Thank you for your interest in serving as a school leader with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

We recognize that principals and assistant principals play critical roles in meeting our goals as a

district. We look to them to design and lead schools that nurture innovation and

entrepreneurship in our students so that they are prepared for the workforce of the future.

Whether you are an aspiring leader already working in CMS, or considering a move to our

district, we applaud your interest and look forward to working with you as you learn more about

the process to become a school leader in CMS.

The role of school leader is second only to teaching at CMS, and the competencies, skills and

beliefs required Day 1 on the job are critical to the long term success in the role. For that reason,

 Establishing a Culture of High Expectations

 Instructional Leadership

 Integrity

 Stamina, Initiative, Persistence

 Strategic Decision-Making and Problem Solving

 Talent Management and Development

Learn more about these competencies, skills, and beliefs here.

In addition to exhibiting the competencies, skills, and beliefs outlined above, qualified

candidates also have:

 A valid administrator license in any state* or will complete all principal preparation

principal (preferred).

Steps to join our Principal Talent Pool

1. Application – An online application including a structured resume, detailed letter of

interest, and recommendations. Applications must contain all required information and

will be screened using a rubric.

2. Virtual Interview –A short online interview. You will need access to a computer or tablet

with a camera to complete this interview. More information is provided when you are

invited to participate.

3. Screening Event –This is a half-day, in person event consisting of several activities

including a role play, in-basket exercise, school data review, and a teacher

observation. More information is provided when you are invited to participate.

Steps to join our Assistant Principal Talent Pool

1. Application – An online application including a structured resume, detailed letter of

To apply, you will need to update or complete your CMS administrative online application - be

sure you have all required documents in electronic format before beginning the process. When

you get to the “Jobs” tab of the application, you should select the appropriate talent pool posting

from the list. Once you select the posting, you will be prompted to attach each of the documents

below. Be sure you have each document saved as a single, separate file as you will be asked for

them individually. Candidates are encouraged to submit documentation that reflects their most

recent experience and evidence of their potential as CMS school leaders.

Documents you will be prompted to attach:

1. Letter of interest that includes your response to specific guiding questions. Instructions

for the Principal Talent Pool letter of interest are available here. Instructions for the

selection process.

o One of these recommendations should be from a current supervisor and one

should be from a previous supervisor. You can find the form here. These are not

confidential recommendations.

o Print or email a copy of the recommendation form (in Google Docs, click File and

then select Download-please do not send a request to "Share" the document

through Google Docs) to each supervisor and ask them to return the completed

form to you. Once you receive the complete recommendation forms you should

attach them to your application when prompted.

o If you are applying for the Principal Talent Pool, these recommendations should

be from a principal or equivalent. If you are applying for the Assistant Principal

Talent Pool, your current supervisor recommendation form must be from your

current principal or equivalent level. It is acceptable for your former

supervisor recommendation form to be from a Principal, Assistant Principal or

equivalent level.

 Letter from supervisor regarding performance, including reason why

formal evaluation is not available

 Alternative formal evaluation

 2016-17 summative evaluation

5. Licensure documentation

conferred transcript of a principal preparation program if license is out-of-state

o For internal and external candidates not yet licensed: Unofficial transcript that

shows anticipated completion or letter from program executive director indicating

completion of a principal preparation program by close of current selection

window.

For any additional questions, please email [email protected].