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Job outlook for principals in the United States
Principal job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected principal job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 14,200 new jobs for principals are projected over the next decade.
Principal salaries have increased 6% for principals in the last 5 years.
There are over 96,439 principals currently employed in the United States.
There are 84,015 active principal job openings in the US.
The average principal salary is $111,719.
Are principal jobs in demand?
Principal job and salary trends over time
Principal jobs over time
Principal job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 96,439 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 92,146 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 95,144 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 92,371 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 87,863 | 0.03% |
Average principal salary over time
Principal salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $111,719 | $53.71 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $109,349 | $52.57 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $108,112 | $51.98 | +1.0% |
| 2022 | $107,069 | $51.48 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $104,936 | $50.45 | +2.3% |
Principal jobs by state
Most common states for principals
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 556 | 80% |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 625 | 59% |
| 3 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 1,624 | 52% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,959 | 43% |
| 5 | Vermont | 623,657 | 254 | 41% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,331 | 31% |
| 7 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,291 | 31% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 417 | 31% |
| 9 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 2,631 | 29% |
| 10 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,468 | 29% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 303 | 29% |
| 12 | California | 39,536,653 | 10,664 | 27% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,319 | 24% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,389 | 19% |
| 15 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,379 | 19% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,155 | 19% |
| 17 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 333 | 19% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 337 | 18% |
| 19 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,186 | 17% |
| 20 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,667 | 16% |
Most common cities for principals
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middletown | 4 | 9% | $134,246 |
| 2 | Cambridge | 7 | 6% | $120,638 |
| 3 | Burbank | 3 | 3% | $123,250 |
| 4 | Springfield | 3 | 3% | $88,900 |
| 5 | Atlanta | 8 | 2% | $83,763 |
| 6 | Washington | 10 | 1% | $114,147 |
| 7 | Boston | 9 | 1% | $120,774 |
| 8 | San Francisco | 8 | 1% | $130,587 |
| 9 | Denver | 5 | 1% | $71,781 |
| 10 | Sacramento | 4 | 1% | $124,709 |
| 11 | Tampa | 3 | 1% | $77,737 |
| 12 | Chicago | 12 | 0% | $95,741 |
| 13 | Los Angeles | 7 | 0% | $122,751 |
| 14 | New York | 7 | 0% | $134,786 |
| 15 | Jacksonville | 4 | 0% | $78,647 |
| 16 | Indianapolis | 3 | 0% | $98,195 |
| 17 | San Diego | 3 | 0% | $115,220 |
| 18 | San Jose | 3 | 0% | $130,923 |
Principal job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of principal experts
Soka University of America
Marymount University
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Ohio University
Edgewood College
Florida Gulf Coast University
Seattle University
Springfield College
Presbyterian College
Eastern Kentucky University
Calvin University
Central State University
What general advice would you give to a Principal?
Linda Vogel Ph.D.: First, graduates from a BA program with teacher licensure should teach for at least two years before considering a MA program with principal licensure. This way, they understand school processes and challenges before seeking to lead change in the education system. Also, being a master teacher in whatever subject area you teach will increase your credibility with teachers in the building you lead once you obtain your principal license. In Colorado, the administrator license is for district-level/superintendent positions, so it is best to first obtain your principal license and work as a principal for a few years before earning the administrator license. Also, the building-level leadership experience enhances one’s chances of securing a district-level position.
What Principal skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Linda Vogel Ph.D.: The easy answer is to apply to a school/district in a higher SES urban area. However, small, rural schools are in desperate need of effective teachers and also for effective school and district leaders. Few educators who remain in the classroom or who take on leadership roles are motivated primarily by the financial rewards, so one needs to understand what motivates them and what contexts they feel most comfortable and fulfilled.
What will help Principals increase their earning potential?
Linda Vogel Ph.D.: The ability to support diverse student needs is paramount now and will likely only increase in the future. Also, the ability to look at challenges with flexibility. This may include hybrid/blended/virtual learning options to meet student needs. Partnerships with community agencies and businesses will also likely be an increasing strength in the future as education options become more competitive.
