Table of contents
You’re a master of educational leadership. You know the ins and outs of school districts, understand the nuances of educational policy and your track record in improving school performance is second to none.
Yet, translating this expertise into a resume that truly showcases your skills to school boards and committees is challenging, right?
Well, we have good news: The process is more straightforward than you might think, even if you haven’t made a resume in a while.
Check out our guide to learn how to craft a resume that will engage even the most discerning of hiring managers.
This guide will offer:
- School superintendent resume examples for different career stages.
- Advice for selecting the most suitable resume format and template.
- Step-by-step guide for making an effective resume.
- Tips on creating a cover letter that complements your resume.
- Key takeaways that will help you land your next role.
Ready to make your resume now? Visit our Resume Maker for customizable templates and the ability to download your resume in various formats, all tailored to meet the unique needs of school superintendents.
School superintendent resume examples
What makes this a great resume example?
-
Well-organized structure
This candidate organizes their resume into distinct sections, each separated by clear lines — a layout that makes it easy to quickly scan areas of the candidate’s profile at a glance.
-
Use of quantitative data in skills section
The inclusion of specific statistics in the skills section, such as an 80% increase in student satisfaction, is highly effective. It provides concrete evidence of the candidate’s effectiveness.
-
Relevant volunteer experience
The inclusion of pertinent volunteer work, like mentoring at-risk youth with a noted 60% improvement in academic performance, adds a significant selling point to the application.
What makes this a great resume example?
-
Highlighting extensive experience
The resume effectively starts with a mention of the candidate’s extensive experience, 15+ years, in a skill-rich professional summary. This immediately establishes their expertise.
-
Two-column experience section
The layout of the experience section in two columns, showcasing the progression from principal to assistant superintendent and then to superintendent, is a smart design choice.
-
Emphasis on soft skills
Despite holding a high-ranking position, the candidate ensures to highlight soft skills like leadership and communication. This shows a well-rounded character and acknowledges that soft skills are crucial at all levels.
Looking for a different resume example? Some of the following teaching resumes might interest you:
Browse other popular samples
Related Guides & Tips
Choose the right resume format for your school superintendent resume
Before you write your resume, you’ll want to pick a format.
A resume format refers to the way the sections are organized. Your choice will depend on the nature of your career path, your achievements and how you wish to showcase your readiness for the role.
Here’s a brief overview of the three main types:
- Chronological resume format: This format is generally the most suitable for school superintendents because they have a steady and progressive career in education. It highlights your professional journey, showcasing your development and experience in educational leadership.
- Functional resume format: This format can be beneficial for professionals transitioning into educational leadership or returning after a hiatus. It focuses more on relevant skills and achievements rather than a detailed work history.
- Combination resume format: It combines elements of both the chronological and functional formats, providing a holistic view of your professional background, educational qualifications and leadership competencies.
When choosing your format, pay attention to readability. Select a clear, professional resume font with adequate spacing and standard margins. Avoid small fonts or overly crowded layouts that could detract from the overall presentation of your resume.
The next step? Style your resume to ensure it visually stands out and aligns with the high standards expected of a school superintendent.
Choose a school superintendent resume template
When you’re trying to put your educational leadership achievements in the best possible light, it’s time to talk about resume templates.
In education, you have the flexibility to choose from a wide array of resume styles.
From fun and creative resumes that reflect your innovative approach to education to modern templates with sophisticated layouts that speak to your professionalism, the possibilities are virtually limitless.
The style you choose should match your professional persona and resonate with the culture of the educational institutions you’re targeting.
No matter which template you choose, clarity is key. Your significant achievements and capabilities should easily stand out to anyone reviewing your resume.
We’ll now guide you through optimizing each section of your resume to guarantee your expertise and experience look solid.
How to write a school superintendent resume in 5 simple steps
Design and formatting are only one piece of the puzzle — having good content is even more important.
Here’s how to make an impressive resume in just five steps.
Step 1
Interpret the job listing
Prepping your resume requires the type of precision a superintendent brings to developing an educational strategy. The first order of business — identifying the right keywords.
