• Skip to Content
  • Skip to Sidebar
  • Skip to Footer

Resume Genius

Resume Genius

The World's Smartest Resume Builder

  • Builders

    Resume Builder Software

    Making a resume is easy with the right tool. Our resume builder does the hard work for you.

    Cover Letter Generator

    Short on time or simply don't like writing? Try our cover letter generator and make a cover letter fast.

    CV Maker Tool

    CVs are often longer than resumes. With our CV maker, you can create a CV in the same amount of time.

    Monday to Friday, 8AM – 12AM (Midnight) and Saturdays and Sundays, 10AM – 6PM EDT (866) 215-9048

  • Resumes

    Free Resume Templates

    ProfessionalHR approved, organized, and stylish.
    ModernContemporary templates perfect for your new job.
    CreativeA little visual flair to highlight your creativity.
    SimpleBasic templates that focus on your work experience.

    Genius Resume Builder

    • Resume checker
    • Resume summary generator
    • How to write a resume
    • The best resume format in 2025
    • Best skills for your resume

    Resume Examples

    Monday to Friday, 8AM – 12AM (Midnight) and Saturdays and Sundays, 10AM – 6PM EDT (866) 215-9048

  • Cover Letters

    Cover Letter Templates

    ProfessionalHR approved, organized, and stylish.
    ModernContemporary templates perfect for your new job.
    CreativeA little visual flair to highlight your creativity.
    SimpleBasic templates that focus on your work experience.

    Genius Cover Letter Generator

    • How to write a cover letter
    • How to start a cover letter
    • Cover letter format guide
    • Short cover letter examples
    • The best cover letters of 2025

    Cover Letter Examples

    Monday to Friday, 8AM – 12AM (Midnight) and Saturdays and Sundays, 10AM – 6PM EDT (866) 215-9048

  • CVs

    CV Templates

    BusinessProfessional CV templates for senior-level positions.
    GraduateTemplates for academics and scholars.
    ResearchA format to showcase your research background.
    WriterPerfect templates for published writers.

    Genius CV Maker

    • How to format your CV
    • How to write a CV for a job
    • CV vs resume: what's the difference?
    • How to write an academic CV
    • CV examples for students

    CV Examples

    Monday to Friday, 8AM – 12AM (Midnight) and Saturdays and Sundays, 10AM – 6PM EDT (866) 215-9048

  • Resources

    FAQS

    • Technical Assistance
    • Resume FAQs
    • Cover Letter FAQs
    • CV FAQs

    Blog

    Resume Help

    Learn the ins and outs of writing a resume. From formatting to fonts, we cover every topic.

    Cover Letter Help

    Cover letter writing is a skill that will help you outshine other applicants. Our guides can teach you that skill.

    Interview Help

    You're one step away from getting the job. Win over hiring managers with our expert interview tips.

    Monday to Friday, 8AM – 12AM (Midnight) and Saturdays and Sundays, 10AM – 6PM EDT (866) 215-9048

Build My Resume Login

Monday to Friday, 8AM – 12AM (Midnight) and Saturdays and Sundays, 10AM – 6PM EDT (866) 215-9048

Resume Examples Principal Resume

4 Principal Resume Examples & Writing Tips for 2025

Headshot of Sam Johns, CPRWWritten By Samuel Johns
Headshot of Geoffrey Scott, CPRWReviewed By Geoffrey Scott

Impress school boards with a principal resume that highlights how capable you are. We've compiled four principal resume examples as well as a copy-and-paste template and expert writing tips.

December 15, 2024
Build My Resume Now
4.7
AVERAGE RATING
74 people’ve already rated it
View Resume Template
Mid Level
School principal resume sample with black header and orange lettering Download
Download Word File View Resume Template

Looking for more template options? Check out our full selection of free resume templates.

Table of Contents
Rating
Table of Contents
Table of Contents

Principal Resume Template (Text Format)

Assistant principal resume

Elementary school principal resume (first-time)

Senior principal resume

Average principal salaries in the US

How to write a principal resume

Principal Resume Template (Text Format)

Format your resume using this template to make a polished, professional application.

[Your Name]

[Your Address] [City, State]
[Your Email Address] | [Your Phone Number]
[LinkedIn Profile] (optional)

Professional Summary

Principal with 6+ years of experience in handling the overall administration and management of schools. Adept at managing academic programs, staffing, and developing culture. Seeking a position at [School Name] to inspire staff and students to engage in rigorous and purposeful learning.