What Principal skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ryan Allen: I don't think there is any one skill that will prepare students for even the next 3-5 years. Things are changing so fast in our sector. Think back to just five years ago, there was no global COVID-19 pandemic nor Chat-GPT. Things are fluid, especially in the field of education right now. The main thing I want my students to understand in my classes is that they should be learning to learn. This means that they might not always have an answer to every questions, but they also have the confidence to find an answer out there somewhere. I don't think this concept can be categorized as just one skill, but rather a broader ethos that I hope my students attain after our program.
What will help Principals increase their earning potential?
Ryan Allen: I think being willing to move to a new location, even sometimes across the world, can be one of the things that helps propel a career. In the educational leadership space, someone may end up at a place they like, but career advancement is limited because the person above them also likes that place. Depending on the location or institution, these can be desirable roles. One way to overcome these issues is to move to another institution, sometimes even in a lateral move with an eye moving up. There is no shame in getting more experience elsewhere and then moving back later. In fact, I think seeing a wider range of different schools, organization, or other educational institutions can be a great way to bring fresh ideas back with you if you do return. I understand moving (especially abroad) is not always an option for people, but it might even just be moving to a different school down the road. Grow through your options.
What general advice would you give to a Principal?
Dr. Matthew Ohlson Ph.D.: Principal: Learn, Learn, Learn! The beginning of your career is where the real skills training starts. Sign up for any training opportunities, volunteer for activities or committees and be engaged in professional development and not just a passive learner. Take every experience is a step towards your next role.
My Coaching with New Leaders: Coaching New Leaders: Daily Reflection and Growth
Parking Lot Rule: Each day, before leaving school, take a moment to reflect on one positive thing you accomplished. Whether it's supporting a teacher, connecting with a student, or sharing school successes with a community member, focusing on these daily achievements will help you recognize and feel the impact of your leadership.
Mentorship: Seek guidance and support from experienced mentors who can provide valuable advice and perspective. Mentorship is a valuable resource as you navigate the challenges and responsibilities of your role.
Celebrate Successes: Have a clear vision of what success looks like for you (at work, at home, etc.) Recognize and celebrate your achievements and milestones.
What Principal skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Matthew Ohlson Ph.D.: Become knowledgeable and most importantly, comfortable, sharing the data and impact you’ve had as a school leader. The use of data is so imperative to show progress towards long and short-term goals, for example: attendance gains, teacher retention rates, etc. School leaders can seek more compensation and larger responsibilities in more prominent roles when they are able to show how their leadership made a difference. Annual impact reports, data snapshots, student/teacher testimonials, etc. can illustrate how your leadership impacted teaching and learning.
What will help Principals increase their earning potential?
Dr. Matthew Ohlson Ph.D.: Principal: Collaboration, the reteaching of conversations skills and interaction, empathy, grit, ability to blend virtual and in-person strategies effectively.
My Coaching with New Leaders: New leaders must navigate the complexities of the role where one moment you are harnessing your logistics talents in terms of scheduling and the next moment you are motivating students for graduation, and then celebrating teachers to kick off the school year. Your positive energy is contagious and even though you feel overwhelmed or apprehensive, great school leaders consistently show a sense of confidence and an unwavering belief in their “why.” It is imperative to harness skills/resources such as public speaking/social media (tell your story or someone else will!), grit (If you know you why, you can navigate any “how”) and promoting positivity (It’s not bragging if it’s true).
Marcia Baldanza Ed.D.
Assistant ProfessorMarymount University
Educational Administration And Supervision
What general advice would you give to a Principal?
Marcia Baldanza Ed.D.: Continuously Learn and Grow: Education and education leadership is a field that is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest research, trends, and best practices in education. Take advantage of further education and professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge. Build Relationships: Effective leadership often hinges on collaboration and communication. Cultivate strong relationships with colleagues, teachers, students, parents, and other stakeholders in the educational community. Lead by Example: Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to the values you want to instill in your educational community. Your actions will set the tone for others to follow. Prioritize Equity and Inclusion: Strive to create an inclusive and equitable learning environment where all students feel valued and supported. Be mindful of systemic barriers and work to address them proactively. Focus on Student Success: Keep the best interests of students at the forefront of your decision-making process. You can't go wrong! Champion initiatives that promote academic achievement, personal growth, and well-being.
