Eligibility
Who can apply? What are the minimum qualifications and/or criteria for entrance into the Principal Candidate Pool (PCP)?
Anyone with a New York State school leader certification (e.g., SAS, SBL, or SDA) is eligible to be a Principal Candidate Pool member. Eligible applicants must complete the Principal Candidate Pool screening process to be assigned to the pool. Principal Candidate Pool is intended for those who consider themselves ready to be a principal.
To apply for AP positions, you do not need to be in the Principal Candidate Pool. For more information about openings for assistant principals, visit the Assistant Principals Page.
Who must apply?
Anyone who is not currently a NYCDOE principal and wants to become a NYCDOE principal must apply to complete the Principal Candidate Pool screening process. When you complete the screening process, you are assigned to the pool. Only candidates who are assigned to the pool can view and apply for principal vacancies.
I used to be a DOE principal and then changed jobs or left the system. If I want to be a principal again, do I have to apply to the Pool?
Yes, if you were not a sitting principal before February 1, 2008, you must apply to the Principal Candidate Pool.
I am a current DOE principal and want to change schools. Do I have to apply to the Pool?
No. All currently appointed principals are assigned to the Principal Candidate Pool.
Does everyone go through the same application process?
Yes, every applicant to the Principal Candidate Pool goes through all steps of the application and screening process.
Application
What does the application process entail?
The application requires completing and submitting the School Leader Candidate Profile. School Leader Candidate Profile Portal
Please note: You must submit the application and receive an application confirmation email from principalcandidatepool@schools.nyc.gov to be eligible to register for the Principal Candidate Pool series.
What happens after I apply?
You will receive a confirmation email once your application is submitted. Your eligibility is verified in the system, and then you are placed in queue to receive an invitation to register for the next available series. Timeframe between application and invitation to register is based on the capacity of the next series and the queue of applicants. Upon successful registration for a series, candidates receive an email with next steps in preparation for the series.
What can I do to prepare?
Registered applicants will receive the series logistics and required readings via email. Review the PCP Policies and the pre-readings in preparation for the professional development activities and screening tasks. Contact PCP with questions or concerns.
Is there a Pool application fee?
No, there is no fee to apply to the Principal Candidate Pool.
How do I apply?
You can find the online application by visiting the School Leader Candidate Profile Portal.
Please note: For any technical issues regarding the application please contact nycsupport@teacherssupportnetwork.com
Where can I find more information about becoming an NYC DOE principal?
Visit our Becoming a Principal page.
Principal Candidate Pool Screening Process
What is involved in the screening process?
The Principal Candidate Pool process involves participation in a screening series. The screening activities and tasks reflect the current role of principals in New York City. Series are aligned with the expectations of Instructional Leadership for Equity which includes:
- In-person or online professional development sessions that give candidates opportunities to demonstrate individual thinking and skills
- Time-bound online screening tasks based on leadership expectations
Where are the series held?
Series are held either online or in-person. Location details are provided during registration. All in-person series take place at NYCDOE locations.
How long are the PD sessions?
Series include two (2) professional learning sessions. Sessions take place during after-work hours over two days for a total of four (4) hours.
What if I need to reschedule after I registered?
Candidates must respond within 48 hours of receiving an invitation to a series if there are issues with attending the selected series dates.
Inform the Principal Candidate Pool via email immediately if you need to reschedule. You will be rescheduled based on availability.
What happens if I do not show up for my scheduled series?
We realize that emergencies come up. Our goal is to accommodate participants and avoid unnecessary delays in the assessment process. When you register for a series, you are making a professional commitment to attend.
If you do not show up for your scheduled series without contacting the Principal Candidate Pool at least one hour prior to the series, you will not be rescheduled for at least 90 days from the date of the missed series.
Screening Process and Next Steps
What will I receive once I complete the Principal Candidate Pool Screening Process?
Candidates will receive a Candidate Profile Report which represents a multi-dimensional snapshot of a candidate’s screening task responses and leadership preferences. Reports are typically published within 2-4 weeks after completion of a series.
Please note: Candidates must complete all online screening tasks for a report to be published
How do I know if I am in the Principal Candidate Pool?
You are assigned to the Principal Candidate Pool when you receive your published Candidate Profile Report. You will be notified via email if there are issues with certification or application. You will not be placed in the Pool until issues are resolved.
What are my next steps?
Once you are assigned to the Pool, you will have access to view and apply for principal vacancies in the Teacher Support network portal (TSN). You assignment to the pool does not expire.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the Principal Candidate Pool Screening Process?
For any other questions related to the Principal Candidate pool, please contact: PrincipalCandidatePool@schools.nyc.gov
Please note: We do not field inquiries about job openings. Please do not forward resumes or letters of interests to our office.