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Principal resume examples
Principal resume [text version to copy-and-paste]
Choose the best format for your principal resume
How to write a principal resume in 5 easy steps
Add a cover letter
Principal resume — key takeaways
Commonly asked questions about resume writing

You have honed your skills in educational leadership, mastering the ins and outs of a complicated institution so you could foster environments conducive to learning and growth. Every day, you seek innovative solutions, lead teams and strategize to raise the goals of your school.

Nonetheless, laying out your experience in a one or two page resume seems like a herculean task. Rest assured, we’ve got your back.

Our resources will equip you with the tools to succinctly and thoroughly map out your career arc and most relevant skills, readying you for the perfect role.

This guide will show you:

Actual resume examples from successful job seekers.
A detailed walkthrough to building a resume with a strong structure.
Advice on choosing a resume format and design that’s appropriate.
Optional sections to portray your multifaceted skill set.
Expert tips for drafting a cover letter that adds to your resume perfectly.

In a hurry to craft your resume? Streamline the creation process with our Resume Maker. Pick a template that resonates with your professional approach, and personalize it using our informed suggestions and adaptable text entries.

Principal resume examples

Entry-level principal resume example

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Why this is an exceptional resume for a new principal

Starts with a visionary objective statement
The candidate begins with a dedicated pledge to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment, reflecting a deep understanding of a principal’s fundamental role in an educational institution.
Adopts a skill-centric format
Uses a functional (or skills-based) resume format. This allows the candidate to put skills front and center — rather than worrying about pulling from previous work experience.
Highlights a range of skills
This resume includes a mix of skills, from hard skills in educational management and curriculum development to soft skills like empathy and effective communication, making for a well-rounded profile.

Are you looking for a different job title? Check out our library of resume examples and see education-specific examples below:

Browse other popular samples

Related Guides & Tips

Principal resume [text version to copy-and-paste]

Are you looking for resume content you can easily copy and personalize? Use the following!

Shannon Jensen

Watertown, SD 57201 | 555-555-5555 | example@example.com

Professional Summary

Longtime educator and principal capable of juggling multiple administrative roles. Dedicated to the success of students, faculty and families with focus on addressing individuals while maintaining overall compliance with procedures and academic performance. Flexible and professional by using compassion with gentle discipline.

Work History

Principal
McKinley High School
Watertown, SD | September 2016 – Current

Make significant contributions the to school’s number one, district-wide ranking.
Hire and organize orientation for new teachers and staff.
Serve as primary speaker during assemblies and rallies, oversee announcements and performances.

Principal
Roosevelt Middle School
Watertown, SD | August 2012 – June 2016

Observed and evaluated 30 teachers in a classroom environment every year.
Met with parents to discuss students’ academic performance and high school readiness.
Established after-school study program; provided on-campus supervision two days per week.

Vice Principal
Lincoln High School
Watertown, SD | January 2008 – August 2012

Directed and organized weekly meetings with all 245 faculty and staff members.
Provided chaperone supervision during dances, sporting events and other school events.
Collaborated with school counselors and district administrators to advise and support excessively truant or lower-performing students.

Education

Master of Arts Education Administration
University Of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD

Bachelor of Arts Education
Dakota State University
Madison, SD

Certifications

South Dakota Principal Certification (2007-current)

South Dakota Teacher Certification (2004-current)

Skills

School event coordination
Microsoft Word and Excel
Teacher and student development
Curriculum development
Safety and security procedures
Group facilitation and presentations

Choose the best format for your principal resume

The more experience you have under your belt, the more challenging it can be to encapsulate it all in one or two pages.

The first step to overcome this problem is to choose a resume format. Formats vary significantly in their presentation, emphasizing different aspects of your career trajectory depending on your work history. Essentially, there is a format tailored for every stage of your career.

Let’s review how different formats can make for a strong resume:

Chronological resume format: Ideal for experienced educators, this format outlines your professional journey in reverse-chronological order. A hiring manager can easily track your career progression and achievements.
Functional resume format: This format is perfect for career changers or those new to educational leadership. It emphasizes your relevant skills and competencies over work history.
Combination resume format: This balanced approach works well for seasoned educators who want to showcase both skills and experience. It lets you highlight your achievements while also featuring your comprehensive skill set.

With the foundation in place, your next step is to select a design that resonates with the spirit of innovation and leadership that defines the educational sector.

Choosing the appropriate principal resume template

Create your resume

A resume template should be organized in a way that emphasizes notable achievements without letting the design elements overshadow them. The content should always be the focus.

For most principals, a simple resume template will be your best bet. It offers a clear layout to delineate your key milestones without a cluttered design.

However, if the role you are eyeing leans toward a more creative institution (Montessori, for example), a creative resume template with a dash more flair could be a better option.