What Principal skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Marcia Baldanza Ed.D.: Technology in the Service of Learning: With the ongoing integration of technology in education, school leaders must possess strong digital literacy skills and be adept at leveraging technology to enhance teaching, learning, and administrative processes. Data Analysis with Decision-Making: As data-driven decision-making becomes more prevalent and important, school leaders will need to be proficient in analyzing various types of data, including academic performance metrics, student demographics, and financial data, to inform strategic planning and resource allocation. Cultural Competency and Equity Advocacy: With a growing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, school leaders must demonstrate cultural competency and advocate for equitable practices that address the needs of all students, regardless of background or identity. Adaptability and Change Management: In an era of constant change and uncertainty, school leaders must be adaptable and agile, capable of navigating complex challenges and leading their schools through transitions effectively. Innovative Pedagogies and Personalized Learning: School leaders should champion innovative pedagogical approaches and personalized learning strategies that cater to the diverse needs and learning styles of students, preparing them for success in the 21st-century workforce. Emotional Intelligence and Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build positive relationships are essential for fostering a supportive school culture and nurturing a sense of belonging among students, staff, and families.
What will help Principals increase their earning potential?
Marcia Baldanza Ed.D.: Maximizing your salary potential in school leadership involves a combination of strategic planning, professional development, and a proactive approach to career advancement. This can be challenging in a highly competitive environment with a salary scale in a unionized (in some places) environment. Obtain Advanced Degrees and Certifications: Higher levels of education, such as a master's degree or doctorate in educational leadership or a related field, can often lead to higher salary opportunities. Gain Experience and Demonstrate Success: Build a strong track record of success in your educational career, whether as a teacher, administrator or in another role. Document your accomplishments, leadership experience, and impact on student achievement, as these can strengthen your position when negotiating salary or applying for higher-level leadership positions. Seek Leadership Positions in High-Need Areas: Consider pursuing leadership positions in high-need areas, such as schools serving low-income communities or those with high rates of student need. These positions may offer additional financial incentives or loan forgiveness programs to attract qualified candidates.
What general advice would you give to a Principal?
Larry Arant MSRS, RT(R)(CT)(MR): Stay teachable, network, embrace diversity and inclusion, develop strong communication skills.
What Principal skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Larry Arant MSRS, RT(R)(CT)(MR): Digital literacy, online teaching and learning expertise, cultural competence and inclusivity, emotional intelligence and empathy.
Vernon Smith
What Principal skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Vernon Smith: Strong knowledge base, technical skills and interpersonal skills. If given a small school, work to become the building leader of a larger school. After you have gotten some on the job experience, seek central administrative positions.
What will help Principals increase their earning potential?
Vernon Smith: If you have successfully completed the program for Educational Leadership, then you are ready to start demonstrating your skills. Mastering the Educational leadership program, you have the knowledge base, the technical skills, and interpersonal skills to be successful as an educational leader. You must believe in yourself. Even if a secured position is not immediately forthcoming, never give up. Remember, stop signs were made for traffic, not for people. The battle is not over until you quit.
I am confident that we have instilled within you some passion; show it. Passion will take you far. You are human and humans make mistakes. Let every set-back become an opportunity for a comeback. Strive to become better. Listen to learn and learn to improve. Every day you wake up feel excited and grateful. Each day gives you another chance to demonstrate to all observers that you can make a positive difference in the academic achievement of your students. Never forget if you are not progressing, then you are regressing. Take the initiative. Turn your good into better and your better into best.
Stay focused and Involve others in the quest for excellence. Remember that none of us are as smart as all of us. You make more touchdowns when all players are going in the same direction. Collaborative and collegial leaders are winners….and you are a winner.
Dr. Dwan Robinson PhD
Associate Professor of Educational LeadershipOhio University
Educational Administration And Supervision
What general advice would you give to a Principal?