What keywords? Many school districts and educational institutions use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to sort through resumes. Keywords are one of the filtering devices they use to find ideal candidates.
The job listing is your map. Each role in educational leadership has specific needs clearly outlined in the job description. Terms like “curriculum development,” “staff leadership” and “budget management” are crucial for an ATS-optimized resume. Weave these terms into your summary, skills and experience sections.
While this might feel like an extra step, spending time on this will help your resume stand out.
Now, you’re ready to draft a resume that can truly make a difference. Let’s get started.
Step 2
Write a professional summary or resume objective
Begin with a clear and concise resume profile. Two primary ways to do this are a professional summary and a resume objective.
Most candidates vying for a superintendent role have a rich history of educational achievements. If you’re in this camp, a professional summary is the way to go, the perfect way to highlight your career’s key moments and major successes.
A resume objective is more fitting if you’re newer to the world of educational leadership or shifting from a different educational role. It should outline your goals and demonstrate how your skills and potential will benefit the school or district.
Here’s an example of each for a school superintendent:
School superintendent professional summary example:
Veteran educator and administrator with over 15 years in education, specializing in curriculum development and school management. Known for effective leadership, fostering teacher professional growth and a proven record of enhancing student achievement. Skilled in strategic planning, community engagement and implementing educational best practices.
School superintendent resume objective example:
Dynamic educational professional transitioning into a superintendent role with a solid background in teaching, curriculum development and school administration. Motivated to apply these skills to advance the educational standards of XYZ School District and significantly impact student learning and community involvement.
Step 3
Showcase key educational leadership skills
Recruiters in education seek a specific blend of skills in superintendents, encompassing both hard and soft skills.
Hard skills refer to specific, measurable abilities and knowledge. These could include your proficiency in curriculum development, budget management or familiarity with educational technologies.
In contrast, soft skills are the personal qualities that influence how you interact with staff, students and the community. Examples include leadership, effective communication and problem-solving abilities.
It’s important to strike a balance between hard and soft skills for a well-rounded superintendent profile.
Here’s an overview of common hard and soft skills for a school superintendent resume:
- Expertise in curriculum design
- Educational program development
- Budget management
- School policy development
- Educational technology tools
- Inspirational leadership
- Effective communication
- Strategic thinking
- Fostering a positive school culture
- Organizational skills
Example of a school superintendent skills section:
- Demonstrated leadership in driving curriculum reforms, resulting in enhanced student performance.
- Proficient in budget management, efficiently allocating resources to optimize educational outcomes.
- Proven track record in leading staff development and building a collaborative educational environment.
- Strategic planner adept at addressing challenges and guiding schools through periods of change.
- Committed to maintaining ethical standards and promoting inclusive education.
Remember to mention your computer skills. In an era of “zoom classes,” being skilled with the latest educational software and platforms can set you apart from other candidates.
Step 4
Write a compelling work history section
If you’re at least a couple of years into your career, then including work history on your resume may be the most important step in making a great one.
Given that hiring committees often have limited time to review each resume, you want to display your educational leadership experience clearly and effectively. Using bullet points is a great way to highlight your key accomplishments.
Here’s an example of how to concisely present your career in educational administration:
Superintendent, Riverdale School District
Riverdale, NY
August 2013 – Present
- Successfully implemented district-wide curriculum changes, resulting in a 15% increase in overall student performance.
- Foster strong relationships with community leaders and parents, enhancing school-community engagement.
- Lead a team of principals and administrative staff, significantly improving operational efficiency and staff morale.
- Initiated and oversaw the integration of technology in classrooms, increasing digital literacy among students by 30%.
- Direct the development of new teacher training programs, leading to a 20% increase in teacher retention rates.
Use dynamic action verbs such as “implemented,” “fostered” and “initiated” in your work history section. These verbs bring energy to your resume, showcasing you as an active and effective leader in education.
