Crafting a standout resume is crucial for aspiring principals who want to make a significant impact in their educational roles.

A principal's resume should not only highlight extensive experience and proven leadership skills but also demonstrate a deep commitment to excellence and student success.

In this article, we'll explore effective strategies for creating a compelling resume for a principal, offer practical examples, and provide valuable tips to help you showcase your qualifications and secure your next leadership position.

Principal resume examples

Elementary school principal resume sample

Elementary principal resume template

Elementary principal resume template
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Resume for a principal of high school | Plain text

Melanie Green

Seattle, WA
(123) 456-7890
emily.anderson@email.com
LinkedIn: /in/melaniegreen

Summary

Dedicated Elementary School Principal with 11+ years of experience in fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. Proven track record of improving student achievement by 18% and leading school improvement initiatives at Washington Hills Elementary School. Adept at developing teacher training programs and engaging parents and the community.

Professional Experience

Elementary School Principal

Washington Hills Elementary School – Seattle, WA

July 2018 – Present

  • Lead academic and administrative operations for a K-5 school with 500+ students, focusing on academic growth and inclusivity.
  • Spearhead literacy programs that enhance reading proficiency by integrating innovative teaching methods and parent involvement.
  • Collaborate with teachers and staff to develop data-driven instructional strategies that improve student outcomes.
  • Engage with the community and parents, increasing participation in school events and initiatives by 35%.

Assistant Principal

Greenwood Elementary School – Portland, OR

August 2013 – June 2018

  • Designed and implemented a mentoring program for new teachers, improving retention rates and instructional quality.
  • Facilitated data-driven interventions that led to a 10% increase in math scores across all grade levels.
  • Coordinated school-wide behavior management programs that reduced disciplinary incidents by 20%.
  • Organized professional development workshops focused on differentiated instruction and student engagement.

Education

Master’s in Educational Leadership

University of Washington – Seattle, WA (2012)

Bachelor’s in Elementary Education

Oregon State University – Corvallis, OR (2008)

Certifications

  • Washington State Principal Certification (valid till 2026)
  • Certified in Responsive Classroom Techniques (renewed in 2024)
  • Trauma-Informed School Leadership Certification (issued in 2022)

Key Skills

  • Curriculum Development
  • Parental Engagement
  • Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Staff Professional Development
  • Student Behavioral Management

Professional Affiliations

  • Member, National Association of Elementary School Principals (since 2019)
  • Board Member, Seattle Educational Leadership Consortium (since 2015)
  • Volunteer, Reading Partners Seattle (since 2012)

Strong sides of this principal resume:

  • Emphasizes experience and achievements specific to elementary education, such as literacy programs and early intervention strategies.
  • Highlights active involvement with parents and the community, showing a commitment to creating a supportive educational environment.
  • Shows a proactive approach to teacher development and staff support, which is crucial for fostering a positive school culture.
How to properly format a resume for a principal?
  • Choose a professional, easy-to-read font such as Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Helvetica.
  • Use bold for headings and subheadings, and avoid underlining or italics for body text to ensure clarity.
  • Add standard 1-inch margins on all sides to ensure the document is well-spaced and looks clean.
  • Align the content to the left; use centered text sparingly, typically only for your name and contact information.
  • Aim for 1-2 pages. For experienced professionals, 2 pages are acceptable, but ensure that all content is relevant and concise.
  • In the header, include your name, title, location, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile.
  • Maintain a consistent style for headings, bullet points, and text throughout the document.
  • Keep the design simple and professional. Avoid using graphics or excessive colors, which can detract from the content.
  • Carefully proofread for any spelling or grammar errors.

Using an online resume builder is a smart approach to avoid formatting issues in your application.

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Middle school principal resume example

Sample principal resume for middle school

John Martinez

Austin, TX
(123) 456-7890
john.martinez@email.com

Summary

Experienced Principal with over 13 years of leadership experience at Kennedy Middle School. Expertise in implementing school-wide discipline strategies, enhancing student engagement, and leading diverse teams of educators. Proven success in improving standardized test scores by 20% through targeted interventions.

