Lead in Seattle

Leading in Seattle Public Schools

2025-26 School Leader Pools are Open!

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 School Leader Principal and Assistant Principal Pools.

The school leader pools are open until May 31, 2025.

The School Leader Pool(s) is the first step in determining if an applicant is eligible to apply for Site-Based Leader openings at SPS. If you are interested in becoming a School Leader at SPS, you must first apply via our School Leader Pools:

School-specific openings will be posted at a later time. Candidates seeking priority consideration for applying for school-specific openings once posted are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. To learn more about a specific school, please visit our School Directory.

Application Support

Tech support for completing online applications

Document Requirements

To be eligible for selection to a Principal or Assistant Principal position, verification of principal licensure must be completed.

Qualified candidates must have:

A valid Washington State Administrator Certificate or be in the process of obtaining a Washington State Administrator certificate before the date of hire.
Applicants should have experience in a leadership capacity within a public or private school system and a minimum of three (3) years of successful certificated school experience.
At least three years of teaching experience (preferred).
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
For Principal candidates, at least three years of experience as a principal or assistant principal (preferred).

All Administrators hired must have a Washington State Administrator Certification before the July 1, 2024 start date.

In most cases, an out-of-state administrative certificate will apply in Washington State.

Information about the certification processes for Washington State.

Why Lead in Seattle

At Seattle Public Schools (SPS), we are working to dramatically improve academic and life outcomes for Students of Color by disrupting the legacies of racism in our educational system. SPS is committed to developing a culturally responsive workforce so teachers, leaders, and staff can effectively support students and families. Learn more about the SPS Strategic Plan and workforce goals.

We value, support, and have the highest expectations of our school leaders. School leadership is second only to teaching in its effect on student learning. Because we believe students, teachers, and parents are worthy of highly skilled and effective school leaders, SPS recruits and invests in school leadership with the expectation that leaders improve and support the performance of adults in service of student learning.

Prospective school leadership applicants will demonstrate the following SPS Leadership Attributes:

Champions and Acts on a Vision of Equity
Prioritizes Collaboration based data
Cultivates Instructional Expertise
Aligns Resources for Equity
Builds strong, strategic partnerships
We expect our leaders to be guided, demonstrate, and be committed to the following professional standards: Equity, Adult Learning, Respect, Relationships, Excellence, and Reflection and Action.

Working for Seattle Public Schools

Maybe you’re wondering what it’s like to live and work in Seattle? Maybe you are familiar with Seattle, maybe you have never been. But, what you probably want to know is what it is really like?

We asked around to share with potential school leaders the unvarnished truth. Thank you to our school leaders for sharing your voices:

Sandra Mackey, Principal, Cascadia Elementary
William Jackson, Ed.D, Principal, Nathan Hale High School
Sarah Pritchett, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Anita Koyier-Mwamba, Black Studies Program Manager

Nathan Hale Principal, Dr. William Jackson

“Being a leader in Seattle is both a privilege and an opportunity. Since I grew up in Seattle, I carry a responsibility to represent my community and my city. I am blessed with this opportunity. Though challenging at times, to be able to center the voices of our students, and primarily our Black and Brown students boldly, and in collaboration with staff, families, and students is something that I do not take lightly.”
William Jackson, Ed.D, Principal

“Being a leader in Seattle Public Schools has been a dynamic opportunity. Knowing that what I do ultimately impacts the success of our students is priceless. The work is not easy, it is fast-paced, challenging and complex but the rewards of being a part of one of the best districts in the state makes it all worth it.”
Sarah Pritchett, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

“Being a leader at Seattle Public Schools provides many opportunities for growth. Some opportunities are more welcome than others. The most welcome are those that allow for my voice to be heard and included. Leadership works best for me in the role of serving others and co-creating beneficial strategies and initiatives that move our strategic plan forward.”
Anita Koyier-Mwamba, Black Studies Program Manager

“Seattle Public Schools, unlike other urban districts I have worked for has an intentional focus on leaders of color. SPS recruits, mentors, and supports the advancement of leaders of color. The district understands the impact of positive outcomes for students when they are taught and lead by adults who look like them.”
Sandra Mackey, Principal

“Seattle has been relentless in its focus on equity, and students furthest from educational justice. We have identified our areas of focus and remained steadfast in our commitment to racial justice and high quality education for every student.”
Sarah Pritchett, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

“I think working and leading in a large urban school district always comes with challenges, everything from understanding the complexity of the many communities that make up Seattle to understanding all of the unique polices and procedures that govern our work”
Sarah Pritchett, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

“Most people would be surprised by the different types of diversity found at all levels of leadership in Seattle: Gender, race, sexual orientation, and ethnicity.”
Sandra Mackey, Principal

“Leadership. A lot of Principals, APs (assistant principals), district level cabinet leaders, superintendent, even district management are people of color, and a lot are Black leaders.”
William Jackson, Ed.D, Principal

“I think that people who are not from Seattle may not realize how diverse we really are.”
Sarah Pritchett, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

“The breadth of diversity categories and indicators across religion, class, race, gender, ability etc.”
Anita Koyier-Mwamba, Black Studies Program Manager

“The community of leaders are welcoming and supportive of new leaders. Any leader in Seattle is prepared to help a newcomer. It is just a matter of picking up a phone and asking.”
Sandra Mackey, Principal

“Seattle is a beautiful city full of amazing people, places to go and food to eat. You are within two hours from the ocean and an hour away from mountains. There are many things to do for people that love the outdoors, from hiking to biking and camping and there are a ton of restaurants for foodies and amazing sports teams and venues for those that are into sports.”
Sarah Pritchett, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

“My favorite part of Seattle are the unique neighborhoods with access to lakes, trails, and parks. You can enjoy outdoor activities within a few miles.”
Sandra Mackey, Principal

“I love Seafair, the parades, festivals, Blue Angels and hydroplane races are amazing.”
Sarah Pritchett, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

“Communion and Island Soul are my favorite restaurants.”
Anita Koyier-Mwamba, Black Studies Program Manager

“We are always looking for dynamic people to be a leaders in one of the best districts in the state! We welcome you to join our team!”
Sarah Pritchett, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources