The Path to Principalship: A Guide for New York Educators

School principals truly matter. At New Leaders, our research and results already confirmed this, and when the Wallace Foundation’s “How Principals Affect Students and Schools” report was released a few years ago, it further affirms the fact that effective principals have a pronounced—and positive!—impact on the schools they lead. 

This fact is especially obvious in high-population states like New York. In New York State, there are 4,400 public schools and 372 charter schools across 731 districts, with a total of nearly 215,000 public school teachers and over 2.4 million K-12 public school students. If you’re looking to make a difference in the lives of many students, being a principal in New York State certainly gives you that chance.

The average salary for principals in New York ranges from $99,000 to $160,000 depending on the district, school type, and experience level, also making it one of the more competitive states for school leadership positions. For those of you aspiring to become a principal in the Empire State, we’ve put together this high-level guide as you navigate your path to educational leadership.

Educational requirements

The journey to principalship begins with solid educational credentials. New York State has several specific requirements that must be met.

In addition to a Bachelor’s Degree, the state of New York requires a Master’s Degree in educational leadership, educational administration, or a related field from an accredited institution. Master’s Degree programs need to be registered with the New York State Education Department (NYSED) or be nationally accredited to ensure they meet state standards.‍ A note that New Leaders has one of these state-approved programs, so read on for more details! 

There is also specific coursework in school violence prevention, child abuse identification, and DASA (Dignity for All Students Act) training that is mandatory for all educational professionals in New York. 

Experience prerequisites

Classroom experience is also essential before stepping into a principal role in New York. The state requires a minimum of three years of full-time teaching experience in PreK-12 settings. This experience is crucial as it provides first-hand knowledge of classroom dynamics, curriculum implementation, and student needs.

Additional experience in roles such as department chair, grade-level coordinator, and instructional coach is mandatory for some districts and schools in New York State, but even if this experience isn’t needed, it’s a great way to significantly strengthen your candidacy for the principalship. 

Keeping documented evidence of your leadership within your teaching career is also important. If you’ve led committees, spearheaded initiatives, or managed school-wide projects, make sure you have proof of your successes. They demonstrate your capacity to lead effectively!

Certification process

Obtaining proper certification is a critical step in becoming a principal in New York. Principals must get the School Building Leader (SBL) Certification, which includes:

• Completing an approved educational leadership program
• Passing the New York State School Building Leader Assessment (NYSSBL)
• Completing a leadership internship, which is typically 15-25 weeks of supervised experience
• Submitting fingerprints for a background check
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It’s also important to know that all certificate applications in New York must be processed through the TEACH (Teacher Education And Certification Help) online system. You’ll need to create an account, submit the required documentation, and pay applicable fees for your certification from the account. 

Your SBL certification begins as an Initial Certificate, which is valid for five years. During this five-year period, you’ll need to complete additional requirements to obtain Professional Certification, which typically includes mentorship experience and ongoing professional development. 

A pathway to principalship for New York teachers

For those New York educators looking for a job-embedded approach with their Master’s Degree program, the New Leaders National Aspiring Principals Fellowship is a great option. The Fellowship is designed to empower educators with the tools and mindset to lead effectively in their school communities—helping them develop the skills to explore, understand, and lead with an eye toward positive change and student success. 

New York educators are eligible to enroll in the New Leaders’ Fellowship at Bank Street College for both the Principal Certification Track or the Master’s + Certification Track. The Fellowship is approved in the state of New York as a program that leads to the New York Initial Certificate — School Building Leader. 

The New Leaders’ Fellowship is completed in your current school and position, with online coursework that allows you to develop and practice leadership skills in real-time. Through a blend of individualized coaching with award-winning principals, superintendents, and experienced education leaders and cohort-based learning that connects you with like-minded leaders for community problem-solving and learning. 

Professional development and networking

Beyond the education requirements, the experience prerequisites, and the certification needs, there are also plenty of additional ways to get connected to professional education networks in New York—both as you’re working through the requirements for the principalship and after. Here are a few to think about:

• Professional Organizations: Consider joining associations like the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) or the New York State Association of School Business Officials (NYSASBO). These organizations offer many resources, conferences, and networking opportunities.
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• Mentorship Programs: Many districts in New York offer formal mentorship programs for aspiring administrators. These relationships provide invaluable guidance and insider knowledge of the principalship role. In addition, the associations above have mentorship programs as well.
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• Continuing Education: Even after certification, New York requires ongoing professional development. Principals must complete 175 hours of continuing education every five years to maintain certification. The New York State Education Department’s website has a list of allowable and suggested professional development activities.
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• Regional Networks: New York's education system is organized into BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services) regions. Connecting with administrators in your BOCES region can provide localized support and job opportunities.

Application and interview process

Here are a few pieces of information to bookmark when you’re ready to apply for principal positions:

• Application Timeline: Most principal positions in New York are posted between January and May for the following school year. However, mid-year openings do occur.
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• Application Materials: This might go without saying, but here’s a reminder of a few application components that will make you stand out:
  
  • A compelling cover letter highlighting your leadership philosophy
  • A resume showcasing your educational background, certifications, teaching experience, and leadership roles
  • Letters of recommendation from supervisors who can speak to your leadership potential
  • A portfolio demonstrating your impact on student achievement and school improvement
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• Interview Preparation: New York principal interviews often include multiple rounds with different stakeholders—administrative teams, teacher panels, and community members. Be prepared to discuss:
  
  • Your vision for school improvement
  • Strategies for supporting the student populations
  • Approaches to teacher evaluation and development
  • Experience with data analysis and curriculum development
  • Knowledge of New York State education regulations and initiatives

The next steps in your leadership journey

The path to becoming a principal in New York State requires dedication, preparation, and a genuine passion for educational leadership. While the journey may seem daunting—from advanced degrees and certifications to years of experience and rigorous assessments—the impact you'll make as a school leader is immeasurable.

As you work toward your goal of becoming a principal in New York, keep these thoughts in the forefront:

• Find your leadership philosophy: Take some time to reflect on your values, experiences, and vision for education. Not only will a clear leadership philosophy help guide your decisions, but it will also help you articulate your education ethos during interviews.
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• Seek diverse experiences: Pursue opportunities to work with different student populations, grade levels, and school settings. This breadth of experience will strengthen your perspective, prepare you for the challenges of school leadership, and make it easier to learn where you feel most passionate!
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• Embrace continuous learning: The education landscape is constantly evolving. Commit to ongoing professional growth through reading, research, and connecting with other school leaders.
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• Remember your "why": On those challenging days—and they will come!—reconnect with your purpose for pursuing school leadership. Your commitment to improving outcomes for students will sustain you through the certification process and beyond.
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The students and teachers of New York need passionate, prepared, and purposeful leaders like you. By following this plan and staying committed to your professional growth, you'll be well-positioned to step into the principal role and make a lasting difference in New York's educational landscape.

Ready to take the next step in your New York principalship journey? Learn more about our National Aspiring Principals Fellowship at Bank Street University.