Professional Experience

Middle School Principal

Kennedy Middle School – Austin, TX

August 2016 – Present

  • Manage all academic and administrative functions for a school of 750 students, prioritizing student engagement and teacher development.
  • Lead the implementation of a school-wide STEAM initiative, increasing participation in advanced courses by 30%.
  • Oversee a social-emotional learning program, resulting in a 25% reduction in behavioral incidents and improved student well-being.
  • Conduct monthly professional development sessions that enhance instructional effectiveness and teacher collaboration.

Assistant Principal

Westlake Middle School – Houston, TX

July 2011 – June 2016

  • Developed and managed an after-school tutoring program, leading to a 12% increase in student performance.
  • Supervised daily operations, including staff scheduling and student services, ensuring efficient and effective school management.
  • Led the development of school safety plans and facilitated emergency preparedness drills.
  • Assisted in curriculum planning and implementation, resulting in a 10% improvement in standardized test scores.

Education

Master’s in Educational Administration

University of Texas – Austin, TX (2011)

Bachelor’s in Secondary Education

Texas A&M University – College Station, TX (2006)

Certifications

  • Texas Principal Certification (valid till 2027)
  • Certified in Social-Emotional Learning Strategies (2023)
  • School Safety and Emergency Management Certification (2022)

Key Skills

  • School Safety and Crisis Management
  • Social-Emotional Learning
  • STEAM Curriculum Development
  • Teacher Coaching and Evaluation
  • Community and Stakeholder Engagement

Awards and Recognitions

  • "Middle School Principal of the Year", Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (2024)
  • Recipient of the "Excellence in Educational Leadership" Award, Austin ISD (2022)
  • Honoree, "Top 40 Under 40 in Education", Houston Chronicle (2021)

Here are a few reasons why this principal resume example will impress recruiters:

  • Demonstrates a strong track record of using data to drive school improvements, such as increasing test scores and reducing behavioral incidents.
  • Details leadership in implementing initiatives like STEAM and social-emotional learning, showcasing an ability to adapt to modern educational needs.
  • Includes notable achievements and awards, which highlight exceptional performance and industry recognition.
Should I choose a principal resume summary or objective?

A resume summary provides a concise overview of your qualifications, experience, and key accomplishments.

  • Useful if you want to showcase your major achievements and skills that directly relate to the role.

Principal resume summary sample:

Seasoned educational leader with over 15 years of experience in school administration and curriculum development. Proven track record of increasing student achievement by 20%, leading successful staff development programs, and managing budgets of up to $3 million. Adept at fostering a collaborative and inclusive school environment.

An objective is a brief statement about your career goals and how they align with the position you’re applying for.

  • Ideal if you’re new to the principal role or transitioning from a different field.

Principal resume objective example:

Dedicated educator with over 10 years of teaching experience seeking a principal position to leverage my expertise in curriculum development and team leadership to enhance student outcomes and foster a positive learning environment.

High school principal resume template

Principal resume example for high school

Principal resume example for high school
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Resume for a principal of a high school | Text version

Grover Watkins

New York, NY
(123) 456-7890
sarah.bennett@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarahbennett

Summary

Results-oriented High School Principal with 12 years of experience leading large educational institutions. Proven ability to drive academic excellence, improve graduation rates by 20%, and foster a positive school culture. Currently leading Bronxwood High School, known for its innovative career-readiness programs and college prep initiatives.

Professional Experience

High School Principal

Bronxwood High School – New York, NY

July 2017 – Present

  • Oversee a high school with 1,200 students, focusing on improving graduation rates and academic achievement.
  • Implement career readiness programs that increase student internships and partnerships with local businesses by 40%.
  • Collaborate with faculty to introduce targeted interventions that have raised the graduation rate from 78% to 93%.
  • Foster a positive school culture by leading initiatives that promote inclusivity, student leadership, and community engagement.

Vice Principal

Eastview High School – Newark, NJ

August 2012 – June 2017

  • Managed discipline procedures and student support services for a diverse population of 1,000 students.
  • Led efforts to increase Advanced Placement (AP) course enrollment, boosting participation by 25% over three years.
  • Supervised teacher evaluations and provided feedback to improve instructional quality and student outcomes.
  • Organized and facilitated parent engagement events, improving school-home communication and involvement.