Dr. Dwan Robinson PhD: Given that many of our graduates have had opportunities to develop and refine their leadership skills while at OHIO:
I would suggest that our graduates seek opportunities where there is growth potential and future career opportunities for advancing in educational leadership.
I would encourage them to explore positions where they have the chance to impact the organization with the educational leadership and related expertise that they have cultivated.
I would also suggest that graduates reflect on how their expertise and experiences connect with the various roles and pathways that they are seeking in education so that they can imagine what their trajectories might be in the careers that they aspire to in the field of education.
What Principal skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Dwan Robinson PhD: In my capacity as a faculty member in educational leadership and having researched and interacted with numerous educational leaders, a few of the skills that I anticipate will become more important and prevalent in the field include:
Adaptable and Nimble Leadership: Adaptable and nimble leadership will become more important given the continually changing social and cultural context of education and the need to pivot to lead in varied circumstances. Educational leaders need to be able to adjust and lead through change and augment their leadership approaches to facilitate continued positive trajectories of educational organizations.
Collaborative and Shared Leadership: The increased demands on educational leadership will necessitate collaborative and shared leadership where leaders integrate the expertise of all members in organizations such as schools and external partners. Collaborative leadership will be essential in re-imagining and problem-solving, building capacity of colleagues, and helping to improve educational experiences for learners. To motivate and inspire people to want to stay in organizations they must be valued and appreciated and be supported to grow.
Innovative and Creative Leadership: Educational leaders will need to be innovative and creative being receptive to new approaches and strategies for achieving goals, maximizing opportunities for teaching and learning, and recognizing opportunities for merging new ideas with current ones.
Authentic and Compassionate Leadership: Educational leaders will need to be authentic and compassionate with those colleagues, team members, learners and other partners involved with the educational organization. They will need to recognize that education is a people intensive field that involves leaders, teachers, learners, and external partners. These leadership approaches will entail the development of authentic and compassionate relationships where there is trust, respect and appreciation and where leaders lead with an ethic of care for others.
What will help Principals increase their earning potential?
Dr. Dwan Robinson PhD: Creatively articulate the skills and expertise that you bring to the education profession and connect those proficiencies to show alignment with the needs of the career that you are seeking.
Be forward thinking about how you can impact the field of education broadly and specifically to the organization you endeavor to join.
Share ideas regarding how your experience can enhance the work that the organization you are moving into and articulate how you will help the organization achieve goals and realize positive outcomes.
Show an understanding about the field and the current landscape that the educational organization is operating in and be visionary about how your expertise connects with the visions and goals that employers have for their organization.
Suzanne Otte Allen Ed.D. '14 (AHH-tee/she, her)
Associate Dean and Director of Ed. Leadership/Sr. LecturerEdgewood College
Educational Administration And Supervision
What Principal skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Suzanne Otte Allen Ed.D. '14 (AHH-tee/she, her): A graduate will want to elevate their career, so they have to think about where they've been and where they want to go. If they are a teacher looking at a leadership position as principal, for example, and they've just earned their license, then they aren't likely going to get in to a large metro school as principal without some experience. In this case, an associate principal might be a better fit. Once they have that experience, then they can continue to build their career. I would advise students to "right fit" their skills with the position. The other piece of advice I would offer is to keep looking until you find a place where you feel a deep sense of mission and purpose. Because of the demanding nature of the educational leadership, having a clear sense of meaning, and doing that work with a dedicated team is essential.
What general advice would you give to a Principal?
Russell Sabella Ph.D.: In many school districts, salaries are set according to your educational degrees and years of
experience; they are not negotiable. However, here are some thoughts and ideas:
Some districts or regions offer higher salaries than others. While location and cost of
living play a role, consider exploring opportunities in areas known for higher
compensation.
Pursue additional certifications or licensure: Earning certifications in specific areas like
school leadership, crisis intervention, or play counseling can increase your marketability
and command higher salaries.
Seek leadership roles: Take on additional responsibilities within your school or district
that provide a stipend, such as leading professional development workshops or serving
on committees.
