Principal Jobs in Grand Rapids, MI

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 23 Jobs

Lead Teacher at Knapp Charter Academy

  • KinderCare Education
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 5 days ago
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 5 days ago

Childhood Education Experience (preferred) Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education (preferred) Meet state specific qualifications for the role or willingness to obtain CPR and First Aid Certification...

In Person

Lead Teacher

  • Learning Care Group
  • Rockford, MI (14 miles from Grand Rapids, MI)
  • 6 days ago
  • Rockford, MI (14 miles from Grand Rapids, MI)
  • 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....

In Person

Summer Care Lead Teacher

  • Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids Schools
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 6 days ago
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 6 days ago

St. Paul the Apostle is seeking a lead teacher to join our summer care program team for the 2026 season. This role is perfect for individuals who enjoy working with children and want to gain...

In Person

Lead Teacher, AppleTree Walker West

  • Learning Care Group
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 10 days ago
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 10 days ago

Experience leading a classroom and creating educational lesson plans. The ability to meet state requirements for education and our childcare center requirements....

In Person

Lead Teacher, AppleTree Cascade

  • U-Gro Learning Centres
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 14 days ago
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 14 days ago

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

In Person

Lead Teacher, AppleTree Walker West

  • U-Gro Learning Centres
  • Walker, MI (6 miles from Grand Rapids, MI)
  • 14 days ago
  • Walker, MI (6 miles from Grand Rapids, MI)
  • 14 days ago

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

In Person

Lead Teacher

  • The Learning Experience
  • Jenison, MI (9 miles from Grand Rapids, MI)
  • 17 days ago
  • Jenison, MI (9 miles from Grand Rapids, MI)
  • 17 days ago

Childhood Education) Location: The Learning Experience - Jenison, MI Pay: $16-$18 per hour Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday Lead Teacher - Infant, Toddler, or Preschool Classrooms The Learning Experience...

In Person Full Time

Lead Teacher, Childtime on E Paris

  • Learning Care Group
  • Kentwood, MI (6 miles from Grand Rapids, MI)
  • 23 days ago
  • Kentwood, MI (6 miles from Grand Rapids, MI)
  • 23 days ago

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

In Person

GSRP (Pre-K) Lead Teacher

  • U-Gro Learning Centres
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 27 days ago
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 27 days ago

Candidates should bring: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or valid teaching certificate with ZA/ZS endorsement Experience leading a classroom...

In Person

Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Lead Teacher at Ridge Park Charter Academy 2026-27 School Year

  • National Heritage Academies
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 30+ days ago
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 30+ days ago

OR A bachelors degree in early childhood education or child development with a specialization in preschool teaching....

In Person

Preschool Lead Teacher (26-27 SY)

  • Caledonia Community School District
  • Caledonia, MI (13 miles from Grand Rapids, MI)
  • 30+ days ago
  • Caledonia, MI (13 miles from Grand Rapids, MI)
  • 30+ days ago

Childhood Education (ZA) or Early Childhood-General and Special Education (ZS) endorsement, Birth-K, or PK-3 endorsement; or A bachelor's degree in early childhood education or child development with...

In Person

Preschool 3s Lead Teacher

  • St. John Vianney School
  • Wyoming, MI (8 miles from Grand Rapids, MI)
  • 30+ days ago
  • Wyoming, MI (8 miles from Grand Rapids, MI)
  • 30+ days ago

Completed or actively pursuing bachelor's degree in early childhood education or similar field -or 2. Completed or actively pursuing Child Development Associate (CDA) 3....

In Person

Toddler 2s Lead Teacher

  • St. John Vianney School
  • Wyoming, MI (8 miles from Grand Rapids, MI)
  • 30+ days ago
  • Wyoming, MI (8 miles from Grand Rapids, MI)
  • 30+ days ago

Completed or actively pursuing bachelor's degree in early childhood education or similar field (preferred) 2. Completed or actively pursuing Child Development Associate (CDA) (preferred) 3....

In Person

Early Head Start Lead Teacher

  • YMCA
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 30+ days ago
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 30+ days ago

Requirements Infant Toddler CDA credential from an accredited college or Associates/Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education is required for this position....

In Person

Childcare Lead Teacher

  • Premier Early Childhood Education Partners
  • Byron Center, MI (11 miles from Grand Rapids, MI)
  • 30+ days ago
  • Byron Center, MI (11 miles from Grand Rapids, MI)
  • 30+ days ago

We are looking to hire M ulti- T asking S uper- H eroes who love to work with children! J oin our passionate team to help children THRIVE in a fun environment where we end the day with a good...

In Person

Demographic Data for Grand Rapids, MI

Moving to Grand Rapids, MI? Find some basic demographic data about Grand Rapids, MI below.


Local
National
377,695
10,701
Large

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.
Qualities of Effective Principals: 2nd Edition
In the second edition of Qualities of Effective Principals, you'll find the research-backed qualities, skills, and capacities that help principals lead successful students, teachers, and schools,...
Final Exam: Principal Systems Engineer
Final Exam: Principal Systems Engineer will test your knowledge and application of the topics presented throughout the Principal Systems Engineer track. Skillsoft provides a comprehensive...
Collaboration between Librarians and Principals | ALAeLearning
A key to a successful school library program is having a collaborative relationship between the school librarian and their principal(s). This session will provide attendees with tools on how...

Title Synonyms

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Salary for Principal Jobs in Grand Rapids, MI

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 Grand Rapids, MI offer the following education background
Master's Degree
46.2%
Bachelor's Degree
27.3%
Doctorate Degree
13.6%
Associate's Degree
5.4%
Vocational Degree or Certification
4.0%
High School or GED
3.1%
Some College
0.2%
Some High School
0.2%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Principals in Grand Rapids, MI
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%


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