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School Leadership

Gone are the days when principals and assistant principals acted as pure administrators. School leaders now are more properly defined as chief executives, with all the responsibilities and accountability the position carries. Nowhere is the leadership role more significant than in a large urban school district. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has already made great strides in strengthening its school leadership, but we need to ensure a continuous supply of effective leaders. CMS, in partnership with the Wallace Foundation is committed to hiring, retaining and supporting effective leaders. We firmly believe that great leadership combined with great teaching is the key to great student achievement.

For more information, you may visit our website, CMS Principal Pipeline: Destination Leadership. 

Assistant Principal and Principal Talent Pools


People lined up with dates of talent tool application windows 

In preparation for anticipated future vacancies, CMS maintains a pool of potential candidates who have demonstrated their qualification for principal and/or assistant principal roles through a rigorous talent pool selection process. When a new principal or assistant principal vacancy is confirmed, candidates in the Principal and Assistant Principal Talent Pools will be invited to apply. Current CMS principals and assistant principals are automatically considered candidates of their respective talent pool and are eligible for open positions.

Our commitment is to have a selection process that is transparent and respects the profession of CMS principal. We have designed our process to provide applicants with the opportunity to demonstrate their qualifications as they relate to what is required on the job. Candidates are permitted to apply once each academic year.


*Sitting principals with at least 2 years of experience click here


Teacher-Leader Talent Pools

CMS offers a teacher-leader pathway with opportunities for strong educators with a proven track-record of student success to advance in their careers and compensate them more for expanding their reach. The Department of Teacher-Leadership screens candidates through a highly selective talent pool. High quality professional development is an advantage to teacher-leaders accepted into these advanced positions in order to continue their leadership trajectory. Approximately 1/3 of schools in CMS hiring from the teacher-leader talent pool.  Interested candidates are encouraged to view the application requirements and hiring timelines on the department’s website.  
P.O. Box 30035
Charlotte, NC 28230-0035
Phone: 980-343-3000
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools website (www.cms.k12.nc.us) is in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any website accessibility concerns may be brought via the following, Email the Web Accessibility Team at WebAccessibility or Call: 980.343.0115. In compliance with Federal Law, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities, may be referred to the District's Title IX Coordinator at titleixcoordinator or to the Office for Civil Rights, United States Department of Education.