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Table of contents

Principal cover letter example
Related cover letter examples
Cover letter template for a principal
Format your principal cover letter
How to write a principal cover letter
Add a matching resume
Key takeaways
Resources to help prepare for your interview

As an educational leader, your wealth of experience and adept communication skills position you as a valuable contributor in shaping the academic trajectory of students. From overseeing curriculum development to fostering a positive school culture, a skilled principal must be equipped to handle a diverse range of responsibilities.

To land the right role that allows your leadership skills to shine, you need to write a cover letter that represents both your passion and diligence. Drafting a strong principal cover letter is more than just explaining your qualifications. It’s your opportunity to showcase your personality and drive.

Use our comprehensive guide to help you write a principal cover letter that articulates precisely why you would be the perfect fit for the school of your dreams.

Here’s what our guide has in store for you:

Principal cover letter examples tailored to inspire and guide your writing.
Customizable cover letter templates specifically crafted for aspiring principals.
Step-by-step guidance on developing each section of your cover letter.
Key insights to enhance the effectiveness of your principal cover letter.

Need a polished cover letter right away? Explore our Cover Letter Builder, a user-friendly tool that streamlines the writing process. It provides impactful, ready-to-use phrases and professional formatting in templates that perfectly capture the dynamic and visionary qualities expected of school principals.

Principal cover letter example

Sample cover letter for a principal

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What makes this a great cover letter for a principal?

Neat formatting
By adhering to the basic rules of formatting a cover letter, this document presents a polished and professional overview of the candidate’s experience and skills.
Confidence
This principal cover letter example presents the candidate as a confident and experienced choice for the role. Balancing humility and confidence can be challenging, but a cover letter that strikes the right balance is key.
Includes data
Numerical data gives this candidate’s achievements a sense of real-world impact and demonstrates that this candidate knows how to quantify their accomplishments.

Cover letter template for a principal

Todd Collins
Watertown, SD 57201
555-555-5555
example@example.com

May 16, 2024

Jessica Perez, School Superintendent
Watertown High School – Watertown City School District
200 9th St NE
Watertown, SD 57201

Dear Ms. Perez,

I am writing to express my interest in the principal position at Watertown High School, as advertised. With a proven track record of driving academic excellence, fostering a positive learning environment and implementing innovative programs, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the continued success of Watertown High School.

In my previous role as principal at McKinley High School, I led initiatives that significantly improved student achievement. Over seven years, I successfully increased standardized test scores by an average of 15%, positioning the school in the top 10% of the district. These results were achieved through implementing data-driven instructional strategies, professional development programs for teachers and the introduction of targeted interventions for struggling students.

One of my key accomplishments was successfully implementing a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program that led to a 20% increase in student enrollment and a 30% improvement in student engagement. This program enhanced the academic curriculum and provided students with real-world experiences through partnerships with local businesses and community organizations.

Furthermore, I am adept at managing and optimizing school budgets. I have successfully reduced administrative costs by 15% through strategic resource allocation and vendor negotiation. This allowed us to redirect funds toward critical educational resources, enhancing the overall learning experience for students.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss in more detail how my leadership can contribute to the continued success of Watertown High School. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,

Todd Collins

Format your principal cover letter

Your principal cover letter should underscore the fundamental skills that empower you to lead and oversee a school successfully, showcasing attributes such as effective communication, adaptability and a profound understanding of educational leadership.

To demonstrate your educational knowledge, your cover letter should radiate professionalism and clarity. A confusing or jumbled cover letter would not project the organizational skills expected of a school principal.

Consider the following formatting suggestions to ensure your letter puts your best foot forward:

Font style and sizing: Opt for established and easily readable fonts, such as Arial or Times New Roman, to maintain a professional appearance suitable for educational leadership. Choose an 11- or 12-point font size, standard for business documents.

Spacing: Maintain effective line spacing for optimal readability. Utilize 1.15 to 1.5 spacing for your text to present your leadership qualifications in a clear and accessible manner.

Margins: Present a polished document with 1-inch margins and left-aligned text, adhering to industry standards for a professional presentation of your leadership qualifications.

Cover letter templates for principals:

Create your cover letter

Just as your formatting should align with professional standards, a cover letter for a principal should be styled appropriately to showcase your relevant skills.

