Interested in becoming a Principal at Prince George’s County Public Schools?

Prince George’s County Public School Principals are the corporate head of their respective school and the primary link between the community and the school system. Thus in PGCPS, we believe involvement of staff, parents, community groups and high school students (for high school principals) in the principal selection process. 

PGCPS’ Principal Pool process annually opens in the fall each year.  In planning for future principal vacancies, we maintain a pool of viable candidates who have participated in a series of rigorous leadership-based assessments and interview screenings. 

Requirements

Candidates must meet the following requirements by the closing date:

• Review the Principal Position Descriptions:
  
  • Principal - Early Childhood Center
  • Principal - Elementary and Secondary
  • Principal – Regional School Program
• Master’s degree in Supervision and Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, Education, or related field from an accredited college or university;
• Previous experience as a school-based administrator or comparable experience; and
• Maryland Advanced Professional Certificate, Administrator II Certification required (must be attached to your application). External candidates are encouraged to contact the Maryland State Department of Education to determine eligibility.  

• Must use Sample Resume for further consideration.

Five Screening Phases

The process for candidates to be admitted into the PGCPS principal pool includes five screening phases:

Phase I - Applicant Prescreening 

• Human Resources will conduct the initial applicant prescreening; and   
• Develop a list of candidates eligible for the leadership screening phase.

Phase II - Leadership Screening  

• HR prescreened eligible candidates will participate in principal leadership exercises.  
• Exercises are organized by the Office of Professional Learning and Leadership.
• Candidates that score proficient or above will advance to Phase III - First Round Interview.

Phase III: First Round Interview

• Panel interviews comprised of representatives from the district’s Area Offices, and the divisions of Human Resources, Accountability, and Academics.
• Eligible candidates that successfully excel in all three phases advance into the Principal Pool.
• Human Resources will maintain this eligibility list based on the needs of PGCPS for two academic years.

Phase IV - School Specific Interview 

Eligible candidates may be invited to interview for school-specific interviews as vacancies become available.

• Current PGCPS principals interested in transferring should submit  a voluntary transfer application and will  automatically be included in the  pool.
• Interview panel members include: human resources, school staff, parents, community groups and high school students (for high school principal vacancies).

Phase V - Superintendent Final Interview

• Considers candidates recommended from the school-specific panel interview when making the principal selection for school- specific  vacancies; and 
• Recommends candidates to the Board of Education

Contact Us

Finally, if you have any questions about the PGCPS Principal Selection process, please email us at hr.principalpipeline@pgcps.org.