Overview
School principals plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the activities of teachers and other staff of an elementary or secondary school. They are employed by public and private schools. Administrators of elementary and secondary education plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the academic affairs of a school system. They are employed by school boards.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
School principals
Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate, through department heads or supervisors, the activities of teachers and support staff
Review programs to ensure conformance to school board or provincial standards and develop programs within limits of authority
Coordinate teaching activities of the institution by making personnel assignments, determining class size and preparing timetables
Organize and maintain procedures for the keeping of records
Prepare and administer institution or program budget
Direct and coordinate school maintenance services and the use of school facilities
May recruit and hire teachers and other staff
May teach.
Administrators of elementary and secondary education
Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate, through school principals, the academic affairs of a school district
Evaluate curriculum, teaching methods and community participation in programs for a school district and revise programs as required
Develop and administer programs for the education and training of students and adults
Make recommendations concerning the annual operating budget of a school district
Direct the recruitment, appointment, training, evaluation and promotion of teaching personnel.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$55,623
$109,390
$140,382
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
1,209expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A bachelor's degree in education is required.
A master's degree in education may be required.
Several years of experience as a senior teacher or department head are required.
Additional information
- There is little mobility between institutional settings, for example, between elementary and secondary schools.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education in B.C.
- Certificate of Qualification in Teaching - Principals and Administrators
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education in B.C.
- Membership with BC Principals & Vice Principals Association
Certificate of Qualification in Teaching - Principals and Administrators
Please confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To work as a school principal or administrator in BC, you'll need a Certificate of Qualification in Teaching. Eligibility is achieved through meeting requisite education requirements, including a teacher education program. Several years of related work experience are required for employment as a school principal.
Visit websiteMembership with BC Principals & Vice Principals Association
To work as a school principal or vice principal in BC, you may choose to become a member of the BC Principals & Vice Principals Association (BCVPA). Eligibility is achieved by following the steps on the BCVPA website.
Visit websiteWork Experience
Work experience required
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.