Your cover letter serves as your introduction, setting the stage for school boards to envision your suitability for the leadership role. Choose a principal cover letter template that resonates with the expectations of the educational leadership position you’re pursuing and complements your leadership style.

For instance, a principal applying for a role in a modern, technology-driven school might opt for a contemporary template, while someone seeking a position in a traditional educational institution may benefit from a more classic format.

Explore our collection of cover letter templates to ensure your application presents your leadership experience in the best possible light. Additionally, coordinate your cover letter template with your resume template to create a cohesive and professional application, underscoring your commitment to excellence in educational leadership.

How to write a principal cover letter

Research indicates that 83% of hiring managers consider cover letters to be crucial. Despite this, many aspiring educational leaders overlook this essential step. Mastering the art of writing a principal cover letter is a key step toward the career you’ve been envisioning. And it doesn’t have to be hard.

By adhering to a few simple steps, you can streamline the principal cover letter writing process into something straightforward, manageable and far from intimidating. Our guide will help you get started.

Step 1

Study the educational leadership job description

A successful principal cover letter should be customized for each position you apply for. Your cover letter should articulate why you are an ideal fit for the particular principal position. A generic cover letter reused across applications won’t effectively convey your genuine interest.

In today’s competitive job market, applicant tracking systems (ATS) are frequently utilized to streamline candidate screening. These systems scan for keywords that match the qualifications outlined in the job description. Make your principal cover letter ATS-friendly by incorporating terms used in the educational leadership job description.

Customizing each cover letter to align with the unique requirements of each role not only elevates the quality of your application but also positions you for success during ATS screening.

Step 2

Include your contact information in the header

While it might be the simplest section of your cover letter, the contact information in your header is among the most crucial. After all, the purpose of your job application is to get contacted for an interview! Ensure your contact details are easily accessible and accurate by placing them in the header and confirming they match the information on your resume.

Include:

Your name
City and state
Phone number
Email address
Relevant links to your professional portfolio or LinkedIn, if applicable

Pro tip

The header forms your first impression, so maintain professionalism by double-checking for errors and typos.

Step 3

Address the hiring committee by name

Personalize the salutation of your principal cover letter by addressing it directly to the hiring committee. Directly addressing your letter to the specific individuals intended to read it demonstrates your commitment to the application process.

For public schools and districts, the names and contact information for those in charge of hiring educational leaders are typically available on the school or district’s website.

If you cannot find the names or details of the hiring committee, addressing the letter to the school’s administration team is an appropriate alternative.

Pro tip

Job listings often provide contact information for a hiring committee. If not, invest time in researching the school district to identify the individuals responsible for hiring. Adding a personal touch by addressing the recipients by name reflects thoughtfulness in your application.

Step 4

Introduce yourself in the first paragraph

Whether you’re building an entry-level principal cover letter or one for an experienced educational leader, the opening paragraph is a pivotal moment to present yourself and showcase your qualifications, providing a snapshot of your career in education.

Entry-level assistant principal cover letter example opening paragraph:

I am reaching out to express my keen interest in the assistant principal position at [School Name], as advertised. I recently completed my master’s degree in educational leadership and I bring a profound dedication to creating a positive and enriching learning environment. I am eager for the opportunity to contribute to the educational vision of your institution.

Experienced principal cover letter example opening paragraph:

I am writing to convey my genuine interest in the principal position at [School Name], as advertised. With a proven track record in various leadership roles, an unwavering commitment to fostering student growth and a dedication to maintaining the highest educational standards, I am confident in my ability to elevate the academic atmosphere at your esteemed school. Having successfully overseen diverse responsibilities, including curriculum development and staff leadership, I am enthusiastic about bringing my expertise to your educational team and furthering the provision of exceptional education services.

Pro tip

Keep your introduction concise, aiming for no more than three sentences.

