Principal Jobs in California

A Principal in elementary education serves as the leader and manager for the school, setting its educational standards and goals, and ensuring it meets them. They are responsible for creating a safe and productive learning environment, managing teaching staff, overseeing curriculum, and communicating with parents and community members. They also handle the school's administrative duties, such as budgeting and scheduling. A Principal is expected to have a deep understanding of elementary education, curriculum development, and school administration. In addition, they should possess excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

To become a Principal, an individual typically needs a master's degree in Education Administration or a related field, and some states may also require completion of a school administrator licensing program. Prior to becoming a Principal, they often have experience as a teacher or school counselor, gaining firsthand classroom experience and understanding of student needs. Some may also have roles as an Assistant Principal or a Department Head, managing aspects of school administration and gaining leadership experience. These roles provide the necessary professional experience and knowledge needed to effectively run a school.

1-15 of 133 Jobs

Daycare Lead Teacher - Childtime, Via Rancho Rd

  • Oceanside, CA
  • 1 day ago
  • Oceanside, CA
  • 1 day ago

We want energetic, dependable, passionate individuals who are at least 18 and have: Experience leading a classroom and creating educational lesson plans....

Upper Elementary Lead Teacher (25/26 School Year)

  • Thousand Oaks, CA
  • 1 day ago
  • Thousand Oaks, CA
  • 1 day ago

The classroom teacher is expected to integrate developmentally appropriate teaching of core curriculum skills in reading, writing, handwriting, math, science, and social studies within a nurturing environment...

Lead Teacher

  • Sacramento, CA
  • 1 day ago
  • Sacramento, CA
  • 1 day ago

You will provide a warm, caring, joyful environment that encourages preschoolers' natural curiosity, and instills confidence in their innate abilities....

Child Care Lead Teacher- La Petite Academy, E J Street

  • Chula Vista, CA
  • 2 days ago
  • Chula Vista, CA
  • 2 days ago

We want energetic, dependable, passionate individuals who are at least 18 and have: Experience leading a classroom and creating educational lesson plans....

Substitute School Administrator

  • Menifee, CA
  • 2 days ago
  • Menifee, CA
  • 2 days ago

DETAILS ABOUT THIS POSITION: Salary: $350.00 per day Length of Work Year: Substitutes work on an on-call basis Location: Multiple Sites JOB QUALIFICATIONS Education & Experience: Master’s Degree...

Head of School Leader (Preschool)

  • Sunnyvale, CA
  • 2 days ago
  • Sunnyvale, CA
  • 2 days ago

Insight Global is partnering with a Montessori School in San Francisco to hire for a Head of School leader / Preschool Director to provide day-to-day leadership to the school with ages ranging from...

Elementary School Principal - Park Elementary School - 2025 - 2026 School Year

  • Mill Valley, CA
  • 3 days ago
  • Mill Valley, CA
  • 3 days ago

Mill Valley School District See attachment on original job posting In addition to the Edjoin application, all applicants must include the following documents:- Letter of Introduction- 3 Letters of...

Early Learning Center-Lead Teacher

  • Menlo Park, CA
  • 4 days ago
  • Menlo Park, CA
  • 4 days ago

Knowledge of child development principles and best practices in early childhood education. Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues....

Child Care Lead Teacher - Childrens Courtyard, Ridgecrest Rd

  • Victorville, CA
  • 4 days ago
  • Victorville, CA
  • 4 days ago

We want energetic, dependable, passionate individuals who are at least 18 and have: + Experience leading a classroom and creating educational lesson plans. + The ability to meet state requirements for...

Childcare Center Lead Teacher- Childtime Learning Center, Perris Blvd

  • Moreno Valley, CA
  • 4 days ago
  • Moreno Valley, CA
  • 4 days ago

We want energetic, dependable, passionate individuals who are at least 18 and have: + Experience leading a classroom and creating educational lesson plans. + The ability to meet state requirements for...

Daycare Lead Teacher - La Petite Academy, Macon Dr

  • Sacramento, CA
  • 4 days ago
  • Sacramento, CA
  • 4 days ago

We want energetic, dependable, passionate individuals who are at least 18 and have: + Experience leading a classroom and creating educational lesson plans. + The ability to meet state requirements for...

Child Care Lead Teacher - Childtime, Yorktown Ave

  • Huntington Beach, CA
  • 5 days ago
  • Huntington Beach, CA
  • 5 days ago

We want energetic, dependable, passionate individuals who are at least 18 and have: Experience leading a classroom and creating educational lesson plans....

Comptche School Head Teacher

  • Mendocino, CA
  • 5 days ago
  • Mendocino, CA
  • 5 days ago

CA Multi Subject Certificated EdJoin Application Letter of introduction stating your personal educational philosophy Resume Three (3) current, professional letters of recommendation Copy of...

Head of School

  • Richmond, CA
  • 6 days ago
  • Richmond, CA
  • 6 days ago

**We are currently hiring for the 2025-2026 school year** Title: Head of School Division: Making Waves Academy Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Status: Full-time, Exempt, CalSTRS Retirement...

Daycare Lead Teacher - Childtime at Disneyland

  • Anaheim, CA
  • 6 days ago
  • Anaheim, CA
  • 6 days ago

We want energetic, dependable, passionate individuals who are at least 18 and have: Experience leading a classroom and creating educational lesson plans....

Demographic Data for California

Moving to California? Find some basic demographic data about California below.


Local
National
39,536,271
996,598

Principal Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireElementaryTeachers curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Principales to 2d Animation
About This ClassHere's a comprehensive guide for beginners in ANIMATION. You will learn the ANIMATIONPRINCIPLES you need to animate objects, text, and even characters. If you want to...
Principal Information Management
Information management (IM) is the process of collecting, storing, managing and maintaining information in all its forms. Information management is a broad term that incorporates policies and...
The Day in the Life of a Principal
A Day in the Life of a Principal is a self paced course that will give you a first person experience into what a principal has to do, daily. This course is for anyone who is considering going into...

Title Synonyms

Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job title


Salary for Principal Jobs in California

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireElementaryTeachers research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Principal positions.



Highest Education Level

Principals in California offer the following education background
Master's Degree
47.8%
Bachelor's Degree
25.3%
Doctorate Degree
14.1%
Associate's Degree
5.3%
Vocational Degree or Certification
3.8%
High School or GED
3.3%
Some College
0.3%
Some High School
0.2%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Principals in California
2-4 years
38.4%
4-6 years
33.8%
1-2 years
11.7%
Less than 1 year
6.6%
8-10 years
4.7%
6-8 years
4.6%
10+ years
0.1%


Other Career Titles

Here are some other career titles that require similar skills



Principal Related Career Advice Articles

Learn the 6 best nationwide teacher job search tips
6 Must-Read Tips for Your Out-of-State or Nationwide Teacher Job Search

Running a nationwide teacher job search doesn’t have to be hard. Learn the keys to job hunting out of state and how to find and apply for teaching jobs.

Read article »
Teacher teaching remotely
How to Become a Remote Teacher

Learn how to become a remote teacher with information on the qualifications, requirements, and resources you need to start your career as a remote educator.

Read article »