Assistant Principal Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an assistant principal. You can use our job description template in this article to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an assistant principal.
Who is an Assistant Principal?
An assistant principal works in a school and assists the principal in dealing with student behavioral problems, evaluating teachers, and taking care of some other school functions, The assistant principal is also known as the vice principal and he/she usually take on many of the tasks and needs of the school to relieve the workload of the principal and is often more involved in the day-to-day maintenance of the school. They may also strive to prove themselves worthy of promotion, as most of them see this position as a stepping stone to becoming a principal.
The number of assistant principals in a school usually depends on the size of the school and the number of students, but most schools have at least one assistant principal. The assistant principal is always closely involved in different situations with the students, teachers, and parents. This often takes the form of disciplinary action against students whose behavior is disruptive or dangerous to other students. Disciplinary action may also be taken against teachers who fail to meet mandatory targets set by the state or region in which the school is located. Although the assistant principal is not in a position to formally dismiss or reprimand teachers, he/she is usually the first person to discuss areas for improvement regularly, before the principal intervenes.
The assistant principal is also often involved in various aspects of the running of the school itself. While the principal is usually responsible for preparing and managing the school’s budget, assistant principals usually ensure the proper management of activities and oversee the running of extra-curricular activities and programs. As assistant principals are usually in charge of disciplinary measures and day-to-day activities, they may be more familiar with students than the principal, who is usually less directly involved with them.
With US education’s increasing emphasis on standardized testing, many assistant principals in the United States have also become heavily involved in these procedures. The assistant principal often works with teachers to determine how best to enable students to take the tests, and administers the tests or instructs other faculty members on how to administer them correctly. The various roles and tasks of assistant principals are often related to those of school heads, and being an assistant principal is often a form of training to become a principal. However, some assistant principals decide to remain in this position throughout their careers.
Assistant Principal Job Description
Below are the assistant principal job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of an assistant principal include the following:
- Enforcing attendance regulations
- Meeting with parents to discuss behavioral or learning problems of students.
- Responding to discipline problems
- Coordinating the use of school facilities for daily activities and special events.
- Collaborating with teachers in the development of curricular standards
- Developing and maintaining school safety procedures
- Evaluating teachers and instructional materials to determine areas for improvement.
- Coordinating and planning class schedules
- Evaluating data such as state standards and test scores.
- Coordinating student transportation
- Hiring and training staff
- Ordering and approving equipment and supplies
- Maintaining attendance, performance, scheduling, and other reporting systems
- Overseeing the maintenance of school facilities
- Walking the halls and checking on teachers and classrooms
- Responding to emails from teachers, parents, and community members.
- Analyzing data to identify problems that need improvement.
- Communicating regularly with parents and guardians about student progress, behavioral problems, and other concerns.
- Monitoring the school’s budget and expenditures to ensure that funds are used effectively.
- Working with students on an individual basis to help them improve their grades or behavior.
- Coordinating the activities of support staff, such as custodians and cafeteria workers.
- Liaising between parents, teachers, administration, and other school staff.
Qualifications
Assistant principals should generally have the following qualifications:
Education
Assistant principals should generally have a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field. Many assistant principals choose to obtain a master’s degree in educational administration to increase their earning potential and to qualify for managerial positions.
Training and experience
Assistant principals often begin their careers as teachers. They may also have experience in administrative roles, such as teaching assistant or school secretary.
Certifications and licenses
State certification demonstrates that a person is prepared to meet challenges and use their knowledge effectively in a variety of situations. Most administrative certification tests assess organizational skills and knowledge and help demonstrate that individuals are effective in positive growth and change within the school system.
Most states require most public school assistant principals to hold a school administrator’s license. Licensing requirements differ from state to state. In addition, some states require principals to pass an examination and take continuing education courses to maintain their licenses. Most states require a background check as part of the certification process.
Although many public schools do not necessarily require a school administrator’s license to be an assistant principal, a master’s degree may increase employment opportunities.
Essential Skills
- Supervision
Supervision is the ability to supervise and lead others. Assistant principals often supervise other administrators, teachers, and staff in their school district. They also supervise student activities and ensure that students follow school rules and regulations. As an assistant principal, you may have to delegate tasks to staff members or students and monitor their progress.
- Data analysis
Assistant principals often use data analysis to make decisions about school performance. They may need to examine student test scores, attendance records, and other data to determine whether a class or grade is performing well enough to receive funding for new resources or programs. For example, they may track the number of students graduating from high school each year to see if they are meeting state standards. Assistant principals also analyze data when evaluating their performance as administrators.
- Classroom management
Classroom management involves knowing how to deal with different types of student behavior, and this is a skill that is imperative for assistant principals to possess.