We offer a broad spectrum of templates, including options for Microsoft Word and Google Docs, catering to your individual preferences and comfort.

It’s time to craft a resume that shows you have the dedication and vision to be a leader in your field.

How to write a principal resume in 5 easy steps

A stellar resume is your gateway to forging a remarkable career as a principal.

One thing to note before we get started — are you considering a position that requires a CV? If the answer is yes, getting acquainted with our guide on how to write a CV will help.

For principals, a CV can offer a rich narrative, showing your growth and achievements in the educational sector, including your experiences in fostering development and leading school initiatives. Feel encouraged to explore our collection of professionally designed CV templates and diverse CV examples for guidance.

When you’re ready to begin, our CV Builder is here to assist you in crafting a CV that genuinely encapsulates your career journey and the visionary leader that you are.

Now, are you ready to tell your professional narrative through your resume? Let’s go.

Step 1

Analyze the job announcement

Start by reviewing the job ad. Here, you’ll find exactly what the employer is seeking, from requisite skills to qualifications.

Why is it so important to spend time on this? In modernized recruitment, many organizations use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter candidate profiles based on specific keywords related to industry terminologies, qualifications and expertise.

Embrace the challenge of writing an ATS-friendly resume that closely mirrors the job listing. Suppose the notice highlights “doctorate in educational leadership,” “experience in instructional leadership” and “proficiency in school administration.” These are the precise terms you should add to your resume.

If this seems complicated, don’t worry — after one or two go-arounds, you’ll practically be a master of resume customization.

Now, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start writing.

Step 2

Craft a high-impact career overview

Your resume should kick off with a resume profile — a concise paragraph at the forefront, spotlighting the experiences, competencies and triumphs that make you perfect for the role.

You’ll generally find two types of profiles: a professional summary and a resume objective. The stage of your career will steer your choice between the two.

A resume objective focuses on your future aspirations and the value you aim to bring to the school community, emphasizing your commitment rather than your past accolades. This approach would fit individuals embarking on a career in educational leadership.

A professional summary, on the other hand, serves to offer a brief yet powerful overview of your professional journey, touching on your top achievements and skills. This style is great for principals with impressive experience.

Here are striking examples for both:

Principal resume objective example:

Motivated educational enthusiast with a Master’s in Educational Leadership, ready to foster inclusive and vibrant learning environments as a school principal. A fervent advocate for student success, eager to implement forward-thinking educational strategies that prioritize both academic achievement and holistic development, with a vision to steer the school toward unprecedented heights of excellence.

Principal professional summary example:

Veteran principal bringing over 15 years of enriched experience leading educational institutions to success. Renowned for advancing educational standards through innovative programs and fostering a nurturing environment conducive to learning. A proven leader adept at developing strong teams of educators and driving continuous improvement to enhance student outcomes.

Step 3

Highlight your education skills

Whether you’re just venturing into educational leadership or have been educating young ones for years, your resume should pinpoint the skills that are quintessential in a dynamic educational landscape.

Balancing between hard skills — like curriculum development and budget management — and soft skills — such as empathy and communication — can portray you as a well-rounded candidate.

Combining both hard and soft skills will give your resume extra power in the eyes of the employer.

Here we present some attributes often sought in a principal’s resume:

Essential skills for a principal’s resume:

Hard Skills

Curriculum development
Budget management
Staff training and development
Educational law and policies
Data analysis
Technology integration

Soft Skills

Empathetic leadership
Communication
Conflict resolution
Creativity and innovation
Adaptability
Team building

Below is an exemplary skills section:

Proficient in curriculum development, fostering an inclusive and innovative learning environment.
Expertise in budget management, ensuring optimal allocation of resources.
Skilled in staff training and development, nurturing a collaborative and skilled team of educators.
Strong grasp of educational law and policies, maintaining a compliant and safe educational environment.
Empathetic leadership, promoting a nurturing and inclusive school culture.
Excellent team-building skills, fostering unity and collaborative efforts among staff.

Pro tip

Make it a priority to continually enhance your computer skills. In today’s educational landscape, demonstrating strong computer literacy can distinguish you as a forward-thinking principal.

Step 4

Showcase your work history

Elevate your resume by spotlighting your significant achievements in a robust work experience section.

Organize your professional milestones chronologically, from your most recent position and working backward. Bullet points are a smart way to organize and highlight your top achievements in each role. Always include your employment dates and the location of the employer.

At its best, a work history section can show your advancement from role to role, as you took on more responsibility and implemented higher-level strategies.

Bolster each bullet point with potent action verbs such as “transformed,” “cultivated” and “championed.” These will give your accomplishments an extra spark.