Look into private schools or specialized programs: Private schools, charter schools, or
programs catering to specific needs (e.g., gifted and talented) sometimes offer more
competitive salaries, though benefits and job security may differ.
Consider rural or underserved areas: Some states offer incentives for school counselors
working in high-need areas, including loan forgiveness programs or higher base salaries.
Consider a side hustle. The school counselor skill set is highly sought after by various
companies, industries, and organizations.
Remember, being a school counselor is a rewarding and challenging career. By staying
passionate about your work, you can make a positive difference in the lives of many students
and their families.
What Principal skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Russell Sabella Ph.D.: Cultural Competency: The ability to understand and appreciate diverse cultures, backgrounds,
and experiences will continue to be crucial as our student populations become even more
diverse. School counselors will need to be able to provide culturally responsive services that
meet the unique needs of all students more than ever.
Technology Integration: Technology is integrated into all aspects of our lives, and school
counseling is no exception. School counselors will need to be comfortable using emerging
technology to deliver services, manage data, and communicate with students and families.
Technological developments such as augmented, virtual, and mixed reality, robotics, and
artificial intelligence will bring both new opportunities and challenges to all careers and
professions, including everyone involved in education.
Leadership: Continually developing your leadership skills will be necessary to navigate
organizational challenges, drive positive change, anticipate future needs, manage resources,
and advocate for the school counseling profession, especially in a chaotic world.
Social-emotional learning (SEL): As the focus on mental health and well-being
grows, counselors increasingly play a key role in teaching SEL skills to students.
What will help Principals increase their earning potential?
Russell Sabella Ph.D.: Here are a few common suggestions for the beginning school counselor:
Connect with colleagues: Get to know teachers, administrators, and other support staff.
They can be valuable resources and allies. School counselors don't work in isolation.
Effective collaboration with stakeholders is essential for providing comprehensive
support to students. Strong communication skills are key to building and maintaining
these relationships.
Learn the ropes: Familiarize yourself with school policies, procedures, and curriculum.
Develop your school counseling style: Experiment with different approaches and find
what works best for you.
Data is your friend: Data can be a powerful tool for understanding student needs and
measuring the effectiveness of school counseling programs. Use data to help you make
decisions, like prioritizing your time and talents.
Plan, calendar, and do some more planning. Planning plays a vital role in every aspect
of effective school counseling. With limited time and diverse responsibilities, planning
helps the school counselor to prioritize tasks, manage caseloads, and ensure they can
adequately address student needs. Ultimately, planning allows school counselors to
design comprehensive programs aligned with school goals and the American School
Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, maximizing impact on student success.
Use the ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs as your
framework for achieving the school counseling mission and vision.
Stay up-to-date: Things are changing very quickly. Continuously learn about new
developments in the field via the research, ongoing professional development, and
staying connected to your state and national school counseling associations (e.g.,
American School Counselor Association).
Take care of yourself.
Set boundaries: It's important to establish healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout as
well as balancing being a team player and passing on responsibilities. Being solution-
focused helps with preventing burnout.
Practice self-care: Find healthy ways to manage stress and maintain your well-being.
Seek support: Don't hesitate to reach out to colleagues, supervisors, or mental health
professionals when needed.
Celebrate your successes: Take time to recognize the positive impact you have on
students and their lives.
Other tips:
Get to know the office assistants and custodians: They can help you in ways that others
may not.
Be prepared for challenging situations: You may encounter students experiencing a
variety of issues, including mental health concerns, bullying, depression, and trauma.
Remember, you can't do it all: Use a multitiered system of support and refer students to
other professionals when necessary.
Give yourself grace. The first few years are tough, and you will make mistakes, everyone
does. This is an important part of learning and growing.
What general advice would you give to a Principal?
Rolf Straubhaar: Being a school leader is one of the most time and energy-intensive careers in the US. On a day-to-day basis, you are leading professional development, doing walk-throughs in classrooms, handling student discipline, talking with parents, advocating for your school and community to higher-ups at the district and state level-in general, you are putting out both literal and metaphorical fires all day to make sure the kids in your school building feel safe and learn.