Education

Master’s in School Leadership

Columbia University – New York, NY (2012)

Bachelor’s in English Education

Rutgers University – New Brunswick, NJ (2000)

Certifications

  • New York State School Building Leader (SBL) Certification (renewed in 2024)
  • Certified in Restorative Justice Practices (2022)
  • Advanced Data Analytics in Education Certification (2020)

Key Skills

  • Career and College Readiness Programs
  • Graduation Rate Improvement
  • Student and Faculty Development
  • Data-Driven Instructional Strategies
  • Community Partnerships

Community Involvement

  • Board Member, Bronx Youth Leadership Council (since 2023)
  • Volunteer Mentor, Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC (since 2020)
  • Guest Speaker, NYC Department of Education Leadership Conferences (since 2019)

This sample principal resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Showcases success in developing career readiness programs and improving graduation rates, which is crucial for high school students.
  • Emphasizes initiatives to foster inclusivity and student leadership, contributing to a strong, supportive school environment.
  • Highlights active involvement with the local community and educational conferences, showing a commitment to broader goals.
How to showcase your principal skills?

The skills section helps employers quickly understand whether you possess the essential qualities required for effective school leadership.

  • Hard skills are specific, teachable knowledge sets that are usually acquired through education, training, or hands-on experience. They are quantifiable and can be measured or tested.
  • Soft skills, also known as interpersonal, are abilities that relate to how you interact with others and handle various situations. They are more subjective and harder to quantify.

Principal hard skills for a resume:

  • Budget Management
  • Curriculum Development
  • Data Analysis
  • Instructional Design
  • Policy Development
  • Performance Evaluation
  • Project Management
  • Educational Technology
  • Scheduling
  • Regulatory Compliance

Soft skills for a principal resume:

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Team Building
  • Problem-Solving
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Adaptability
  • Negotiation
  • Decision Making
  • Empathy

Teacher to principal resume template

Principal resume example

Rachel Davis

Denver, CO
(123) 456-7890
rachel.davis@email.com

Summary

Seasoned Educator transitioning to a Principal role with 11 years of classroom experience and a strong track record in improving student performance and fostering a collaborative school environment. Proven success in developing innovative teaching methods, leading professional development workshops, and building positive relationships with students, parents, and staff.

Professional Experience

Department Head

Greenfield High School – Denver, CO

August 2020 – June 2024

  • Supervised a team of 12 English teachers, conducting performance evaluations and organizing professional development workshops.
  • Developed and implemented department-wide initiatives that improved student literacy rates and fostered a collaborative teaching environment.
  • Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for improvement and develop targeted intervention strategies.
  • Facilitated regular meetings with parents and guardians to discuss student progress and address academic concerns.

High School Teacher

Greenfield High School – Denver, CO

August 2013 – June 2024

  • Taught English Language Arts to grades 9-12, employing differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs and improve student engagement.
  • Implemented a writing intervention program that increased student scores by 15% over three years.
  • Led the English Department in developing new curriculum standards and assessment tools aligned with state requirements.
  • Coordinated after-school tutoring sessions, resulting in a 20% improvement in student grades and test scores.
  • Served as a mentor for new teachers, providing guidance on classroom management and instructional strategies.

Education

Bachelor’s in English Education

Colorado State University – Fort Collins, CO (2013)

Certifications

  • Colorado Principal License (valid till 2027)
  • Certified Teacher Leader (valid till 2026)
  • Advanced Training in Data-Driven Instruction (2023)

Key Skills

  • Curriculum Development
  • Teacher Leadership and Mentoring
  • Data Analysis and Student Assessment
  • Parent and Community Engagement
  • Professional Development Coordination

Professional Development

  • "Leadership Essentials for New Principals", National Principals Leadership Academy (2023)
  • "Effective School Management and Leadership", Educational Leadership Institute (2022)
  • "Advanced Strategies for Classroom Management", Colorado State Education Conference (2021)

Why is this principal resume effective?

