Fall 2025-2026 Principal Eligibility Application

Fall 2025-2026 Principal Eligibility Pool

The School District of Philadelphia is pleased to announce the official opening of the application period for our Fall 2025-2026 Principal Eligibility Pool. We are actively seeking highly effective, visionary leaders prepared to make a pivotal impact in our schools and communities while driving the successful implementation of the Accelerate Philly strategic plan. We invite committed professionals to apply and take the lead in shaping the next generation of students and educators.

This is a Teamsters Local 502 : Commonwealth Association of School Administrators (CASA) represented role.

Job Summary

The Principal within the School District of Philadelphia serves as the instructional and operational leader, uniquely taking on the role of the leader of joy to create an engaging and positive school climate. This critical, multifaceted position requires the principal to articulate a clear vision for universal student learning while simultaneously promoting high-quality instructional practices. They are responsible for ensuring a safe, secure, and orderly learning environment. Furthermore, principals cultivate strong, service-oriented relationships with all diverse stakeholders, including staff, students, families, and community members.

Essential Functions

• Instructional Excellence : Ensure the school maintains high-quality instructional practices through visible presence, timely feedback, and professional development that reflects high expectations and a belief in all students' potential.
• Talent Management : Strategically select, assign, and support staff, providing differentiated professional growth opportunities and deliberately building leadership capacity among team members.
• Data & Strategy : Collect, rigorously analyze, and apply multiple sources of data to guide continuous improvement in student achievement, well-being, and staff development.
• Culture & Environment : Establish a safe, secure, and orderly learning environment, fostering a culture of joy, collegiality, professional reflection, and shared accountability while constructively managing conflict.
• Stakeholder Relations : Cultivate positive, service-oriented relationships with families and initiate and sustain partnerships with community, business, and non-profit organizations.
• Operational Oversight : Manage school operations, budget, requisitions, funds, and oversee the upkeep of facilities.

Required Competencies Successful candidates must demonstrate :

Application Requirements Please note if you are interested in applying for both the Principal and Assistant Principal Eligibility pool you MUST submit separate applications.

Principal Essay Question Prompts

Principal Essay Question 1 : Instructional Leadership and Equity Describe a time when you led an instructional initiative that significantly improved student outcomes, particularly for historically underserved populations. In your response, address the following :

Principal Essay Question 2 : Vision and School Culture The School District of Philadelphia emphasizes creating inclusive, safe, and academically rigorous environments. Describe your vision for building and sustaining a positive school culture that supports both academic excellence and social-emotional growth. In your response, include :

Interview

Information Sessions

Minimum Requirements To Apply for the Principal Eligibility Pool : Possession of Pennsylvania Department of Education Administrative I or II certification. The certification must be active and valid.

Disclaimer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.