become (a/the) principal

[diamondcutter]

“Maybe one of the teachers will become principal,” Michael said. “Like Mr. Docker or Ms. Hannah.”

“Being principal is an important job,” said Neil the nude kid. “There’s lots to do, like yell at kids and boss around teachers.”

Source: Dr. Carbles Is Losing His Marbles! by Dan Gutman

In “become principal” and “being principal” above, is an article is needed like this?
become a/the principal
being a/the principal

 

[tedmc]

It is a specific position in a school, so the definite article is appropriate.
However, the article could be dropped since it is a well-known position.

 

[Skrej]

Diamondcutter, you've repeatedly mixed up 'principle' and 'principal'. Remember the word 'pal' if you're talking about a person. Your principal is your friend.

 

[diamondcutter]

Thanks, Skej. I’ve corrected my mistake.

 

[Tarheel]

@diamondcutter I have a question about the nude kid. Is that somebody who goes around without any clothes on? (That's a strange school indeed. )

 

[jutfrank]

You can see from the text that no article is needed. The word principal is used here as a social role.

Other examples:

Who wants to be leader?
She likes to play mum to her sisters.
He was voted in as president for a second time.

 

[diamondcutter]

Hi, Tarheel. “Neil the nude kid” is just the boy’s nickname. He actually wears clothes.

 

[emsr2d2]

Hi, Tarheel. “Neil the nude kid” is just the boy’s nickname. He actually wears clothes.

Out of curiosity, then, what's the reason for that particular nickname?

 

[Skrej]

Out of curiosity, then, what's the reason for that particular nickname?

Apparently it was a misunderstanding of 'new kid' in the story line. See the first paragraph on the wiki bio for Neil Couch.