Substitute Principal 2026-2027

Tacoma Public Schools; Washington; On-site; USD 95,000 - 104,000; Part time

Job summary

Tacoma Public Schools seeks a Substitute Principal to provide temporary, building-level leadership ensuring high-quality instruction and student success. The role requires directing programs, supervising staff, and coordinating with families and community partners to advance educational outcomes.

The position emphasizes ethical leadership, staff development, and adherence to state policies while maintaining strong school community relations and safety in all areas.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher required with evidence of leadership in an educational setting.
• Washington State Principal’s Certificate or eligible
• Experience with CEL 5D+ Teacher Evaluations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directs, supervises, and evaluates instructional and support programs in the building.
• Coordinates relations with students, families, and community stakeholders.
• Leads development and execution of building-level program improvement plans.
• Participates in policy formulation and regulations at state level.
• Oversees student discipline and safety in the lunchroom, hallways, and grounds.
• Ensures security and proper care of school property and equipment.
• Participates in staff meetings and ongoing professional development.
• Upholds high ethical standards in all professional activities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Educational leadership

School technology

Education

Master’s degree

Principal’s Certificate

Job description

Expected Start Date

As soon as possible

Salary Level

Salary Available at Salary Schedules - Substitute Hourly Rates

• Substitute Principal: $68.888 /hour
• Substitute Principal, Retired TPS, in Long Term: $75.776 /hour

Benefits

NONE

Job Summary

This position, for temporary periods, provides leadership within the building to provide a responsive and dynamic educational program so that all students will acquire the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes to lead self-sufficient, well-adjusted, healthy, productive, and socially responsible lives to the best of their individual potential.

Essential Job Functions

• 1. Directs, supervises, facilitates, and may evaluate the instructional, guidance, and other programs of the building; is responsible for educational leadership and student achievement in the assigned building; leads staff in continuous improvement of instruction and program delivery; monitors student performance within the building.
• 2. Coordinates human relations within the school and between the school and its stakeholders (i.e., students, families, parent groups; community agencies, business community, etc.); ensures and promotes student welfare; exercises good judgment in dealings with students, staff, parents, and public.
• 3. May lead the development of program improvement plans at the building level in collaboration with teachers and district staff; coordinates the involvement of curriculum and instruction and staff development in improving instruction and programs; coordinates building involvement in the district's curriculum and program review and implementation cycle.
• 4. Participates in the formulation, interpretation, and execution of the policies and regulations of the State Board of Education.
• 5. Supervises student discipline and the management of students in the lunchroom, in hallways, on school grounds, and in any program held at the school under district sanction; works cooperatively with district administrators in emergency situations.
• 6. Supervises the security and care of assigned equipment, buildings, grounds, and other school property.
• 7. May participate at staff meetings and in-service training programs sponsored by district administration; maintains and updates knowledge and skills necessary for success in the position by participating in professional development activities as needed or as assigned.
• 8. Maintains a high standard of ethics in all professional relationships, actions, and decisions.

Other Job Duties

• 1. Performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis.
• 2. Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to an Assistant Superintendent, K-12 Support and Director of the appropriate education program or another assigned administrator; supervises certificated and classified staff.

Conditions

Exposed to difficult and sensitive situations and people; exposed to public controversy; required to attend meetings and activities beyond regular work hours; required to travel within the District and the community; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.

Education and Experience

Master’s degree and previous experience as a building principal in a district and/or building of similar size, grade-level of building, and/or level of responsibilities; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work. Experience with or knowledge of CEL 5D+ Teacher Evaluations preferred.

Licenses and Special Requirements

• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate.
• Valid Washington State Principal’s Certificate at appropriate level.
• Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.

*Subject to a successful employment interview*

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of leadership principles.
• Knowledge of technology related to public schools.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
• Ability as a communicator, mediator, and problem solver.
• Ability to consensually develop a building “mission” and achieve stated educational goals.
• Ability to provide energetic, positive, visible, and creative leadership and to implement change.
• Ability to motivate, discipline, and interact with students in an equitable and productive manner.
• Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to model and encourage excellence for staff and students.
• Ability to develop community and parental support for all aspects of the schools’ program.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multicultural, diverse socio-economic setting.

Tacoma Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

• Civil Rights Coordinator: Tiffany Davis-Brantley, 253-571-1057, [e-mail]
• Title IX Coordinator: Wayne Greer, 253-571-1191, [e-mail]
• 504 Coordinator: Elise Friedrich-Nielsen, 253-571-1065, [e-mail]

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1357, Tacoma, WA 98401-1357.