Step 1 – Application, Essays and Interview

The eligibility process starts with a structured application and series of essays.  The essays provide an opportunity to share experience and results related to the success factors.  Applicants are asked to describe evidence of their leadership experiences, including results and impact on student learning. 

The Application and Essays

In the Application for Principal Eligibility, candidates provide information about their education, credentials, work experience, and relevant skills. The Essays are included in the application form, and ask candidates to demonstrate evidence of the Principal Competencies & Success Factors using specific examples of leadership experiences and measurable results/outcomes achieved.  

Getting Ready for the Application and Essays

Reflect on and internalize the CPS Principal Success Factors. Review the success factor behavioral indicators and examples to understand how the success factors are demonstrated in professional practice. If you would like to do a self-assessment, please click here. You may also want to read the Preparing for the Principalship Development Guide to deepen your understanding of each of the success factors.

Reflect on and document your leadership experiences.  Read the Principal Success Factors and seven Leadership Evidence Demonstrations.  Make a list of the leadership experiences you have had that best demonstrate these Success Factors.  Make sure to select leadership experiences that involve the whole school or multiple classrooms, impact instruction and have measurable outcomes.

Have a friend, colleague or mentor review your Application and Essays.  Have another colleague review your application and essays prior to submitting them to make sure that your evidence demonstrations are clear, concise, and well written.

The Interview

Applicants who submit a complete Application will participate in a 60 minute interview conducted by two assessors.  The interview will be based on the application and essays submitted, and will further assess the leadership evidence provided.

Getting Ready for the Interview

Review your application. Be prepared to discuss and answer questions related to your experience and essays.

Practice interviewing with a colleague or friend.  Work on speaking confidently about your experiences.

*Applicants are not permitted to bring or use any outside materials during any of the assessments.  For the Step 1 Interview, you will be given a copy of your Application for reference.

Click here to read about Step 2 >>