Here’s a principal work experience entry example:

Principal, Bright Future Academy
Jackson, MS
August 2017 – Present

Transformed the learning environment by implementing a student-centered approach, leading to a 15% increase in student engagement.
Cultivate partnerships with local businesses to enhance student learning experiences, offering real-world applications of classroom knowledge.
Championed a mentorship program that paired students with teachers, fostering stronger relationships and improving student well-being.
Initiated professional development workshops for staff, promoting a collaborative and up-to-date educational setting.
Developed community outreach programs, solidifying the school’s relationship with parents and the local community.

Pro tip

To distinguish yourself, emphasize the measurable outcomes of your leadership. Detail achievements with clear metrics, such as “led to a 15% increase in student engagement” or “solidified the school’s relationship with the local community,” to highlight your direct influence on school improvement and community engagement.

Step 5

Incorporating an education section into your resume involves more than merely listing your degrees. This section should weave in your formal education with professional development experiences, such as seminars, workshops and certifications that demonstrate your readiness for a leadership role.

Also, while principals come from various backgrounds, those with degrees in fields like Educational Leadership, Curriculum Development or Educational Psychology may be more suitable for the role.

Here is how you might structure this part of your resume:

Education and professional development examples:

EDUCATION

Master of Education in Educational Leadership
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

CERTIFICATIONS

Certified Educational Leader
State Department of Education

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Leadership and Management Workshop for Educators
National Education Association

Advanced Strategies for Inclusive Education
Renowned Education Forum

Additional sections for your principal resume

Professional associations

Illustrate your commitment to keeping up with the latest developments and best practices in the education sector by being an active member of professional associations.

How to list professional associations on your principal resume:

Member of the [Your Region] School Principals’ Association, actively engaging in workshops and seminars to foster educational excellence.
Participating member in national educational forums, contributing insights and strategies for educational development and policy advocacy.

Grants and funding

Showcase your efforts and success in securing grants and funding to foster growth and implement beneficial programs in your institution.

How to list grants and funding on your principal resume:

Secured a $50,000 grant from the [Name of Foundation] to develop a state-of-the-art library and learning center.
Successfully obtained funding for a school nutrition program, promoting health and wellness among students.

Community engagement

Demonstrate your proactive role in building and nurturing relationships between the school and the local community, highlighting your leadership and collaborative skills.

How to list community engagement on your principal resume:

Initiated and led a community volunteer program to enhance the school environment, fostering strong relationships with local organizations.
Developed partnerships with local businesses to create student internship opportunities, bridging the gap between education and practical experience.

Honors and awards

Spotlight honors or awards received in recognition of your dedication and outstanding contributions to the educational community.

How to list honors and awards on your principal resume:

Recognized with the “Distinguished Principal of the Year” award by [Name of Awarding Body] for innovation and leadership in education.
Recipient of the “Community Engagement Leader” accolade for fostering partnerships and enhancing the school-community relationship.

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

Even when it isn’t explicitly required, crafting a compelling cover letter can give you a chance to stand out from similarly qualified candidates.

A well-penned cover letter lets you personalize your application by sharing details that demonstrate your dedication and zeal for fostering a nurturing learning environment. It grants you space to delve into your educational philosophy, your proudest achievements in school leadership and the innovative approaches you’ve championed to enhance student outcomes.

To craft a cover letter that accurately and proudly represents your enthusiasm for being a principal, refer to our comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter. Foster your creativity by exploring a wide range of cover letter examples for guidance and inspiration.

Check out our easily editable cover letter templates and fill them out with our Cover Letter Builder using its auto-generated, role-specific content.

Remember, your cover letter should complement your resume, highlighting your strengths while offering a personalized glimpse into your career journey and passion for education. Let it pave the path to your next leadership role in the education sector.

Principal resume — key takeaways

Customize your resume for each position

Devote time to customizing your resume for each principal role you pursue. Make sure to emphasize the experiences and skills that align with the specific requirements outlined in the job posting.
Cover your comprehensive skill set

Showcase your wide-ranging skill set in educational leadership, including hard skills like budget management and soft skills like conflict resolution.
Highlight your achievements with concrete metrics

Detail your accomplishments with clear metrics, such as improvements in student achievement scores or graduation rates under your leadership.
Feature your professional development

Draw attention to any certifications, workshops and seminars that underline your commitment to continuous professional growth, making sure these details represent your rich background in education.
Choose a resume format that reflects your career path

Opt for a resume layout that effectively portrays your career progression in the educational sector. Simple templates are among the most popular for educational leadership job seekers.
Underscore your community engagement

Illustrate your active engagement in the educational community, detailing participation in educational forums or associations and noting contributions you have made to publications.

Commonly asked questions about resume writing

Last Updated: December 10, 2024

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.