One of the most satisfying aspects of a career in education lies in helping students to build a foundation toward future success. The role of assistant principal plays a significant part in fostering that success while also providing the opportunity for you to mentor new teachers.  Assistant principals in the K-12 grades wear many hats—teachers, mentors, supervisors, curriculum developers – and are the most visible part of the administrative team for both teachers and parents.

Assistant Principal Responsibilities

An assistant principal works under the direct supervision of the school principal and performs diverse administrative responsibilities, to include:

  • Collaboration with principals to oversee the smooth operation of the school.
  • May perform as “acting principal in his or her absence.
  • Provides direct supervision to teaching staff to include guidance with lesson planning and classroom management.
  • Supervises crisis situations and develops emergency response system as mandated by state and federal educational regulatory agencies.  Prepares any necessary reports.
  • Prepares schedules of classes and  orders needed supplies (e.g. textbooks and learning aids)
  • Promotes positive learning environment among teachers, teaching assistants, and parents.
  • Act as a support to school-based parent and teacher committees that seek to improve the overall learning and social environment.
  • May teach classes in regular teacher’s absence, builds student rapport and supervises student-related discipline issues.
  • Provides counseling and guidance to students who are experiencing academic, behavioral, learning, or career-related difficulties.
  • Resolves any conflicts among students, teaching staff, or between parents and teachers.
  • Performs yearly faculty evaluations and serves on tenure committee.
  • Facilitates school assemblies and other special events for the school community throughout the academic year.
  • Directs the activities of school volunteers and specialists and develops relationships with community-based agencies to help build partnerships and support.
  • Performs any needed record-keeping (e.g. teacher and student attendance; evaluation reports) using   educational software programs.

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of educational administrators (including assistant principals) is expected to increase by about 8% from 2008-2018, a rate that is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

While enrollment of students in elementary and high schools is expected to grow slowly over the next several years, job prospects for assistant principals will remain very good due to the large number of anticipated retirements. Overcrowded classrooms, increasing government oversight, safety concerns, budgetary constraints, combined with teacher shortages in some areas (e.g. science, math, and special education) all contribute to increasing job stress for school administrator and discourage many teachers from seeking positions within administration. As a result, the time has almost never been better for those who seek to become leaders in education with the opportunity to make a significant impact on student lives!

Education and Training Requirements for Assistant Principals

Most assistant principals advance into administration after working as a certified teacher for a specific number of years that varies for each State (e.g. three years in New York and Kentucky).  To work in U.S. public schools, assistant principals will need to hold a minimum of a masters degree in educational administration or educational leadership, with a doctoral degree preferred.  While some assistant principals in private schools hold only a bachelor’s degree, this is an exception rather than the rule and most hold a master’s degree.

Coursework in educational administration and educational leadership programs include school leadership, education law, school finance and budgeting, political issues in education, curriculum development and evaluation, research design and statistical analysis, community relations, and management principles. The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accredits graduate programs for elementary and secondary school administrators. Although you are not required to complete an accredited program, it can assist you in meeting licensing requirements.

View a list of online Master’s Degrees in Administration and Leadership >>

Assistant Principal Licensure and Certification

Most States will require that assistant principals be licensed as school administrators.  Specific licensing requirements vary by State, but nearly all require that you possess a minimum of a masters degree. Some States (such as Washington, New York, New Jersey, and North Carolina) also require that candidates for licensure pass a test such as that administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) or a State-specific exam. On-the-job training, usually with a mentor assistant principal, is often required or highly recommended for new administrators.

Some States also require that assistant principals enroll in continuing education courses in order to keep their license. This policy ensures that school administrators are knowledgeable with regard to new school reform and policy issues. Assistant principals working in private schools are not subject to State licensure regulations.

To determine the specific licensing requirements for your State, visit the Web site of the Board of Education which can be found by typing www.“State name”.gov into your browser and following the link for “Education.”

Characteristics of an Assistant Principal

Desirable qualities include strong management and leadership skills, along with sound decision-making ability.  Because the role of assistant principals also requires frequent interaction with community agencies, parents, students, and faculty, you will also need to possess excellent interpersonal ability and be an effective communicator, able to motivate others and negotiate conflicts. You should also have good computer proficiency with the ability to learn new software programs.

Salary Information for Assistant Principals

As with any professional, the salaries of assistant principals vary with years of experience, education, and location. The 2008-2009 The National Survey of Salaries and Wages in Public Schools shows that the average salaries of assistant principals as:

  • Senior High School: $79,391
  • Junior/Middle School: $76,053
  • Elementary School: $71,192

Professional Associations for Assistant Principals

The following are the most popular professional organizations representing assistant principals in both the public and private school systems:

View a list of online Master’s Degrees in Administration and Leadership >>