Career Opportunities

Principal Candidate Pool

Principal Candidate Pool

The NYC Department of Education’s Principal Candidate Pool positively impacts student achievement by ensuring that only outstanding, qualified leaders are eligible to become school principals. In order to apply for principal positions, candidates first must gain entry to the Pool. The Principal Candidate Pool is designed to:

Provide clear and high system-wide standards for principal selection
Ensure a consistent, fair, objective and rigorous process
Provide transparency and visibility into the selection process and leadership pipeline

•   Who We Look For
•   Step 1: Eligibility Requirements
•   Step 2: How to Apply
•   Step 3: Selection Process
•   Step 4: Interpret Your Principal Candidate Pool Candidate Report
•   Submit an Appeal
•  Nominate an Outstanding School Leader
•  Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Who We Look For

The Department of Education seeks outstanding, qualified educators to become school principals. The Principal Candidate Pool selection process discerns candidates’ readiness for the principalship and proficiency in the DOE’s five School Leadership Competencies:

Personal Leadership – Foster a culture of excellence through personal leadership
Data – Use data to set high learning goals and increase student achievement
Curriculum & Instruction – Leverage deep knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to improve student learning
Staff & Community – Develop staff, share school leadership, and build strong school communities
Resources & Operations – Manage resources and operations to improve student learning

Assess your strengths and growth areas using the NYC DOE School Leadership Competency Continuum.

Step 1: Eligibility Requirements

All applicants for the Principal Candidate Pool are required to have a New York State school leader license (e.g. SBL, SAS, or SDA). The evaluation process will be delayed if an applicant does not possess one of the three certifications noted. We recommend all candidates apply and acquire these certifications prior to applying to the Pool.

Step 2: How to Apply

In order to apply, applicants submit an online application. The updated application includes:

Two essays that give candidates an opportunity to share their experiences leading a group of adults and impacting student achievement
Work history and accomplishment record (in place of a resume)
Educational and background information
Names and contact information for 3 professional references, including at least 1 current or recent direct supervisor

Please note: For applicants who are currently employed with the DOE, the Division of Human Resources and Talent will contact your current supervisor.

Review a sample application or apply. All applications must be submitted online. There is no application deadline for the Principal Candidate Pool. Applications are accepted year-round.

Step 3: Selection Process

After submitting the online application, applicants will be invited to an in-person evaluation session where candidates will be assessed on their proficiency in the DOE’s five School Leadership Competencies. Evaluations sessions are held throughout the calendar year, typically in the evenings. All evaluation sessions are held at 65 Court Street in Brooklyn Heights.

The pool process ensures that selection activities reflect the current principal role in NYC and gives candidates opportunities to demonstrate individual thinking and skills through one-on-one and group activities. The Principal Candidate Pool in-person evaluation sessions include 4 different activities:

Un-moderated Group Discussion based on a challenge
Case Study Individual Interview – review a school case study, including the school’s budget and NYC accountability data, distributed in advance
Instructional Analysis Individual Interview – based on viewing a classroom video of teaching
In-Box – respond to 3 scenarios in principal’s in-box

(The DOE updated the Principal Candidate Pool process. The updated application launched in November 2010 and updated evaluation sessions began in December.)

Policy to reschedule in-person evaluation sessions:
Candidates are invited to in-person evaluation sessions based on their application date and must respond by the deadline stated in the invitation. If an applicant cannot attend the selected session, s/he will be rescheduled based on availability, with preference given to first-time invitees. If an applicant confirms via RSVP and then cancels after receiving the case study materials, s/he will not be rescheduled for at least 30 days to ensure s/he is assigned a different case study for the next session.

Consequence for no-shows to scheduled evaluation sessions:
If an applicant fails to show up for their scheduled Pool session without contacting the Division of Human Resources and Talent at least an hour prior to the session, then s/he will not be rescheduled for at least 60 days from the date of the missed appointment. (Exemptions granted for emergency situations.)

Step 4: Interpret Your Principal Candidate Pool Candidate Report

All Principal Candidate Pool applicants receive a Candidate Report upon completion of the evaluation process. When Pool members apply for principal vacancies, their candidate report and application will be shared with the hiring manager. For help understanding your report for the current Pool process, please review the sample Principal Candidate Pool Candidate Report. Please note that we are unable to provide additional feedback on your report or application decisions.

Submit an Appeal

If you applied and were not accepted into the Principal Candidate Pool, you may appeal the decision or reapply to the Pool at a later date.

Do you know someone who would make an excellent school principal?

Nominate outstanding candidates by completing our principal candidate nomination form. Please note that nominations do not impact the selection process, but they do ensure that candidates learn about the opportunity to apply to the Principal Candidate Pool.

The NYC Department of Education is committed to diversity and inclusion. To read our Diversity and Inclusion Policy, please visit our website here.

The NYC Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
It is the policy of the Department of Education of the City of New York to provide educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship status, age, marital status, partnership status, disability, sexual orientation, gender (sex), military status, prior record of arrest or conviction (except as permitted by law), predisposing genetic characteristics, or status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual offenses and stalking, and to maintain an environment free of harassment on any of the above-noted grounds, including sexual harassment or retaliation. Inquiries regarding compliance with this equal opportunity policy may be directed to: Office of Equal Opportunity, 65 Court Street, Room 923, Brooklyn, New York 11201, or visit
the OEO website.

