How To Write a Principal Resume
In the realm of education, the role of a school principal is one of profound importance. Principals are not just administrators; they are visionaries, leaders, and champions of educational excellence. Creating a resume that does justice to the multifaceted responsibilities of a principal requires precision, clarity, and a deep understanding of the unique demands of educational leadership. We’ll provide valuable tips for crafting a principal resume that displays your dedication, expertise, and transformative impact in the world of education.
- Example #1
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
1. Summarize your principal qualifications in a dynamic profile
A resume profile is a brief statement that highlights your most relevant qualifications and experience for the job you’re applying for. It’s typically located at the top of your resume, just below your contact information. A well-crafted, professional summary can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting an interview.
When writing your profile, it’s important to brand yourself as a leader within the field of education. Emphasize the positive impact you’ve had on students, teachers, and school communities throughout your career. Show employers you have the experience to help their school excel.
Profile Example #1
A Principal with five years of experience within the education industry, specializing in faculty administration, organizational leadership, and curriculum development. A strong history of managing school operations and identifying opportunities to refine education for students.
Profile Example #2
A Principal with eight years of professional experience, specializing in policy development, program management, educational leadership, and school administration. A proven track record of guiding the implementation of new education strategies to drive student-centered learning.
2. Add your principal experience with compelling examples
Incorporate numbers and metrics from your education experience to enhance the impact of your professional achievements and grab the attention of potential employers. Quantifying your accomplishments creates a sense of scope for the hiring manager and demonstrates your ability to create value for academic institutions.
For example, you may want to establish how many students were enrolled at your school or the size of the operating budget you managed. Strategically integrating numbers into your bullet points will draw the reader’s eye and help tell your story better.
Be sure to draw attention to your leadership abilities, which are essential for a school principal. Demonstrate your experience managing faculty, students, and all aspects of school operations. Remember, hiring managers also want to see you’re the right cultural fit for their organization.
Professional Experience Example #1
Principal, Boston Elementary, Boston, MA May 2018 – Present
- Manage a team of 30+ teachers, office administrators, and school personnel, evaluate the effectiveness of instruction and education strategies
- Coordinate with faculty to conduct curriculum planning based on student data, resulting in a 15% increase in average PSAT scores across the school
- Establish and build safe and inclusive classroom environments for students, including coordinating anti-bullying and cultural awareness events
Professional Experience Example #2
Principal, Nashville High School, Nashville, TN May 2016 – Present
- Oversee a team of 45+ teachers, school counselors, administrators, and facilities personnel for a high school with over 500+ students, evaluate teaching performance, and ensure compliance with school policies and quality standards
- Lead initiatives to refine curriculum using student-centered learning modalities and implement SAT prep programs, resulting in a 20% improvement in average SAT scores
- Develop and implement intervention strategies for students with learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, and academic struggles
3. List any education and certifications relevant to principals
In addition to listing your formal education, several certifications are common for principals to have and could help set you apart. While they may not be strictly required, it always looks good to have obtained special certifications relevant to the job.
It’s important to note the specific certifications useful for a principal to have may vary depending on the school district, state, or country in which they work. An example of some certifications which may be helpful to have include:
- Certified Professional – Human Resource (IPMA-CP): This is offered by the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) and is designed for HR professionals.
- Principal/Administrative certification: This shows that an individual is prepared to face challenges and use their knowledge in a variety of situations.
- School Building Leader (SBL): This is required for principal, assistant principal, education administrator, or “supervisor of” positions in New York City Public Schools.
These are just a few examples of certifications. It’s important to research the specific requirements in your area to determine which certifications would be most beneficial.
Education
Template
- [Degree Name]
- [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example
- Master of Education (M.E.) Education Administration
- Boston University, Boston, MA | May 2016 – May 2018
Certifications
Template
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example
- Principal Certification, State of Massachusetts | May 2018
- Single Subject Teaching Certification, Math, State of Massachusetts | April 2016
4. List key principal skills and proficiencies
Employers rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to identify qualified candidates who fit their organizational needs. To ensure that your resume is fully optimized for the initial ATS scan, tactically integrate specific keywords from the job description into your resume. Be sure to provide specific examples of you using these skill sets during your education career to demonstrate your hands-on experience.
Below, you’ll find a list of potential keywords you may encounter during the job search.