Step 5
Detail education and credentials
The education section of your resume should thoroughly detail your academic credentials and any certifications required for a superintendent.
Typically, this includes an undergraduate degree in an education-related field, followed by advanced degrees such as a Master’s in Education and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership or a similar focus.
Additionally, any superintendent certifications or educational leadership endorsements should be prominently listed.
Here’s an example of how you could structure this section for a school superintendent:
Education:
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership
Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Master of Education in Educational Administration
University of Texas, Austin, TX
Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
Certifications
- State Superintendent Certification
- Advanced Leadership in Education Certificate
Optional sections for your resume
Professional associations
Your involvement in professional educational associations highlights your commitment to staying connected and informed in the field of education.
How to detail your professional associations:
- Active member of the National Association of School Superintendents.
- Board member of the State Educational Leadership Association.
Conferences
Participation in educational conferences showcases your engagement with ongoing professional development and networking.
How to list your conference participation:
- Presented on “Innovative Curriculum Development” at the National Education Conference.
- Panelist on “Leadership in Education” at the Annual Superintendents’ Symposium.
Research
Your contributions to educational research demonstrate your expertise and dedication to advancing the field of education.
How to list your research contributions:
- Published a study on “Integrating Technology in K-12 Education” in the Journal of Educational Research.
- Co-authored a paper on “Strategies for Improving Student Engagement” in the Educational Leadership Review.
Community involvement
Your involvement in community initiatives reflects your commitment to societal development and applying your educational leadership for the public good.
How to mention your community involvement:
- Led a community literacy program aimed at improving reading skills among underprivileged children.
- Organized annual fundraisers for local education-focused charities.
Awards and honors
Awards and honors you’ve received attest to your professional achievements and recognition by your peers and the community.
How to present your awards:
- “Excellence in Educational Leadership” award from the National Association of School Superintendents.
- “Community Impact Award” for outstanding service in educational community programs.
Add a cover letter
Before you submit your application, consider writing a cover letter.
Cover letters remain relevant because they offer a chance to expand on experiences that your resume may only briefly mention.
For example, you might describe a comprehensive school improvement program you led or how you’ve innovatively tackled budget constraints. If there’s a period in your career that’s less straightforward, your cover letter is the perfect place to provide context, illustrating how these experiences have enriched your educational insight.
Starting with a cover letter template can give you a basic format to personalize with your story. Look at examples of cover letters for additional guidance, and use a cover letter builder to bring it all together.
Your cover letter and resume paint a full portrait of your educational leadership skills and commitment to advancing student learning and school success.
Key takeaways for your school superintendent resume
-
Incorporate relevant keywords
Your resume should use the specific language found in the job listing. Read it closely for your best chance at getting past an applicant tracking system.
-
Opt for a professional design
Choose a layout that is professional and easy to browse. The design should be clean and organized, clearly presenting your qualifications and experiences.
-
Choose the right format
Your resume should be structured in a clear and logical manner. A chronological format is often recommended for experienced educators and administrators.
-
Showcase a range of skills
List both your hard and soft skills relevant to educational leadership. This may include curriculum development, budget management, staff leadership, strategic planning, as well as interpersonal skills like communication, problem-solving and adaptability.
-
Spotlight your achievements
Emphasize your successes and contributions in education, such as implementing innovative programs, by using bullet points throughout your work experience section.
-
Highlight professional development
Make your resume stand out by including any additional training, certifications and educational endorsements you have achieved.
-
Up your game with a cover letter
Your cover letter is an opportunity to express your passion for education and explain why you are the ideal candidate for the superintendent role.
Commonly asked questions about resume writing
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.
More resources
How to Write a Cover Letter Header
The cover letter header is the first step you should consider ...
How to Write a Resume Summary With 60+ Examples
A professional summary statement sometimes called a career pr...
Cover Letter Basics (Examples & Tips)
Intimidated by the cover letter writing process? Let s simpl...
Historians Manager Cover Letter Template
Looking for help building a historian cover letter to land you...
Get the job 2x faster* 
Customize your cover letter