What Principal skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rolf Straubhaar: Due to the many political pressures on public education right now (including culture wars about book banning, what curricula are used in classrooms, and funding fights over school vouchers in most statehouses), many potential school leaders are choosing not to enter the profession right now. That is a shame, as their leadership is particularly needed at this time-it is a time when school leaders who are willing to advocate for and on behalf of their schools and communities can do an incredible amount of good.
What will help Principals increase their earning potential?
Rolf Straubhaar: People love the meaning being a school leader brings to their lives, as on a day-to-day basis you are making a direct impact on the lives and futures of children. They dislike having to deal with unnecessary and distracting political fights that do nothing to improve the lives of children.
Ted Kalmus
Program Director, Educational Administration (EDAD), Instructor, Educational Administration (EDAD)Seattle University
College of Education
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Principal job market given the pandemic?
Ted Kalmus: The pandemic has both magnified and shone a light on the opportunity gaps in our educational delivery systems. In one sense this has served as an urgent catalyst for deferred initiatives - one-to-one programs, SEL programs, and review and/or abandonment of punitive evaluation or disciplinary systems. As such educational leaders have been asked to lead, communicate, and manage change at a faster rate than they may have thought possible. While many of our educational leaders can speak with well-earned pride about the many ways they have successfully adapted the delivery of school to meet the moment, there is a visible cost to the constant pursuit of scarce resources, negotiation with important issues of safety and labor forces, and relentless questioning of each decision from parents. Thus, most of our educational leaders can also profess a level understandable.
Thus, I think it is likely that we will see a greater number of educational leaders step away from their positions, if not this spring then in the year that follows. With statewide and national dollars prioritizing risk mitigation and faculty salaries, it is unlikely that we will see short-term movement in administrator salaries. Further, expect to see schools and districts not wanting to close the door on practices and initiatives that found footing during the pandemic: Hybrid models that are more cost- and time-efficient, sustained equity initiatives and re-imagining of student assessment systems to name a few.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Principal job market given the pandemic?
Eileen Cyr Ed.D.: The pandemic's financial ramifications will impact state and district budgets, and schools will likely be required to do more with fewer resources. This could potentially trickle down to personnel cuts. Even with this possibility, I believe that there will be an abundance of job opportunities related to early retirement and the predicted exodus from the profession.
In one form or another, virtual teaching is here to stay. I live in New England and believe that we will never have another "snow day." Teachers will need to provide lesson plans that can be carried out both in person and virtually. I believe that it is likely that students who are out sick due to minor illness will be required to attend virtually.
Dr. Patricia L. Jones Ed.D.
ChairPresbyterian College
Education Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Principals?
Dr. Patricia L. Jones Ed.D.: I feel that in the short term, graduates might have a harder time finding jobs. I don't think this will be something that endures for more than another 18 months. Once the vaccine is widely distributed, and people continue to wear masks and social distance, things will begin to get back to a "new normal."
What type of skills will young Principals need?
Dr. Patricia L. Jones Ed.D.: Graduates need good writing and communication skills in the workforce. They also need skills for working well with people and helping to solve problems that arise. They also need a strong work ethic. Absences in the workforce continue to rise, and our graduates need to have a strong work ethic to compete and keep a job.
What experience really stands out on Principal resumes?
Dr. Patricia L. Jones Ed.D.: What always seems to stand out is their community service and engagement beyond academics. Also, if they have done some sort of an internship in their field, this gives them a hiring advantage.
What are the best companies to work for a Principal?
Dr. Faye Deters: Graduates with degrees in Educational Leadership typically seek employment as leaders within public school districts and private or charter schools.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Principals in the next 5 years?
Dr. Faye Deters: The Bureau for Labor Statistics predicts 4% job growth (average) for this field over the next nine years.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Principals to find work opportunities?
Dr. Faye Deters: Cities and areas with growing populations are ideal areas for educational leaders, as new schools are built to accommodate families' influx into those areas. According to the Census Bureau, states in the western and southern U.S. have seen the most population growth in the last decade. Texas leads the country with the most cities that top the list for having the fastest population growth. Other states seeing development include Arizona, Tennessee, Idaho, Utah, Florida, California, and South Carolina.
