Application Process

Application window for the Assistant Principal Pool: November 1, 2024 – August 10, 2025

If you are currently in the Assistant Principal (AP) Pool, you DO NOT need to re-apply. After your eligibility expires, you must re-apply.

Assistant Principal Pool Process

• CLICK HERE to view the process

Please attach to your MCPS Careers profile (CLICK HERE) the following in PDF format:

Letter of Interest 

• Addressed to Ms. Kaylan Connally Chief, Talent Management Officer (do NOT email Ms. Connally directly. Instead, upload all to your MyCareers Profile)

• Specify instructional level(s) interested in serving as an assistant principal

Current Resume 

• Evidence of 3 years or more of leadership experience*

• Evidence of 5 years of teaching experience

• Include a list of 3 references in your resume. 

• The resume should not exceed two pages, and there is no required format.

*BUT WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE A LEADERSHIP ROLE?

Leadership is not position-dependent, although it is embedded in some roles (ex. assistant school administrator, content specialist).  You can describe initiatives, committees, and programs led. It is important to provide context for this leadership work and the duration of the work. If you do not have the requisite leadership experience yet, consider asking your team leader, assistant principal, or principal if you can support and lead some of the work for which s/he is accountable. Be ready to demonstrate your leadership experience in a future application opportunity.

Reference Forms

• • You must obtain two references to complete your application. BOTH must be from principals or supervisors, and ONE must be from your current principal/supervisor.

  • Current principal/supervisor should send directly to adminstaffing@mcpsmd.org

  • The current recommendation form can be found CLICK HERE 

  • If you have only been in your current position for less than six months, you may ask your former principal/supervisor to complete your reference form. You may not, however, submit an old reference for a different position.

  • Applicants are encouraged to have a discussion with their principal/supervisor prior to applying to discuss areas of strength and opportunities for growth.

  • You may not submit this form yourself; it must be sent to our office by the person completing the form.

  • The above 3 items should consist of the following information:

• Details pertaining to the impact of your leadership as outlined in the competencies 

• Information regarding the impact of your leadership  on student achievement and building staff capacity 

• Qualitative and quantitative data and concrete examples demonstrating your leadership and impact of your work

Undergraduate and graduate transcripts (external candidates)

• • Please upload your undergraduate and graduate transcripts to your MyCareers Profile.

Certification Requirements 

• • Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Administrator I Certificate  EVEN IF THE MCPS CERTIFICATION OFFICE HAS A COPY

  • Non-Maryland State Administrator Certificates, please CLICK HERE for additional steps Information 

Leadership Artifact

• • Upload one current artifact (as a PDF) demonstrating an authentic work product of your current leadership.

  • Topics-may include, but not limited to the following (improvement of teaching and learning; school culture and climate; social emotional well-being; systemic initiatives; equity and antiracism; school and office operations; student services)

  • Guiding Questions- Is this work authentic, current and demonstrates your leadership? What was your goal in initiating the work and why? What was your role in the work? What qualitative or quantitative data shows that you made an impact? What did you learn and what would you do differently?

  • Considerations- Keep in mind your audience and be concise with providing context and relevance of your chosen artifact. Please note that artifacts are NOT awards, emails, letters of recommendation, course completion, or an email.

Application Checklist

Have you submitted the following documents?

• an updated resume that includes:

  • • your current position

    • specific months and years for each position

    • name and contact information that matches your profile

    • degree(s) and certification required for the position

    • explicit demonstration of three years successful leadership experience

    • five years experience teaching, counseling, serving as a PPW, or school psychologist

• Letter of interest, including level (elementary, middle, or high) addressed to the Chief of Human Resources and Development , Ms. April L. Key

• 1 current artifact that showcase your educational leadership and the impact of that work (PDF files only)

• scanned copy of MSDE Certificate of Administrator I, or the above required documentation for out of state administrator certifications

Have your references been submitted?

• Two reference forms from principals/supervisors (one must be from current principal/supervisor)

• References must be emailed directly to AdminStaffing@mcpsmd.org by the person completing the reference form

• At least two weeks prior to the deadline, contact your references if you have not yet received confirmation from the Office of Human Resources and Development that we have received both.

Several questions pertaining to frequency of application has been received. Individuals may apply once every academic school year. Interviews will occur monthly for eligible and completed applications upon review.