Elementary, Middle School or High School Principal, Asst Principal, or Athletic Director
Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of public or private elementary or secondary level schools. Provide leadership, support, development, coaching, and evaluation to classroom teachers, coaches and administrative staff; lead school budgeting and reporting responsibilities; lead interactions with students, parents and the community. In smaller districts, these roles may be combined with other roles, such as a Teacher or School Counselor.
Annual openings
493
BLS median wage
$110,530
Typical education
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university, plus completion of an approved program for the preparation of Principals, is required.
10-year growth
+7%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university, plus completion of an approved program for the preparation of Principals, is required.
Credential requirement
No specific credential listed yet
Credential detail
Completion of a Principal’s license is required. For information on CTE roles, please see the Specialty Areas.
Experience detail
Three years of licensed experience in a school is required. Experience as a Teacher is often valued.
Employer competency information
- ● Communication - Communicate a wide variety of messages to a wide variety of stakeholders, such as students, Teachers, families, and the community as a whole ● Problem Solving & Decision Making - Able to facilitate solution development and conflict resolution among staff and between students/families and staff ● Administration & Management - Leads school resources and budget, development/implementation of policies, staff development, staffing decisions, etc. ● Public Safety & Security - Ensure that the school provides an orderly and supportive environment that fosters a climate of safety, respect, and well-being ● Critical & Analytical Thinking - Able to counsel and provide guidance to educators/students regarding personal, academic, behavioral, or career issues; collaborate with educators/students to develop and meet school and individual goals and objectives
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
Work style
- With kids/peopleOccasionally
- On a computerOccasionally
- Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
- With your handsOccasionally
Interests it draws on
- Education
- Teaching
Automation exposure
Low exposure
Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.
A typical day
- Counsel and provide guidance to students regarding personal, academic, vocational, or behavioral issues.
- Confer with parents and staff to discuss educational activities, policies, and student behavior or learning problems.
- Determine the scope of educational program offerings, and prepare drafts of course schedules and descriptions to estimate staffing and facility requirements.
- Observe teaching methods and examine learning materials to evaluate and standardize curricula and teaching techniques and to determine areas for improvement.
- Collaborate with teachers to develop and maintain curriculum standards, develop mission statements, and set performance goals and objectives.
- Enforce discipline and attendance rules.