About Us Academics Choices & Enrollment Schools in the Community Offices & Programs Human Resources Career Opportunities Teachers, Principals, and School Professionals Central Administrative and Managerial Employees Health Benefits, Leaves of Absence, Medical Administration, and Safety Retirement Employee Incentives and Discounts DHR Forms and Personnel Memoranda Human Capital Data Rules & Policies Student Support, Safety & Activities Performance & Accountability	Career Opportunities Principal Candidate Pool Principal Candidate Pool The NYC Department of Education’s Principal Candidate Pool positively impacts student achievement by ensuring that only outstanding, qualified leaders are eligible to become school principals. In order to apply for principal positions, candidates first must gain entry to the Pool. The Principal Candidate Pool is designed to: Provide clear and high system-wide standards for principal selection Ensure a consistent, fair, objective and rigorous process Provide transparency and visibility into the selection process and leadership pipeline • Who We Look For • Step 1: Eligibility Requirements • Step 2: How to Apply • Step 3: Selection Process • Step 4: Interpret Your Principal Candidate Pool Candidate Report • Submit an Appeal • Nominate an Outstanding School Leader • Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs Who We Look For The Department of Education seeks outstanding, qualified educators to become school principals. The Principal Candidate Pool selection process discerns candidates’ readiness for the principalship and proficiency in the DOE’s five School Leadership Competencies: Personal Leadership – Foster a culture of excellence through personal leadership Data – Use data to set high learning goals and increase student achievement Curriculum & Instruction – Leverage deep knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to improve student learning Staff & Community – Develop staff, share school leadership, and build strong school communities Resources & Operations – Manage resources and operations to improve student learning Assess your strengths and growth areas using the NYC DOE School Leadership Competency Continuum. Step 1: Eligibility Requirements All applicants for the Principal Candidate Pool are required to have a New York State school leader license (e.g. SBL, SAS, or SDA). The evaluation process will be delayed if an applicant does not possess one of the three certifications noted. We recommend all candidates apply and acquire these certifications prior to applying to the Pool. Step 2: How to Apply In order to apply, applicants submit an online application. The updated application includes: Two essays that give candidates an opportunity to share their experiences leading a group of adults and impacting student achievement Work history and accomplishment record (in place of a resume) Educational and background information Names and contact information for 3 professional references, including at least 1 current or recent direct supervisor Please note: For applicants who are currently employed with the DOE, the Division of Human Resources and Talent will contact your current supervisor. Review a sample application or apply. All applications must be submitted online. There is no application deadline for the Principal Candidate Pool. Applications are accepted year-round. Step 3: Selection Process After submitting the online application, applicants will be invited to an in-person evaluation session where candidates will be assessed on their proficiency in the DOE’s five School Leadership Competencies. Evaluations sessions are held throughout the calendar year, typically in the evenings. All evaluation sessions are held at 65 Court Street in Brooklyn Heights. The pool process ensures that selection activities reflect the current principal role in NYC and gives candidates opportunities to demonstrate individual thinking and skills through one-on-one and group activities. The Principal Candidate Pool in-person evaluation sessions include 4 different activities: Un-moderated Group Discussion based on a challenge Case Study Individual Interview – review a school case study, including the school’s budget and NYC accountability data, distributed in advance Instructional Analysis Individual Interview – based on viewing a classroom video of teaching In-Box – respond to 3 scenarios in principal’s in-box (The DOE updated the Principal Candidate Pool process. The updated application launched in November 2010 and updated evaluation sessions began in December.) Policy to reschedule in-person evaluation sessions: Candidates are invited to in-person evaluation sessions based on their application date and must respond by the deadline stated in the invitation. If an applicant cannot attend the selected session, s/he will be rescheduled based on availability, with preference given to first-time invitees. If an applicant confirms via RSVP and then cancels after receiving the case study materials, s/he will not be rescheduled for at least 30 days to ensure s/he is assigned a different case study for the next session. Consequence for no-shows to scheduled evaluation sessions: If an applicant fails to show up for their scheduled Pool session without contacting the Division of Human Resources and Talent at least an hour prior to the session, then s/he will not be rescheduled for at least 60 days from the date of the missed appointment. (Exemptions granted for emergency situations.) Step 4: Interpret Your Principal Candidate Pool Candidate Report All Principal Candidate Pool applicants receive a Candidate Report upon completion of the evaluation process. When Pool members apply for principal vacancies, their candidate report and application will be shared with the hiring manager. For help understanding your report for the current Pool process, please review the sample Principal Candidate Pool Candidate Report. Please note that we are unable to provide additional feedback on your report or application decisions. Submit an Appeal If you applied and were not accepted into the Principal Candidate Pool, you may appeal the decision or reapply to the Pool at a later date. Do you know someone who would make an excellent school principal? Nominate outstanding candidates by completing our principal candidate nomination form. Please note that nominations do not impact the selection process, but they do ensure that candidates learn about the opportunity to apply to the Principal Candidate Pool. The NYC Department of Education is committed to diversity and inclusion. To read our Diversity and Inclusion Policy, please visit our website here. The NYC Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Department of Education of the City of New York to provide educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship status, age, marital status, partnership status, disability, sexual orientation, gender (sex), military status, prior record of arrest or conviction (except as permitted by law), predisposing genetic characteristics, or status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual offenses and stalking, and to maintain an environment free of harassment on any of the above-noted grounds, including sexual harassment or retaliation. Inquiries regarding compliance with this equal opportunity policy may be directed to: Office of Equal Opportunity, 65 Court Street, Room 923, Brooklyn, New York 11201, or visit the OEO website.	Contacts HR Connect 65 Court Street, Room 102 Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 935-4000 News Principal's Online Per Session Activity Approval Requests - Now Available for School Based Programs Only For Principals Only: direct access to Human Resources Reports & Systems Updated Sabbatical Memorandum for the 2012-2013 School Year > more