Principals and assistant principals are key educational leaders who facilitate the success of their staff and students by serving as leaders, guides and advocates. School leaders play a critical role in developing, articulating and implementing a vision of teaching and learning for the entire school community. They have the ability to inspire excellence in others by raising expectations for everyone in their school and leading their teachers, staff and students to reach their highest potential.
Candidates for principal and assistant principal positions must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:
- Possess valid New York State Supervisory Certification.
- Possess New York City Certificate(s) of Eligibility (COE).
New York State and New York City Eligibility Requirements
Click for detailed information about New York State and New York City supervisor certification requirements. If you meet these requirements, click to access the Supervisory Eligibility Pool (SEP) Web site and apply for a Certificate of Eigibility (COE).
Pathways to Careers in School Leadership
The New York City area has an abundance of college and university programs that offer programs that lead to certification as a school leader as well as several alternative certification programs. Please consult the List of School Leadership Programs for brief descriptions of programs and links to program websites.
Career Opportunities in School Leadership
Candidates can begin applying for principal and assistant principal positions with the New York City Department of Education once they have received the appropriate state certification and New York City Certificate(s) of Eligibility.
Applying for Vacant Positions
Principal and assistant principal vacancies vacancies are generally posted at the beginning and middle of each month and will be open for at least 15 days. Posting dates may be adjusted for holidays or weekends. Applications must be submitted online. Paper applications are no longer accepted for principal, assistant principal or educational administrator positions. Click for more informaiton about assistant principal positions.
Note: Those who wish to apply for principal positions must be a member of the Principal Candidate Pool. Click for more information about the Principal Candidate Pool or to apply for entry into the Pool.
Selection and Appointment of Principals and Assistant Principals
The selection, assignment and appointment of all principals and assistant principals are governed by Chancellor's Regulation C-30. It is intended to ensure that the supervisory selection process meets the requirements set by New York State law, is equitable and is based on principles of merit and fitness.
The C-30 process is conducted whenever there is a principal or assistant principal vacancy at a school. The Hiring Manager (Superintendent for principal vacancies and principal for assistant principal vacancies) is responsible for ensuring that the C-30 process is completed correctly, fairly and on time.
Applicants for principal and assistant principal positions must have strong pedagogical, managerial and administrative skills as well as a deep commitment to maintaining personal and professional integrity at all times.
Council of School Supervisors and Administrators
Principals and assistant principals are covered by the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA). Information regarding members’ benefits and union coverage can be obtained by visiting the CSA Web site.
If you have specific questions about becoming a supervisor in one of the New York City schools that was not addressed on this page, please contact our applicant help desk at supvapp@schools.nyc.gov.
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