Skills
  • Educational leadership
  • Operational management
  • Technological fluency
  • Interpersonal skills
Professional Experience
Principal
The Schools of St. Mary – Manhasset, NY
May 20XX – Present
  • Analyze and utilize student achievement data to create new short-term and long-term strategies by ensuring the entire school meets students’ academic goals for each school year
  • Spearhead the recruitment, selection, and retainment of a team of 10 teachers and 7 support staff in 2021
  • Develop professional internal and external relations with the board and local community, demonstrating the school is well managed and in legal compliance with the charter contract
  • Manage the professional development calendar and on-going improvement of teaching practices, overseeing a 15% increase in overall student averages
Principal
Dream Charter School – New York, NY
August 20XX – April 20XX
  • Collaborated with the school leadership team to continually analyze 600 students’ data and evaluate teacher performance to ensure ambitious gains in student achievement
  • Liaised regularly with parents to successfully implement an after-school study program 3 times a week and achieve maximum support for student performance
  • Created professional development plans for teachers to address individual weaknesses, build on strengths, and become more effective team members
  • Partnered with the student services coordinator to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, had the access and support needed to achieve their educational and social goals
Education

Resume Genius University
Master of Education
Graduation Date: May 20XX

We have resume samples to help you write a persuasive resume no matter your experience level or specific principal role.

Assistant principal resume

Assistant principals directly support the principal. This can be through managing daily operations, overseeing student discipline, coordinating academic programs, or supporting teacher development. Show you’re able to perform these duties with an assistant principal resume like the one below:

example of an assistant principal resume template Download This Resume (Word)

Assistant principal resume highlights

  • Educator award: Add any relevant awards to your resume to show that you go above and beyond. For example, this applicant was awarded the “Educator of the Year” award.
  • Leadership experience: The applicant mentions how they supervise, monitor, and coach teachers, providing feedback to help them improve. This will show school boards that they’re capable of managing people.

Elementary school principal resume (first-time)

If you’re applying for an elementary school principal position for the first time, you’ll need to craft a compelling narrative on your resume like the following candidate does:

An elementary school principal resume example for a first-time principal. Download This Resume (Word)

Elementary school principal resume highlights

  • Career progression: School boards want to see that you’re capable of developing over your career. Highlighting your changing job titles is a great way to do this: This candidate started as a teacher, was promoted to department head, became an assistant principal, and is now seeking a principal role.
  • Budgeting skills: As an assistant principal, this candidate managed a sizable budget. Since this responsibility is vital for principals, this information shows the candidate has the experience needed to lead a school.

Senior principal resume

A senior principal is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a school’s operations, including academics, student welfare, staff management, budget oversight, and overall ensuring the school consistently achieves high academic standards and a positive learning environment. If you’ve been a principal at many different schools, your resume should reflect your extensive experience. For example:

A senior principal resume example. Download This Resume (Word)

Senior principal resume highlights

  • Many years of experience: This candidate has 12 years of experience as a principal (and 20 as an educator). If you also have an impressive amount of experience, add your years of experience to your resume introduction so school boards can see that you have plenty of experience.
  • Effective disciplinarian: As a principal in a previous role, this applicant reduced disciplinary incidents by 25%. Because student behavior worries many residents and parents, showing you have a record of reducing bad behavior shows you’re an effective principal.

Average principal salaries in the US

The following table includes information from O*NET Resource Center by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data is presented based on the top states in the United States.

Average principal annual salaries by state

StateSalary / Year
Texas$86,770
California$134,480
New York$139,050
Florida$87,390
Pennsylvania$102,700
Illinois$107,310
Ohio$98,710
Georgia$102,460
North Carolina$80,330
Michigan$102,560
National Average$104,785

How to write a principal resume

You’re an experienced educator, but let us teach you how to make that clear on your resume. Scroll down for four tips (with examples) on writing your principal resume.

1. Highlight your principal licenses and certifications

Although you may assume schools will know you’re a licensed principal based on the fact you have prior principal roles on your resume, it’s best to include your principal licenses and certifications on your resume so that your resume isn’t passed over.

Here’s how to list your principal licenses and certifications for the four biggest states:

Licenses for principals by state

California Administrative Services Credential
Preliminary Administrative Services Credential or Clear Administrative Services Credential

New York School Building Leader (SBL) Certificate
Initial Certificate or Professional Certificate

Florida Educational Leadership Certification
Level I Educational Leadership Certification or Level II Certification (Professional School Principal Certification)

Texas Principal Certification
Standard Principal Certificate (or Probationary Principal Certificate if you’re still in the process of obtaining the Standard Principal Certificate)

Check with your state’s education department to determine what licenses or certifications you require to be appointed as a principal.

2. Quantify your successes as a principal

Numbers draw the eye and let schools see what you’re capable of achieving if they appoint you as principal, so quantifying your resume is a key way of selling yourself.

Here are seven things you can quantify on a principal resume:

  1. Budget managed
  2. Staff/student numbers
  3. Improvement in graduation rate
  4. Increases in enrollment rates
  5. PTA meetings hosted
  6. Conferences attended
  7. Increases in parent/student satisfaction

Here are some examples of resume bullet points with added numbers to give you an idea of how it’s done:

Good bullet points for a principal resume

  • Increased student proficiency in standardized math scores by 15% within two years through targeted curriculum development and teacher professional development initiatives
  • Implemented a comprehensive school safety plan that resulted in a 20% decrease in disciplinary incidents and a 10% increase in student attendance
  • Secured $250,000 in grant funding to support innovative STEM programs and extracurricular activities for underserved students
  • Led a school-wide cultural transformation initiative, increasing teacher retention by 10% and parent satisfaction ratings by 15% within one year
  • Developed and implemented a data-driven intervention program that improved graduation rates for at-risk students by 8%
  • Expanded dual enrollment opportunities for high school students, resulting in a 25% increase in college enrollment upon graduation
  • Fostered a collaborative school culture through regular professional learning communities, resulting in a 95% teacher participation rate and improved student engagement

Use numerals instead of spelled-out numbers to make your quantified achievements stand out more.

