 
 Meeting with parents and administrators on a regular basis for problem resolution
 Enforcing discipline when necessary
 Providing an atmosphere free of any bias in which students can achieve their maximum
potential

Principal Job Description Examples

 
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Example 1
*Reports to: *Executive Director *Hours: *Full-time * Background on the Organization* Our
mission is through high-quality instruction, intensive academic support, and hard work,
*Ambition Preparatory Charter School* ensures that all students in kindergarten through grade
eight have the academic skills and self-discipline for college and life success. Please visit our
website, [website], for more information. *Job Description* We believe a strong principal is
integral to a school’s success. An Ambition Prep School Leader is the Principal and
instructional/cultural leader within the school who directly manages instructional staff members
and other team members. *People Leadership & Performance Management: * * Manage the
performance of teachers directly and through coaches/deans to drive strong outcomes for kids
through observation/feedback and professional development. * Conduct weekly meetings with
each direct report on instructional strategies, content, feedback based on observations and
holding them accountable to goals. * Conduct regular classroom observations of members of the
teacher cohort. * Support the creation of individualized goals and conduct twice yearly
performance evaluations. *Talent and Leadership Development: * * Identify high-potential talent
and develop accordingly, manage performance with the support of the school leader, manage the
growth and capacity building of next-ready teacher-leaders * Conduct interviews for
instructional staff. * Support the growth of Ambition Prep teachers by supporting regional
professional development and building relationships. * Build strong teams characterized by trust,
investment in goals, and ownership . *Instructional Culture Leadership: * * Conduct weekly
walk-throughs in his/her grade levels, specifically focused on aggressive monitoring, use of real-
time data and strategic re-teach in classrooms. * Conduct weekly one-on-one meetings with the
school leader focused on outcomes of the teacher cohort; uphold the school leader’s vision for
school culture and hold teachers and students accountable to expectations (this includes coaching
around culture). * Create and execute annual plans that are connected to historical performance
data and drive student achievement and teacher development. * Lead professional development
for teachers on highest leverage strategies for academic systems and effective lesson execution. *
Co-facilitate academic progress monitoring meetings at the school, through the on-going analysis
of student achievement data; and determine teacher needs. * Collaborate as a member of the
school leadership team and Admin Support Team team to ensure all students meet school goals.
*Staff and Student Culture: * * Support development of School Leader’s school-wide vision and
take an active role in investing and mobilizing teachers to achieve the collective goals of the
school; own the implementation of select school priorities in support of the school-wide vision
and Ambition Prep core values – Professionalism, Self- Discipline, Ambition, Community,
Integrity and Urgency. * Model strong staff and student culture and manage school-wide
character development and behavior management systems. * Manage multiple grades of students
even with students who present challenging behaviors. * Build relationships with students and
families across the school; ensure an inclusive school environment that respects the culture of
students served. * Develop relationships across the school and the region, even through conflict.
*Family Engagement: * * Ensure family communication and satisfaction throughout the school.
* Support student recruitment, enrollment, and retention activities as needed. *Qualifications and
Incentives* * Bachelor’s degree required * 5 or more years of experience as an instructional
coach, assistant principal or central office leader. * Exhibits and advocates for others to
demonstrate a positive attitude during situations requiring perseverance. * Engage in analytic
thinking skills to proactively solve problems and make decisions. * Strong communication skills
with multiple stakeholders including students, teachers, families, and colleagues. * A passion for
supporting and helping students, teachers and staff. * Strong organizational skills, and follow-
through. * Relocation Bonus (offered for applicants relocating for this position) Ambition
Preparatory Charter School offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Ambition
Preparatory Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability,
pregnancy or veteran status. *Disclaimer: This job description describes the general nature and
level of work being performed by individuals hired into this job. This is not intended to be an
exhaustive list of all and duties required. Ambition Prep reserves the right to change any or all