Classroom management skills are important for assistant principals, as they often supervise several classes at once. Assistant principals must be able to manage their classrooms and ensure that teachers in charge of other classrooms manage theirs effectively. Interpersonal skills
Assistant principals often work with a wide variety of people, such as students, teachers, parents, and other administrators. Good interpersonal skills can help them build relationships with others and resolve conflicts. Assistant principals must also be able to communicate effectively with colleagues to share information about student progress and discuss strategies for improving school performance.
- Student discipline
Student discipline involves maintaining a safe learning environment for students and staff while respecting students’ rights.
Assistant principals often oversee student behavior and discipline, so it is important to be highly skilled in this area. They may have to enforce school rules, review disciplinary records, and create or implement classroom management strategies.
- Time management
Time management is the ability to plan and execute tasks to achieve one’s objectives. Assistant principals often have many responsibilities. As a result of this, time management skills are important for success in this role. For example, if you are responsible for organizing staff meetings, you must know how long each meeting lasts so that you can plan accordingly.
- Organizational skills
Organization is another skill that assistant managers must have. As a deputy’s head, you will be responsible for managing a large group of staff and students. You may also be responsible for creating lesson plans, developing budgets, and planning events. Good organizational skills can help you to manage your time well and keep track of important documents and information.
- Decision-making skills
Assistant principals often have to make decisions about school policies, student discipline, and other aspects of the job. Strong decision-making skills can help you to meet these challenges and to run your school effectively.
- Problem-solving skills
Problem-solving is the ability to identify and solve problems. Assistant principals often use their problem-solving skills to manage disciplinary measures, address student concerns, or resolve conflicts among faculty members. Your problem-solving skills can help you maintain a safe and productive learning environment for students.
- Curriculum development
Curriculum development is the process by which assistant principals create and implement instructional plans for their schools. They often work with teachers to develop curricula that are aligned with state standards, as well as to design learning activities that help students achieve those standards. Assistant principals also use their knowledge of curriculum development when creating professional development programs for teachers or post-academic programs for students.
- Communication
Communication is the ability to convey information clearly and concisely. Assistant principals often communicate with students, teachers, parents, and other administrators daily. Good communication skills can help you convey messages effectively and keep the lines of communication open between all parties involved in an issue or conversation.
- Professional development
Professional development is the process by which you can improve your skills and knowledge to advance your career. Assistant principals often take courses or workshops that enable them to learn new strategies for managing their school, improving student achievement, and working with other members of the teaching staff. Professional development also involves spending time to reflect on your performance and identify areas in which you can grow as an assistant principal.
- Staff appraisal
Assistant principals often carry out staff appraisals, so they must have the necessary competencies to do so. Assistant principals use these appraisals to determine whether a teacher needs additional training or whether a staff member should be promoted.
- Students’ Evaluation
Assistant principals often conduct student evaluations to determine how well students are learning their subjects. They may also evaluate the school’s curriculum and its effectiveness in developing their students academically. Assistant principals use this information to help them make decisions about hiring new teachers, modifying the curriculum, or making other adjustments in the school.
How to Become an Assistant Principal
- Complete a degree program
Completion of a bachelor’s degree in education or school counseling is generally accepted for aspiring assistant principals. In some states, no specific degree in education is required as individuals can obtain degrees in specific areas and then become licensed to teach through examinations or a master’s degree in teaching. Regardless of the steps taken, aspiring assistant principals need to get a bachelor’s degree.
- Gain teaching experience
Without teaching experience, it will be difficult (if not impossible) to find a job as an assistant principal. Steps to take to get certified vary by state and program (bachelor’s or master’s degree). You can check with the state board of education for more information.
- Pursue a graduate program
Most assistant principals have a master’s degree in some area of educational leadership or administration. The following are the degrees required for a career as an assistant principal:
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership.
- Master’s degree in Organisational Leadership
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching
- Master’s degree in Education (Administration and Supervision).
Some people choose to pursue a doctoral degree in the hope of becoming a principal, or an educational leader. Some of these degrees include the following:
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Doctorate in Educational Leadership
- Doctorate in Education (Ph.D.)
- Get a License
Although public schools do not require a license, any assistant principal needs to obtain a license to become a school administrator. For assistant principals in public assistance, this step is a requirement in almost all states. Candidates must pass an examination to obtain this license, and continuing education is required to maintain this license throughout their careers.
Where to Work as an Assistant Principal
Assistant principals usually work in elementary, middle, and secondary schools. They may also work in post-secondary institutions, such as community colleges and universities. Most assistant principals have an office in the school but spend most of their time walking around the building, observing classrooms, and talking to teachers, students, and parents. They also attend meetings, such as teacher meetings, parent-teacher meetings, and extracurricular activities. Assistant principals usually work for 10-12 hours per day, which may include evenings and weekends. They may also work during the summer to prepare for the next school year.
Assistant Principal Salary Scale
Assistant principals’ salaries in the United States range from $59,070 to $131,310, with an average salary of $90,410.