Research indicates that the school principal is the key to school improvement and student learning. The leadership demonstrated by the principal is essential to a school’s success. Currently, because there is a shortage of qualified candidates, many school districts find themselves in a quandary when faced with a principal vacancy to fill. The replacement of the principal as an instructional leader of a school is a challenge.

In light of the shortage of qualified principal candidates, the assistant principalship can be a strategic position to that end. This qualitative phenomenological study focuses on understanding the perceptions of ten Illinois principals of large elementary schools regarding the role and career path of the assistant principalship. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with elementary principals who had at least one assistant principal on staff.

The findings that emerged were that principals viewed the role of the assistant principal in context of administrative support. Principals indicated that more administrative experiences enhanced the preparation for the next administrative position. Principals did not indicate a formalized existence of a district level structure for principal preparation.

As the literature indicates, the principal is the key to school improvement and student learning. Candidates for the principalship gain entry through the position of the assistant principalship.

Given the emphasis on student learning for educational leaders, a necessary step for school districts is to create a strategic development plan for entry-level administrators embedding both managerial and educational leadership experiences throughout the assistant principalship position. A formalized district process should be developed for assistant principals in preparation for the principalship by emphasizing leadership standards and best practices in educational leadership. Instructional leadership is essential for the leaders of tomorrow’s schools.