content of this job description based on business needs.* Job Type: Full-time
Example 2
Major League Baseball is changing the landscape of the live sports and entertainment industry.
[website] delivers innovative, cutting-edge technologies to enable safe, unforgettable fan
experiences in venues across the globe. We are assembling a world-class technology team to
build platforms and products that anticipate emerging opportunities, including dynamic pricing
and offers and digital, contactless ticketing. The [website] mission is to provide premium,
innovative live experiences for our clients and their patrons. We are looking for a motivated and
experienced principal software engineer to design, develop, and implement the next generation
of our cloud-based application platform. This is a hands-on role, for a leader prepared to engage
with a team in solving challenging problems using state-of-the-art technology. Our goal is to
provide a scalable application platform to drive the business of baseball and our clients'
businesses. You will partner with business stakeholders and product management to architect
and build scaled, low-latency micro-services driven cloud-based systems that integrates with
mobile application, web client, and third-party platforms. The ideal candidate will be a tenacious
and creative problem solver with the ability to quickly prototype solutions. * Ability to articulate
technology vision and motivate others to follow * Ability to interface with all levels of
employees * Ability to work both independently with little supervision and in a team
environment * Work within a strongly test-driven development structure * Must be articulate and
communicate effectively, both in written and oral formats * Help introduce new technologies to
engineering team, taking part in training, adoption, and execution of new platforms. * Exercise
troubleshooting and problem-solving skills * Excellent attention to detail and organization skills
* Ability to maintain and meet schedules * Evaluate and reimagine current Products, Platforms,
and Tools, include: * Systems and service architecture and API design * Identity management,
user profile data integration * Evaluate and recommend latest cloud-based web services *
Support mobile app and front-end integration Technologies and Experience: * Bachelor of
Science in Engineering or Computer Science (or equivalent) is required * At least seven (7)
years of web application development experience and three (3) years working in the role of
principal engineer with hands-on coding * Development experience with HTTP, JSON, Rest,
XML. GraphQL a plus * Proficiency in SQL & DML * Experience with CDN and caching *
Experience with microservice design patterns & solutions, for example Anti-Corruption Layer,
Circuit Breaker, CQRS, Sharding, Sidecar, Strangler, Throttling, etc. * Experience with Secure
Coding Practices and assurance that these practices are consistently followed in the development
of all software products * Strong working knowledge of Agile process, CI/CD & build
automation tools and SRE best-practices. * Experience with GIT required * Key technical
domains: * Oracle, PostgreSQL or similar RDBMS * MongoDB, Cassandra, or similar NoSQL
database * Java with knowledge of various Spring projects, such as MVC, Transactions, REST,
Boot, Security, etc. * TypeScript experience targeting NodeJS, web assembly, etc. on the
backend * Web/Application Server, such as NodeJS, Apache Tomcat * Write through, write
behind, look aside, etc. caching experience with NGINX, Redis, Memcached, etc. * such as
Docker, Kubernetes * Google Cloud infrastructure, including Apigee, Cloud Functions *
Message Brokers, such as ActiveMQ, Google PubSub, RabbitMQ * Data Stream Platform, such
as Apache Kafka Job Type: Full-time Location: Costa Mesa, CA We offer an Outstanding
Benefits Package that includes: * Medical 3 PPO Plans through BCBS * Dental PPO * Vision *
STD & LTD * 401K * Life & Supplemental Insurance * Paid Time Off (PTO, STO, 13
Holidays) * HSA & FSA * Legal Plan * Pet Insurance * Tuition Reimbursement * Holiday week
office closure * Flexible Hybrid Work Environmen [website] is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Example 3
Adlai E. Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire, IL) is seeking a full-time, 12-month Assistant
Principal's Assistant for the 2021-2022 school year. Description: The goal of the Assistant
Principal's Assistant for the Teaching and Learning Division is to support the effective and
efficient functioning of the office and job-related duties. Responsibilities include but are not
limited to: processing confidential records; assisting in the preparation of documentation for state
and local authorities; managing long-term projects, and providing ancillary support for various
programs in collaboration with the Assistant Principal such as state and national testing. Some
larger of this role are summer school and coordinating substitute teachers. Qualifications:
Qualification include but are not limited to: High school, college degree or completed post-high