Step 5

Explain why you’re the best candidate for the job

The body paragraphs of your principal cover letter provide an opportunity to elaborate on your educational career, emphasizing aspects that demonstrate your commitment to effective leadership practices and student success. Focus on the following key points:

Specify relevant leadership experience: While your resume provides an overview of your leadership journey, the cover letter allows you to delve deeper into specific accomplishments. Share notable achievements related to student growth, fostering a positive school culture and implementing effective educational strategies. By highlighting your leadership journey and aligning it with the needs of the position, you can illustrate why you are the ideal candidate for the principal role.
Showcase transferable skills: A comprehensive principal cover letter should emphasize both hard and soft skills. Showcase your leadership abilities alongside personal traits such as effective communication, adaptability and teamwork. Strive for a balanced presentation to provide a holistic view of your professional skills. Ensure that the skills you emphasize align with the priorities outlined in the job posting to resonate with the school’s leadership team.
Address any unique circumstances: Treat your principal cover letter as an opportunity to provide context for any unique aspects of your educational journey. If you pursued advanced degrees, took a sabbatical for personal reasons or professional growth, or transitioned from a different leadership role, briefly explain the situation. Discuss how your diverse experiences have enriched your skills, making you a well-rounded candidate for the principal position.

Example body paragraphs for a principal cover letter:

In my capacity as an educational leader, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering a positive school culture and contributing to the success of the students and staff under my guidance. During my tenure as an assistant principal at [District Name], I received accolades for implementing strategies that led to increased student achievement and positive feedback from both parents and colleagues.

During a brief hiatus for professional development, I dedicated time to enhancing my skills in educational leadership, including strategic planning and team collaboration. This period of growth reinforced my commitment to excellence, ensuring that I bring both experience and a fresh perspective to the principal position.

Step 6

Write your cover letter closing

The conclusion of your cover letter should reaffirm your enthusiasm for the principal position and emphasize why you are a suitable fit for the role. Avoid duplicating information already covered in the body of your cover letter. Instead, conclude with a statement that underscores your value and extends an open invitation for an interview or further discussion.

Example closing paragraph for a principal cover letter:

I am genuinely thrilled about the opportunity to contribute my extensive experience in educational leadership, fostering a positive school culture and upholding the highest standards at [School Name]. Your school’s unwavering commitment to excellence in education resonates strongly with my dedication to student success and the continuous enhancement of overall educational quality. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to discuss how my leadership skills can contribute to the continued success of your academic institution.

Pro tip

Maintain a professional and assertive tone in your call to action, striking a balance between warmth and formality. Avoid wording that may sound demanding or pushy. Be assertive yet polite.

Step 7

Sign off

Every letter concludes with a signature, and your cover letter is no exception. Ensure your cover letter concludes with a professional signoff suitable for a formal letter. “Sincerely” and “Best regards” are always safe choices. Avoid unprofessional signoffs like “Love” or “Cheers,” as these choices may come across as overly familiar or inappropriate for a professional document.

Add a matching resume

Create your resume

A cover letter is just one component of your application. Without a strong resume, your cover letter won’t shine as it should. Learn to craft a resume that highlights your experience in educational leadership and your commitment to providing outstanding service. For assistance in getting started, explore some principal resume examples.

For a professionally formatted principal resume completed in just a few minutes, consider our AI Resume Builder. This tool provides ready-to-use skills and phrases for an education leadership role, along with expert formatting to help you construct an effective resume that complements your cover letter seamlessly.

Key takeaways

Explore principal cover letter examples

Inspire your cover letter writing process by examining various cover letter examples tailored to the principal role.
Highlight leadership skills and student-focused qualities

A compelling application should depict you as an experienced educational leader with a comprehensive skill set. Emphasize your proficiency in strategic planning, staff leadership and fostering a positive school culture, alongside interpersonal traits such as effective communication, adaptability and a commitment to student success.
Select an appropriate principal cover letter template

Explore a range of cover letter styles, from classic to contemporary, to find a template that aligns with the professional and student-oriented nature of the education industry. Ensure your chosen template is suitable for the school or educational institution and resonates with your personal brand as a principal.
Keep your introductory paragraph concise

Capture the employer’s attention with a brief opening paragraph that offers a glimpse of your qualifications as an educational leader. Avoid overwhelming the reader with excessive details and focus on introducing yourself as a candidate with enthusiasm and relevant leadership qualifications.
Write detailed body paragraphs

The body paragraphs serve as the substance of your cover letter. Provide detailed examples of your leadership experience, highlighting how your skills align with the responsibilities of the role. This is also the ideal space to showcase any specialized practices or areas in which you excel in the education industry.
Ensure proper formatting

Pay attention to the formatting of your cover letter to convey professionalism. Choose an appropriate font style and size, and maintain 1-inch margins throughout the document. Double-check line spacing to ensure a polished presentation that complements the substance of your cover letter.

Resources to help prepare for your interview

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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.