Principal Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 37 Jobs

Pre-K Lead Teacher

  • Medinah, IL (20 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 10 days ago
  • Medinah, IL (20 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 10 days ago

Spring Education Groups Early Childhood Education Division includes nearly 150 schools offering services from infant care through Pre-K/K programs, as well as summer camp and after-school programs....

Preschool Infant Lead Teacher

  • Woodridge, IL (22 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 10 days ago
  • Woodridge, IL (22 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 10 days ago

Spring Education Groups Early Childhood Education Division includes nearly 150 schools offering services from infant care through Pre-K/K programs, as well as summer camp and after-school programs....

The Teacher is hired by and is directly accountable to the principal....

Lead Teacher - Toddlers and 2's

  • Arlington Heights, IL (21 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 2 days ago
  • Arlington Heights, IL (21 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 2 days ago

Education preferred Child Development Associate (CDA) preferred 1-2 years of previous experience working with young children in a licensed childcare or preschool setting preferred Has successfully...

Preschool Infant Lead Teacher - Now Hiring

  • Chicago Ridge, IL (14 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 4 days ago
  • Chicago Ridge, IL (14 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 4 days ago

Spring Education Group's Early Childhood Education Division includes nearly 150 schools offering services from infant care through Pre-K/K programs, as well as summer camp and after-school programs....

Toddler Lead Teacher

  • Carol Stream, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 4 days ago
  • Carol Stream, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 4 days ago

Associates or Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or related field preferred....

Infant Lead Teacher

  • Carol Stream, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 4 days ago
  • Carol Stream, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 4 days ago

Associates or Bachelor's degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or related field preferred....

Lead Teacher

  • Orland Park, IL (21 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 4 days ago
  • Orland Park, IL (21 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 4 days ago

You will work alongside a talented team of educators in a supportive environment where you are encouraged to grow in your field and share your passion for early childhood education....

Lead Teacher 0-3 (Infant Toddler)

  • Chicago, IL
  • 5 days ago
  • Chicago, IL
  • 5 days ago

To learn more about Family Focus, visit www.family-focus.org Family Focus is an Equal Opportunity Employer Keywords: Early Childhood Education, Infant, Toddler, Child Development....

LEAD Teacher - valid Illinois Professional Educators Licensure- LBSI, Type 75

  • Maywood, IL (9 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 15 days ago
  • Maywood, IL (9 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 15 days ago

Openings as of 7/31/2025 LEAD Teacher - valid Illinois Professional Educators Licensure- LBSI, Type 75 JobID: 1795 Position Type: Student Support Services Date Posted: 7/29/2025 Location: TBD Date...

Lead Teacher 3-5

  • Wheaton, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 15 days ago
  • Wheaton, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 15 days ago

QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or education from an accredited college or university required....

Preschool Lead Teacher

  • Carol Stream, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 15 days ago
  • Carol Stream, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 15 days ago

Child Development Associate (CDA) or college degree in Early Childhood, Child Development, or related field. Previous experience as a preschool lead teacher (a must!)....

Lead Teacher

  • Oak Park, IL (7 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 17 days ago
  • Oak Park, IL (7 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 17 days ago

planning and program implementation Must be capable of directing the daily administrative, program related, and supervisory responsibilities of the Afterschool Program Positive role model with strong...

Lead Teacher - PreK

  • Buffalo Grove, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 18 days ago
  • Buffalo Grove, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 18 days ago

Qualifications: High school diploma required; associate's or bachelor's in Early Childhood Education preferred Child Development Associate (CDA) preferred 1-2 years of previous experience working with...

Two's Lead Teacher

  • Downers Grove, IL (20 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 18 days ago
  • Downers Grove, IL (20 miles from Chicago, IL)
  • 18 days ago

OR 64 semester hours in any discipline with a minimum of 21 hours of college credit in child development, early childhood education or early childhood special education AND ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: Gateways...

Demographic Data for Chicago, IL

Moving to Chicago, IL? Find some basic demographic data about Chicago, IL below.


Local
National
2,729,418
63,356
Large

Principal Online Courses and Training Opportunities

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SEL Principal Guide
Effective leaders often possess the dispositions required to establish a strong positive school culture that promotes the well-being of adults and children where learning can be maximized. While...
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...
Principales to 2d Animation
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Title Synonyms

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Salary for Principal Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 Chicago, IL offer the following education background
Master's Degree
46.9%
Bachelor's Degree
25.9%
Doctorate Degree
14.1%
Associate's Degree
5.6%
Vocational Degree or Certification
3.8%
High School or GED
3.2%
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 Chicago, IL
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

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