  • Leverages a strong background in teaching and departmental leadership, showcasing a deep understanding of classroom dynamics and support.
  • Highlights recent achievements in transitioning from teaching to management, demonstrating readiness for a principal role.
  • Includes relevant professional development courses and certifications, indicating ongoing commitment to leadership and educational improvement.
What educational credentials should I add to my principal resume?

This resume section validates that you possess the necessary academic qualifications required for a principal role, such as relevant degrees and certifications.

  • List your degrees and certifications in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
  • Include the name of the institution where you obtained each credential.
  • Specify the dates of attendance or graduation.
  • Mention any honors, awards, or recognitions received during your educational journey.

International school principal resume example

Principal resume example for an international school

Principal resume example for an international school
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Resume for a principal | Sample text

David Chen

Open to relocation
(123) 456-7890
david.chen@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidchen

Summary

Globally experienced International School Principal with 10+ years in educational leadership across Asia and Europe. Skilled in creating culturally inclusive environments, enhancing student achievement, and leading bilingual and IB programs. Currently serving as Principal at Global Academy International in Singapore, with a focus on academic excellence and citizenship.

Professional Experience

Principal

Global Academy International – Singapore

August 2019 – Present

  • Lead a K-12 international school with 1,000 students from over 30 countries, fostering an inclusive and multicultural environment.
  • Oversee the successful IB re-accreditation process, ensuring high standards and curriculum alignment across all levels.
  • Introduce and manage inclusive curriculum models that boost student engagement and participation by 25%.
  • Develop partnerships with international universities to support student scholarships and seamless transitions to higher education.

Head of School

Euro International School – Munich, Germany

July 2014 – July 2019

  • Directed all academic and operational aspects of a K-12 bilingual program, ensuring alignment with international educational standards.
  • Introduced immersion programs, resulting in a 30% improvement in language proficiency across grade levels.
  • Led faculty development initiatives focused on cross-cultural competence and differentiated instruction.
  • Collaborated with local communities to enhance school outreach programs and cultural exchange activities.

Education

Master’s in International Educational Leadership

University of London – UK (2014)

Bachelor’s in Education

University of British Columbia – Vancouver, Canada (2008)

Certifications

  • IB Leadership Certificate (2024)
  • Cambridge International School Certification (2023)
  • Advanced Training in Cross-Cultural Communication (2022)

Key Skills

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs
  • Cross-Cultural Leadership
  • Bilingual Education
  • Global Citizenship Initiatives
  • Curriculum Adaptation for Diverse Learners

Languages

  • English (Fluent)
  • Mandarin (Fluent)
  • German (Conversational)

Conferences and Presentations

  • Speaker, "Globalizing Education: Best Practices in International Schools", Baccalaureate Conference (2023)
  • Panelist, "Cross-Cultural Competency in Leadership", European Council of International Schools (2022)
  • Workshop Leader, "Inclusive Curriculum Design", Asia-Pacific IB Leadership Summit (2021)

This example of a resume for a principal position is strong for several reasons:

  • Demonstrates extensive experience in international and multicultural settings, which is essential for leading a diverse student body.
  • Focuses on expertise in bilingual education and the Baccalaureate program, relevant to international school settings.
  • Lists multiple languages spoken, indicating the ability to effectively communicate and engage with a global community.
How to organize the experience section in a resume?

Start with your most recent job first and work backward. This format helps highlight relevant experiences, demonstrating your current capabilities and recent achievements.

  • Clearly state your job title followed by the name of the school or institution.
  • Include the city and state of the institution.
  • Add start and end dates of your employment (month and year).
  • Use bullet points to list your primary duties and responsibilities.

Highlight specific accomplishments and their impact, using quantifiable results when possible.

Conclusion

A well-crafted resume is your gateway to advancing your educational leadership career.

By incorporating specific achievements, showcasing your leadership capabilities, and tailoring your application to align with the requirements of the position, you can significantly enhance your chances of landing an interview.

Utilize the principal resume examples and tips provided to refine your document, stand out from the competition, and take the next step in your professional journey with confidence.

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