school business training from college or trade school preferred; excellent verbal and written
communication skills; knowledge of a variety of computer software programs (e.g., word
processing, spreadsheet, database); the ability to organize data, compile reports, and prioritize
work; the ability to work collaboratively with staff, students, parents, and the community; and
the ability to work productively in an active environment. *Full Covid vaccination status is a
condition of employment at Stevenson. Application Procedure: Online applications are required
at [website] Interested applicants should complete all steps of the electronic application process
and upload all requested materials to the application. *Compensation will be determined based
upon the candidate's skills and experience.* Job Type: Full-time Pay: $1.00 - $100.00 per hour
Schedule: * 8 hour shift * Monday to Friday COVID-19 considerations: *Full Covid vaccination
status is a condition of employment at Stevenson.* Work Location: One location
Example 4
*Job Role’s Objective: ** * [website] is looking for a seasoned Principal Hardware Engineer
with 10+ years of industry experience. As a Principal Hardware Engineer, you will engage with
an experienced cross-disciplinary staff to conceive, design, and deliver innovative Automotive
electronics products and systems meant to work in harsh environmental conditions. You will
work closely with both internal teams and external partners to drive key aspects of product
definition, design, execution, and test. You must be responsive, flexible, and able to succeed
within an open collaborative peer environment. *About the Company* [website] is a fast-
growing Series-A venture-backed AI startup in Austin, Texas (200% quarter over quarter
revenue growth) that's building cutting-edge software and hardware solutions for industrial
vehicle safety and automation. Our customer list includes top Fortune 500 warehousing and
manufacturing companies. We have been counted as one of 21 Austin startups to watch out for in
2021. Come join us to build the future of connected industrial vehicles. *What are your
responsibilities?* *Responsibilities: * * Engage with cross-disciplinary staff to conceive, design,
and deliver innovative industrial grade Automotive electronics products and systems meant to
work in harsh environmental conditions * Study applicable industry standards, such as ISO7637,
SAE J1455/J1113, and apply them to product designs * Broad cross-functional engineering
influence with an emphasis on delighting customers with innovation in the automotive
electronics space * Design world-class hardware, and software/firmware * Take complete
technical ownership for the programs * Lead Architecture/Design reviews * Lead all aspects of
technology readiness including manufacturability * Build robust methodology and processes to
deliver technology to products *What are we looking for?* *Must-Have: * * 10+ years’
experience as a hardware engineer * Industrial grade products experience- have completed at
least two product life cycles. * Cross-functional experience in Software, Hardware, Industrial
and Product Design, Reliability, and Materials * Experience with DFx (Design for cost, test,
manufacturing) * Factory experience * Experience with Schematic capture with tool sets such as
OrCAD * Experience with PCB layout oversight using Allegro * Experience with Hardware lab
equipment such as digital scope, logic analyzer, and soldering. * Experience with Technical
document writing using Google docs or Confluence * Experience with Revision and Document
control. * Experience with High level programming language with C. * Experience with
platforms such as Linux/Unix * Experience certifying products to FCC/CE standards *
Experience working as a Technical Lead or a Hardware Architect. * Master’s degree in
Electronic Engineering or related field. * Proficiency in PCB schematic design * Proficiency in
industrial / automotive electronic grade component selection. * Willingness to coach and mentor
junior engineers. *Nice to have* * Software development: Linux drivers, firmware, IDE (ex:
Eclipse, Visual Studio) * Analog/Board simulation (ex: SPICE, HyperLynx). *
LTE/Cellular/BLE communications * Experience with autonomous vehicle hardware design *
Experienced in Agile development methodology * Proficiency in PCB layout *Perks &
Benefits* * Full-time permanent employees are offered 401K, Health, Dental, Vision and Life
Insurance and generous paid time off, and sick leave. * Employee Stock Options * Unlimited
soda, snacks, and coffee. * BBQs, social outreach programs, and more. * Generous leave policy
with Christmas shutdown, national holidays and parental leave Creating a diverse and inclusive
workplace is one of [website]’s core values. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome
people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. For more career
opportunities visit our company website – [website] Job Type: Full-time
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What does a Principal do? 

