STEP 1 - Review Minimum Requirements

The first step in the Assistant Principal Pool process is to review the minimum requirements for admittance into the Assistant Principal Pool.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Three (3) years of effective and highly effective teacher ratings in all categories on the final performance evaluation
• At least four (4) years of Teaching Experience
• Completion of Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership or its equivalent
• Educational Leadership Certification (FLDOE)

Learn more about the Assistant Principal role: Assistant Principal Job Description

If you have additional questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Step 2 - Apply in PeopleSoft

The second step in the Assistant Principal Pool process is to apply in PeopleSoft during the dates listed at the top of this page. Check the employment opportunities to apply for the job opening "Pool - Assistant Principal". For additional details on the general administrator application process, please go to "Careers: Application Process" and select Assistant Principal Pool.

 Prepare required documents for upload in PeopleSoft.

Required documents:  

1. Resume
2. Cover letter
3. Last three final evaluations (effective/highly effective) *Directions for saving evaluations as a .pdf
4. Letter of recommendation from current principal/director (on letterhead)

Upload required documents in PeopleSoft:

1. Combine files into a SINGLE file. You can use a .pdf combiner to help with this process. 
2. Save file using the following naming convention: LastName_Year (e.g. Smith_2020)
3. Apply in PeopleSoft for Pool- Assistant Principal
4. Upload your single document in the *Resume* section of the application.

Tip: Resume and Cover Letter Guidance Document

ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN PEOPLESOFT

AFTER YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION:

Documents submitted in PeopleSoft are reviewed by Human Resources AFTER the Pool - Assistant Principal close date. Within five days of the close date, candidates will be notified of the following:

• Requirements Met - Candidates who meet the Assistant Principal Pool requirements will receive an email invitation to participate in the next phase of the process (Interview and Evidence of Leadership Portfolio). 
• Requirements Not Met - Candidates who do NOT meet the Assistant Principal Pool requirements will receive an email notifying them of their ineligibility to participate in the Assistant Principal Pool. Typically, ineligible candidates are missing the required documents needed for entry. Be sure to include ALL of the components listed in the previous section to ensure a successful application. 

If you have additional questions, please contact us at [email protected].

Step 3 - Prepare for the Assistant Principal Pool

The next step in the Assistant Principal Pool process is the completion of the Evidence of Leadership Portfolio in preparation of the interview assessment. Below is a summary of each component.

Interview Assessment

The Assistant Principal Interview Assessment consists of two parts:

1. Panel Interview
2. Evidence of Leadership Portfolio (Prior Preparation Required)

 Please bring 6 copies of your resume and cover letter with you.

The Panel Interview consists of school and district based administrators who will ask interview questions aligned to the Florida Educational Leadership Standards. Candidates are encouraged to answer interview questions using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Results) method and will have 25 minutes for this part of the assessment. 

The Evidence of Leadership Task serves as an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their writing abilities while showcasing their mastery of the Florida Educational Leadership Standards, beyond the traditional interview. At least one week before the Assistant Principal Pool Interview Day, candidates will receive three Florida Educational Leadership Standards and select artifacts that support mastery of each standard. Candidates will write a 300-350 word summary describing the artifacts selected using the provided template.

On the day of the assessment, candidates will have 25 minutes to share the selected artifacts (portfolio) one-on-one with a school principal. The Evidence of Leadership Portfolio will remain at the district office for scoring and is archived as a part of the candidate's leadership profile. 

Prepare for the Interview

Candidates are encouraged to practice interviewing prior to the Assistant Principal Pool Assessment. Sample Assistant Principal Pool questions can be found online along with interview preparation videos with tips and best-practices for interviewing. The videos below are provided as a resource for candidates as they prepare for their interview. 

Video 1:

What is an interview?

Video 2:

Answering with STAR

Tips: Job Interview Body Language: 10 Proven Tips for Success

Step 4 - The Day of the Interview

The last step in the Assistant Principal Pool process is the interview. Below is an overview of what to expect on the day of the interview. It is never too early to prepare for the interview! 

WHAT TO EXPECT

Dress to Impress

Candidates should dress for the role they are interviewing for. Since the Assistant Principal Pool is the gateway to the Assistant Principalship, candidates should wear professional dress. Candidates are encouraged to speak with their administration and/or search online for examples of proper attire for this leadership interview.

Arrive

Interviews occur at the School District of Lee County Public Education Center in the afternoon. Candidates will receive their specific interview time well in advance of the interview day. Candidates should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their scheduled interview time. 

Sign-In

Please sign-in to using the log at the front counter in the main lobby. District employees should bring their District badge with them. External candidates will be given a visitor sticker when they sign-in. 

After signing in, please wait in the lobby and a member of our team will provide additional directions. 

Interview

A member of our team will guide candidates to their interview rooms. Once in the interview room, candidates will have an opportunity to  distribute their resume and meet the interview panel. An interviewer in the room will begin with introductions and start the interview process. In the panel interview room, a copy of the interview questions will be available for viewing, however, notes and artifacts may NOT be used during this portion of the interview. 

In the Evidence of Leadership Portfolio room, candidates will share their previously prepared portfolio one-on-one with a school principal. The Evidence of Leadership Portfolio will be left with the school principal for scoring. Be sure to read the specific directions associated with this task prior to the interview. 

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Scoring:

The following scores will be compiled to determine entry into the Assistant Principal Pool:

• Resume and Cover Letter
• Evidence of Leadership Portfolio - Narratives
• Evidence of Leadership Portfolio - Presentation
• Panel Interview

Notification:

Candidates will receive an anonymous survey to complete after the Assistant Principal Pool to gain insight into their experience. We ask that candidates refrain from reaching out to individual interviewers for feedback on the process. Candidates seeking feedback are encouraged to contact Leadership Development to arrange an individual feedback meeting AFTER results are shared.  Within five days of the interview, candidates will be notified of the following:

• Pool Entry Granted: Candidates who demonstrate the required proficiency for entry into the pool will be eligible to apply to assistant principal positions immediately.
• Pool Entry Not Granted: Candidates who do NOT demonstrate the required proficiency for entry into the pool, yet, will have the opportunity to reapply to the pool in the future.

If you have additional questions, please contact us at: [email protected].