What general advice would you give to a Principal?
Dr. Albert Boerema Ph.D.: As one begins a career in educational leadership, the temptation is to pay attention to organizational details, to help things run smoothly, to avoid controversy. My advice is that while those are important, they are not at the center of leading. Instead, there needs to be a focus on issues of equity and justice. It turns out that organizational details do reflect those issues. Still, suppose we do not focus, first of all, on this big picture, getting the "trains to run on time" without thinking about justice. In that case, we will instead wind up maintaining a status quo that privileges some and marginalizes others. The core challenge of leadership is keeping justice at the center.
This is true for all leadership work. In school or educational leadership, it means paying attention to how pedagogical, curricular, and assessment choices provide real opportunities for those on the margins to thrive.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Principals in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Albert Boerema Ph.D.: I have been involved with school leadership for a long time-18 years as a high school principal and 15 years as an educational leadership professor. This is long enough to know that technology continues to change, and digital technology changes at a fast pace. I have watched new technologies become touted as the answer to our challenges in education. Over the years, I have been involved with preparing school teachers and leaders.
I have watched them be advised to become proficient, even expert, at particular technological innovation. What has been interesting about that is the specific innovation recommendations change over the years. It has become clear to me that there is no technical fix to the challenge of education. It is just challenging work. Digital technology can make some aspects of it more comfortable. It can make it possible to continue our work, as we have discovered during the covid situation, but helping children grow and develop will always be hard work.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Principals, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Dr. Albert Boerema Ph.D.: If this question is essential to potential educational leaders, I would recommend looking for some other career. Working in schools, and mainly working as a school leader, and even more notably, during the covid situation, is just hard, hard work. Potential school leaders need to enter the profession out of a desire to serve their schools, the students, families, and staff. Salaries are essential to maintain one's life, but they are not the goal. If salaries become the goal, the job will never be satisfying.
Nathan Boles
Assistant Professor of INS (Intervention Specialist) ProgramCentral State University
College of Education
What type of skills will young Principals need?
Nathan Boles: The current state of our country, due to COVID-19, will be a challenge for current and future graduates from the college of education. Rethinking and revising how instruction can be delivered to students, especially those with disabilities, has been one of the main topics for providing a safe learning environment. Graduates will need to have the tenacity to face various challenges that our local schools face during virtual learning and classroom changes.
Creativity, flexibility, and being a system thinker is imperative for young graduates entering the workforce. Having the ability to make critical adjustments to their mental models for creating a conducive and productive learning environment for their students is crucial. Recent and future graduates who have or will obtain their teaching license must understand and empathize with their teaching students, how our country's condition has had a tremendous effect on the families of the students they will be serving. Being a highly qualified teacher (HQT) in the specific content area is vital, but using technology and different learning management systems (LMS) will be of great importance to the schools they serve.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Principals to find work opportunities?
Nathan Boles: Graduates looking for their first teaching opportunity in the field of teaching will find many available in the majority of states. COVID has caused many educators to take early retirement and has caused the teacher to student ratio to decrease, leaving school districts desperately looking for new teachers. Many school districts are hiring students for January 2021, providing them with the opportunity to get an alternate license for teaching while still taking their student teaching and passing their required licensure tests. It is a crucial time in our country; this is an opportunity for educator-practitioners to get their foot in the door early. At current, I have personally seen four student teachers get hired in one school district in two weeks. The need is great, and providing free and appropriate education for all students is vital!
How do you envision technology impacting Principals in the next 5 years?
Nathan Boles: Technology has defined how 21st-century students are learning new material. COVID has also exposed how prepared our school districts are with providing the curriculum virtually and how much educators know about and how to use technology. We are in a time when teachers are not considered the primary source of information, but only one of many sources. The impact of technology in the next five years will be even more significant due to the need and development of online and hybrid learning. Young graduates will need to familiarize themselves with teaching in a face-to-face environment and teach virtually, using new technology. Graduates should know more than the basics when using technology and how they can be innovative for the future of educational technology.