Principals make sure that an elementary, middle or high school is operating efficiently by
overseeing Teachers and students every day. They’ll hire and train Teachers and other team
members who work at the institution. Principals will also develop codes and policies for their
Teachers to follow and will consistently enforce these guidelines. 

They’ll build and maintain budgets for the school and make sure it remains in stable financial
standing. Principals also work closely with board members and parents to communicate any
important announcements or information regarding the school and its students. They’re also
responsible for creating building and guest policies to keep everyone safe at all times.

Principal skills and qualifications

It’s equally important to outline required and preferred skills. To attract more suitable
candidates, include soft skills and personality traits. Long lists are not recommended.  Instead,
include qualifications and skills essential to this role.

To qualify for the position of a principal, an applicant should have the following:

 A Master’s degree in education is considered the minimum qualifying credential.  However,

in some cases, a Bachelor’s degree in education with at least 5 years in a leadership role
may also be acceptable
 Minimum of two years of working experience as a school leader or principal
 Communication skills to develop a productive educational experience for both teachers and
students
 Problem solving skills to enhance teacher performance and improve student grades
 Valid teaching license

Principal Salary Expectations 

A Principal makes an average of $115,337 per year. Salary may depend on level of experience,
education and the geographical location. 

Principal education and training requirements

Candidates applying for this position should have a Master’s degree in education. There are
some cases where a Bachelor’s degree in education may be acceptable if the candidate has at
least five years of experience in a leadership role in a similar setting. 

Principal experience requirements

A principal should have at least two years of working experience. During this time, a Principal
should gain critical knowledge about how to run a school effectively and provide its students
with high-quality education and resources.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this job description does not fit your requirements, you can review other samples:

 Guidance Counselor

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Frequently asked questions about Principals

 

Who reports to a Principal?

The people who report to a Principal can typically vary depending on the type of school they
work in. Principals who work for smaller institutions usually handle both day-to-day and big-
picture operations, so Teachers will regularly report directly to them. They’ll conduct ongoing
evaluations of teachers to ensure they’re performing effectively and are teaching the proper
curriculums. 

Those who work in larger institutions will typically have a Vice Principal report directly to them.
The Vice Principal will collaborate more closely with Teachers and students on a daily basis
while the Principal handles more big-picture items. If the Vice Principal comes across any
complex problems while on the job, the Principal will address and resolve the issue.

What's the difference between a Principal and a Superintendent?

While they both work in the education industry and oversee the operations of school systems,
there are some main differences between Principals and Superintendents when it comes to their
job responsibilities and seniority levels. A Superintendent typically oversees the entire school
system, including the elementary, middle and high schools. They’re also usually elected and
hired by the school board. 

The Principal is usually in charge of one school or building and reports directly to the
Superintendent. The Superintendent will also hire and oversee the job performance of the
Principal. 

What are the different types of Principals?

Principals can work in different schools completing various job duties. An Elementary School
Principal usually oversees children in Kindergarten to 5th grade, though the grades may vary
among schools. They’ll work with younger children and will establish policies to make sure all
students are receiving proper curriculums and engaging in activities that support their brain
developments. 

Middle and High School Principals oversee students from ages 12 to 18. They’ll collaborate
more closely with the Athletic Director to ensure students can handle sports and extracurricular
activities, while still maintaining passing grades.

What makes a good Principal?

A great Principal should have impressive leadership skills to guide and motivate Teachers,
students and other staff members. Ideal candidates typically have advanced experience in
education, usually previously serving as a Teacher to help provide valuable expertise and advice
to Teachers. 

They should also have effective problem solving and conflict management skills to provide
quick and logical solutions to high-level issues that the school may undergo. Since every day is
often different and problems regularly arise that they may constantly resolve, Principals must be
good at multitasking and adapting to changing environments. 

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