Principal Internship

Overview of Position

Seattle Public Schools offers the Principal Intern Leadership Academy, a leadership training program for employees working toward a Washington State Principal’s credential or Program Administrator certification. Acceptance into the Academy is contingent upon successful completion of the application. Selected candidates will attend Academy training sessions throughout the school year and receive assistance with assignment to a principal supervisor for their internship.

• Enrolled in a Washington State college or university program that qualifies for application into the state‑awarded release time program.
• Successfully completed significant leadership roles in current school and/or district assignments.
• Non‑SPS employees interested in interning in SPS must have their university program complete the SPS Standard Affiliation Agreement and submit it with the application.
• The Information Packet must be completed and submitted to the district by May 31, 2026.

District signatures are required for completion. Due to limited resources and the intent of the Leadership Grant, academic deans, house administrators, etc., will not be approved by Seattle Public Schools for such a grant.

Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field.

• Master’s degree in Education.
• Five (5) years teaching experience.
• Completion of at least 15 graduate hours in an administrative certification program.

• Three (3) years teaching experience (required).
• Five (5) years teaching experience (preferred).

• Valid Washington teacher’s certificate (required).
• Completion of at least 15 graduate hours in an administrative certification program (preferred).

• Fingerprint and background check.

• Minimum of three years of experience as a principal.
• Received a score of “proficient” or higher on all evaluative criteria in their most recent evaluation.
• Received approval from Seattle Public Schools to host an intern.

Principals are limited to taking one Principal Intern per year unless explicitly approved by the Regional Executive Director of Schools.

• Complete and submit the Information Packet to the district by May 31, 2026.
• Non‑SPS employees must submit the SPS Standard Affiliation Agreement with the application.
• Candidate must agree to meet all intern expectations.
• Obtain signatures from the Supervising Principal and the Regional Executive Director acknowledging commitment to supervise.

• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Complete 540 hours of internship required by Seattle Public Schools under the direction of a supervising administrator.
• Intern with a supervising principal who has at least three years of experience as a principal.
• Attend required district meetings, leadership team meetings, and designated staff development opportunities.
• Attend all required classes, workshops, and meetings as part of the Principal Intern Leadership Academy (dates TBD).
• Fulfill all duties and assignments designated by the supervising principal and Seattle Public Schools Principal Intern Program directors.
• Work cooperatively and supportively as a member of administrative teams.
• Apply for the State internship grant for release time; if the grant is not awarded, release time is the responsibility of the intern and the sponsoring principal and school.
• Participation may be terminated if criteria or expectations are not fulfilled.

Applicants will be notified of acceptance by June 26, 2026. A completed application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

This position is not eligible for health benefits.