Leadership Positions

What is the process for being considered for  Principal or Assistant Principal (AP) positions with AACPS?

All candidates interested in being considered for a Principal or AP position with AACPS must first complete the AACPS Principal/Assistant Principal interview pool process. Candidates who receive qualifying scores during the interview process will become a part of the “candidate pool” and may be considered for positions as they become available.

When can I apply to the Principal or AP interview pool?

Principal and Assistant Principal Interviews are held twice a year in the fall and spring. The application will be advertised from June 1st - July 31st (for fall interviews) and December 1st - January 31st (for spring interviews). You must complete all required information to be considered for an interview. Candidates will be contacted for interviews on a rolling basis. If you are selected to interview you will be notified by Human Resources. Please note that due to the large volume of applications we receive, it may be several weeks before you hear back regarding the status of your application.

What are the requirements to be eligible to apply for the Principal or AP interview pool?

You must possess or be eligible to receive a Maryland Administrator I certificate to apply for AP positions or the Maryland Administrator II certificate to apply for Principal positions. For Maryland certification requirements to obtain an administrator certificate please visit MSDE Certification Page

What information will need to be included with my application for Principal or AP?

Candidates applying to the Principal or Assistant Principal Interview pool must provide the following:

-Completed AACPS online application including updated resume
-Copies of valid licensure for Principal or Assistant Principal
-Copy of passing scores on test required to obtain MD Administrator certificate (for those whose Admin certificate is pending)
-Four professional references completed on the AACPS reference form (one of these references must come from your current supervisor) – the AACPS -reference form will be e-mailed to you once you complete you online application.

How will I be notified of vacancies if I received a qualifying interview score?

Internal and external applicants may visit the intranet for a list of Principal/AP vacancies.

Once I am in the Principal or AP “candidate pool”, are there any additional steps before I would be offered a position?

Candidates in the interview pool are not guaranteed to receive a Principal or AP position with AACPS. Hiring managers will review the list of eligible candidates whenever there is a new position available and will select the candidates they feel best fit the needs of that school for interviews. Additional interviews will be held with senior leadership before the final candidate is selected.

If I receive a qualifying score on the Principal or AP interview how long is my score valid?

Qualifying scores for the Principal or AP pool are valid for three years from the time you interviewed. For example: If you interviewed in the fall of 2016, your score is valid until fall of 2019.

If I did not receive a qualifying score on the interview, how long do I have to wait before I can re-interview?

Candidates who do not receive a qualifying score must wait at least one year before they can apply to interview again.

What is the process if I am interested in a central office based leadership position?

 Central office based leadership opportunities are posted on an as needed bases. There is no interview pool process for these type of positions. Please visit our website frequently to determine if positions of interest are available. Position qualifications and application processes will vary based on the position.