High School Principal's Role

Experience: The minimum is three years of teaching experience, preferably at the secondary (grade 7-12) level. Any administrative experience you can offer is highly desirable as well.

Education: A master’s degree in secondary or PK-12 administration is the minimum requirement. Any additional graduate or doctorate work is desirable as well.

Typical Responsibilities: 

Ensure that all students have adequate and appropriate opportunities to meet high standards.

Engage the community to create shared responsibility for student and school success.

Stay current on educational research and practices.

Design school improvement strategies.

Broker professional development consistent with improvement strategy.

Recruit and evaluate teachers, certified and classified staff.

Involve staff in design and implementation of decisions and policies.

Allocate school resources toward instruction.

Motivate and inspire staff.

Buffer non-instructional issues from teachers.

Organize and supervise programs, staff and facilities.

Communicate school news to the community.

Serve as liaison between staff, students, parents and community.

Lead school philosophy, curriculum, teaching strategies and vision.

Interpret and utilize test data.

Create schedules for faculty and students.

Administer safety and health procedures.

Establish and enforce rules and regulations.

Administer policies pertaining to student welfare and conduct.

Develop budget.

Maintain records and reports.

Monitor co-curricular activities.

Additional Resource

National Association of Secondary School Principals