What Is a Vice Principal?

Vice principals are school administrators and leaders whose multifaceted skillsets, experiences and responsibilities contribute to student success and a thriving educational community. Their primary role as supporting leaders to principals place them in a position to make a difference and generate a positive, effective learning experience.

In some educational systems, vice principals are called assistant principals, and they can serve schools at either the elementary or secondary levels. Such administrators offer a unique blend of strong leadership, passion, collaboration and approachability while they support initiatives directed by the principal and connect with students. Being a vice principal is more than just a job title, it’s a passion. We’ve compiled a unique vice principal career guide to help you determine if it’s the right career for you.

What Does a Vice Principal Do? 

Vice principals play a critical role in addressing student needs and fostering a healthy learning environment. Their job description involves various responsibilities that support administrative, disciplinary and operational success.

In essence, vice principals make significant decisions and contributions in areas including but not limited to student discipline, curriculum and instruction, teacher development, community engagement, and crisis management.

Throughout the school year, vice principals lead initiatives and operations with responsibilities including:

• Managing daily operations (which allows principals to focus on vision and goals)
• Addressing disciplinary needs that encourage student growth and development
• Overseeing and executing curriculum and instruction
• Supporting student academic and social needs
• Fostering teacher growth opportunities like mentorship programs and professional development
• Coordinating responses to crises that ensure student, faculty and staff safety
• Engaging with students and their families to meet needs and provide resources

While there are several areas for vice principals to make an impact, their overarching goal in each duty is to see a positive school climate that promotes key values like respect, inclusivity and achievement. Their contributions are essential to school success.

Skills Needed for This Role

A vice principal is a cheerleader and advocate for students, faculty and staff. There are a few key skill areas that successful vice principals bring to their schools:

• Passion – Vice principals love education. They wake up excited to see a student smile. They empower teachers to meet goals and provide quality educational experiences.
• Leadership – Vice principals are administrators and educational leaders, so they should be able to inspire and motivate others through confident and collaborative decision-making. Their relationship with faculty and staff ought to be marked by teamwork and camaraderie.
• Communication – Vice principals are engagers. This means they’re able to connect with others and build relationships with their school’s community. Further, they are approachable and empathetic to the needs of others.
• Problem-Solving – Vice principals are proficient crisis managers who are comfortable with conflict and sticky situations that need practical solutions. Additionally, flexibility and adaptability to changing needs of the school environment are critical.
• Organization – Vice presidents manage several administrative duties that require attention to detail and organization.

What Education Level is Required?

Vice principal jobs require both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education, educational leadership or a related field. However, if aspiring vice principals already have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field, they can choose a master’s degree program that prepares them for licensure. 

The average vice principal typically starts their career as either a teacher or school counselor where they’ve gained meaningful, extensive experience in the education system before becoming a leader. Understanding the classroom environment equips them to create operations and processes that contribute to improved outcomes. 

Most states in the United States require vice principals to have specific administrative, leadership and/or principal certifications. It’s also always helpful for aspiring vice principals to prioritize continuing education and professional development to stay adept on current and relevant trends and practices in education. 

Vice Principal Salary and Job Outlook

While credible information sources for job salary and outlook do not currently provide specific information on the vice principal job title, this information is available for education administrators. Salary and job outlook for education administrators in the United States can vary based on state, school district, experience and whether the institution is a public school or private.

¹Lightcast

²Bureau of Labor Statistics: Elementary and Secondary Schools – May 2023 OEWS Industry-Specific Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (bls.gov)