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Academic policies | Admissions |
| Behavioral analysis | Budget management |
| Change management | Classroom management |
| Communication | Community outreach |
| Cross-functional leadership | Curriculum development |
| Curriculum planning | Education technology |
| Educational leadership | Operations management |
| Policy development | Process improvement |
| Program development | Program management |
| Public relations | Relationship building |
| School administration | School operations |
| Student-centered learning | Student counseling |
| Student enrollment | Teaching |
| Team management | |
How To Pick the Best Principal Resume Template
When selecting your principal resume template, opt for a simple structure and organized layout that is easy to navigate. Prioritize readability above visual appeal to help readers capture essential information quickly. Although personal style is important, keep colors and graphics to a minimum. The template’s design should highlight your accomplishments and skills, not detract from them.
Principal Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
- Example #1
- Example #2
- Example #3
Kevin Danner
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, Nashville, TN 12345
Profile
A Principal with eight years of professional experience, specializing in policy development, program management, educational leadership, and school administration. A proven track record of guiding the implementation of new education strategies to drive student-centered learning.
Professional Experience
Principal, Nashville High School, Nashville, TN
May 2016 – Present
- Oversee a team of 45+ teachers, school counselors, administrators, and facilities personnel for a high school with over 500+ students, evaluate teaching performance, and ensure compliance with school policies and quality standards
- Lead initiatives to refine curriculum using student-centered learning modalities and implement SAT prep programs, resulting in a 20% improvement in average SAT scores
- Develop and implement intervention strategies for students with learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, and academic struggles
Principal, Steinburgh High School, Nashville, TN
September 2013 – May 2016
- Managed, developed, and hired a team of 35 educators, counselors, administrative assistants, and teacher aides, oversaw daily operations for a high school with 400+ pupils, and provided constructive feedback on teaching performance
- Led the development of school policies and education programs and coordinated with faculty to identify opportunities to improve curriculum and lesson plans
- Interfaced with classroom teachers and parents to discuss academic performance, behavioral conduct, and disciplinary measures
Education
Master of Education (M.E.) Education Administration
University of Nashville, Nashville, TN May 2011 – May 2013
Bachelor of Education (B.E.)
University of Nashville, Nashville, TN September 2007 – May 2011
Key Skills
- Policy Development
- School Administration
- Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
- Student-Centered Learning
- Team Management
Certifications
- Principal Certification, State of Tennessee, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions: Principal Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for principal resumes?-
Action verbs are critically important on a resume because they bring your accomplishments and experiences to life, making your qualifications more dynamic and engaging for prospective employers. When using action verbs on your resume, focus on using strong, specific verbs that directly relate to your experiences and the job you're applying for. Tailoring your language to match the specific job requirements can significantly increase your chances of making a positive impression on potential employers.
If you’re having trouble, here are some strong action words to use in your resume:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Collaborated | Coordinated |
| Conducted | Created |
| Designed | Developed |
| Directed | Drove |
| Enhanced | Evaluated |
| Identified | Implemented |
| Improved | Managed |
| Oversaw | Planned |
| Provided | Resolved |
| Spearheaded | Supported |
How do you align your resume with a principal job description?-
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, principals had a median income of $101,320 in 2022. Since it is one of the more lucrative positions within the education field, you’ll face strong competition during your job search. To maximize your chances of landing the interview, carefully align your resume with the job description.
For example, if a school seeks a principal with an extensive background in classroom instruction, feature your teaching experience more prominently to show organizations you are in touch as an education administrator. If an institution is looking for a candidate with an advanced understanding of current teaching trends, you might emphasize student-centered learning and microlearning in your skills section.
What is the best principal resume format?-
The reverse chronological resume format is widely considered the best choice for principal resumes. This format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job and working backward. It’s a preferred format because it focuses on your most recent and relevant work experience, making it easier for recruiters to identify your qualifications quickly. Additionally, it is simple to read and understand, making it a popular choice among recruiters and hiring managers.
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Once you’re done with your resume, a good way to finish it before sending it off to your prospective employer is to add a cover letter. This is a great opportunity to speak directly to the hiring manager and make a case for why you’re the best candidate for the job.
Remember, a cover letter should be fairly succinct. Try not to exceed more than 400 words — 250 to 300 is ideal. For more information and ideas, view our teacher cover letter examples.
