To ensure outstanding, qualified leaders become school principals, the Department of Education created the Principal Candidate Pool selection process. In order to apply for principal positions, candidates first must gain entry to the Pool.
• Who We Look For
• Eligibility Requirements
• How to Apply
• Selection Process
• Interpret Your Principal Candidate Pool Candidate Report
• Submit an Appeal
• Nominate an Outstanding School Leader
• FAQs
Who We look for
The Department of Education is seeking to select outstanding, qualified educators to become school principals. The Principal Candidate Pool selection process discerns candidates’ readiness for the principalship and proficiency in the DOE’s five School Leadership Competencies. Successful applicants will demonstrate the ability to:
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants for the Principal Candidate Pool are required to have a New York State SAS, SDA, or SBL and a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
How to Apply
In order to apply, applicants submit an online application. Applicants will be asked to submit an up-to-date resume, a written statement, a record of professional achievement, and the names and email addresses of three professional references. Please note: For applicants who are currently employed with the DOE, the Office of School Leadership will contact your current supervisor.
There is no application deadline for the Principal Candidate Pool. Applications are accepted year-round.
Selection Process
After submitting your online application, applicants will be invited to an in-person evaluation session. Candidates’ will be screened on their proficiency in the DOE’s five School Leadership Competencies:
- Personal Leadership: Fosters a culture of excellence through personal leadership
- Data: Uses data to set high learning goals and increase student achievement
- Curriculum and Instruction: Leverages deep knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to improve student learning
- Staff and Community—Develops staff, appropriately shares leadership, and builds strong school communities
- Resources and Operations—Manages resources and operations to improve student learning
Consequence for no-shows to their scheduled Pool appointment:
If an applicant fails to show up for their scheduled Pool appointment without contacting the Office of School Leadership at least an hour prior to the appointment, then s/he will not be rescheduled to come in until at least 60 days from the date of the missed appointment. (This means they will miss at least four (4) posting cycles.) This would also mean that if s/he did not gain entry into the Pool, that s/he would have to wait 8 months from the date of their application to be eligible to reapply, or 10 months if they appeal the decision and the decision is upheld. (Exemptions granted for emergency situations.)
Interpreting Your Principal Candidate Pool Candidate Report
All Principal Candidate Pool applicants receive a Candidate Report upon completion of the evaluation process. For help understanding your report, please review the sample Principal Candidate Pool Candidate Report. Please note that we are unable to provide additional feedback on your report or application decisions.
Submit an Appeal
If you applied and were not accepted into the Principal Candidate Pool, you may appeal the decision or reapply to the Pool at a later date.
Do you know someone who would make an excellent school principal?
Tell us by completing our principal candidate nomination form.