3. Emphasize you meet the educational requirements of your state

Many states require you to study specific approved programs to serve as a principal.

For example, in North Carolina, you should generally hold a bachelor’s degree in the subject you teach as well as a master’s degree in educational leadership or school administration from an approved institution.

Here’s how you might present that information in your education section:

EDUCATION SECTION

Master of School Administration
University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Pembroke, NC
Completed a state-approved principal preparation program
20XX

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
20XX

4. Write a compelling resume summary

Writing a compelling resume summary ensures employers will want to continue reading your resume, so summarize your most salient qualifications, experience, and achievements.

Here are three resume summary examples to give you an idea of what to write:

Vice principal resume

Dynamic and collaborative vice principal with 4 years of experience supporting school leadership in achieving academic excellence and fostering a positive school culture. Proven success in curriculum development, teacher mentorship, and student support programs. Expertise in data analysis, instructional leadership, and building strong community partnerships.

High school principal resume

Visionary and results-oriented high school principal with 5 years of experience leading diverse educational environments. Demonstrated success in improving student achievement, closing achievement gaps, and promoting college and career readiness. Skilled in strategic planning, resource management, and building high-performing teams.

Assistant principal resume

Dedicated and student-centered assistant principal with 3 years’ experience in instructional leadership and school operations. Proven ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and parents. Expertise in discipline management, curriculum implementation, and data-driven decision-making. Committed to fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Three resumes with pink color schemes on a pink background, representing the various resume examples we offer.

Resume examples for different industries

Not sure what your resume should look like? The best way to learn is by taking inspiration from resume examples written by other candidates in your industry.

35 categories
+454 free templates
Browse Resume Examples
Make a resume in minutes

Make a resume in minutes

Pick your template, fill in a few details, and our builder will do the rest.

Build My Resume

4 Principal Resume Examples & Writing Tips for 2025

  • facebookfacebook

    Facebook

  • twittertwitter

    Twitter

  • linkedinlinkedin

    Linkedin

  • pinterestpinterest

    Pinterest

  • redditreddit

    Reddit

Copy link

https://resumegenius.com/resume-samples/principal-resume
Rate our article

Click to rate this article

4.7 Average rating

74 people rated this article
Headshot of Sam Johns, CPRW
Written by

Samuel Johns

linkedinlinkedin muckrackmuckrack
Samuel Johns is a Senior Content Editor and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) at Resume Genius. In his 6+ years of experience in the careers space, he has helped hundreds of job seekers craft high-quality resumes and cover letters, ace interviews, and land their dream jobs. Born and raised in County Durham, UK, Sam graduated with a bachelor’s degree in French Language and Literature from the University of Bristol, UK in 2013. Samuel’s job-hunt advice has been published in numerous online outlets, including Dollar Sprout, The Enterprisers Project, and Tech Crunch. Feel free to reach out to Samuel through his LinkedIn if you’d like to collaborate. Please note, we don’t accept guest posts and won’t reply to such requests.

Related Articles

Resume Help

Free Resume Examples for Jobs in 2025
Headshot of Geoffrey Scott, CPRW

Geoffrey Scott

February 4, 2025

Resume Help

40+ Professional Resume Summary Examples
Headshot of Conrad Benz

Conrad Benz

July 25, 2024

Resume Help

115+ Resume Objective Examples & Writing Guide

Leora Joy Jones

September 3, 2024

Resume Help

How to Make or Improve Your Resume Using ChatGPT

Nathan Soto

March 28, 2025

Resume Help

How to Make a Resume for a Job in 2025
Headshot of Corissa Peterson

Corissa Peterson

April 2, 2025

Resume Help

5+ Best Resume Paper Types
Headshot of Ida Petterson

Ida Pettersson

November 27, 2023

Resume Help

21 Best Resume Designs for 2025 (Free Templates)

The Resume Genius Team

December 16, 2024

Resume Help

17 Most Common Resume Mistakes You Need to Avoid
Headshot of Conrad Benz

Conrad Benz

August 12, 2024
Resume Genius
LinkedIn Instagram Youtube Facebook Twitter Tiktok Pinterest Giphy
Resumes
  • Resume Builder
  • Resume Templates
  • Resume Examples
  • How to Make a Resume
  • Resume Format
  • Resume Summary Generator
  • Resume Checker
  • Resume Parser
  • Resume Bullet Point Generator
Cover Letters
  • Cover Letter Generator
  • Cover Letter Templates
  • Cover Letter Examples
  • How to Write a Cover Letter
  • Cover Letter Format
CVs
  • CV Maker
  • CV Templates
  • How to Write a CV
  • CV Examples
  • CV vs Resume
Policies
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • CCPA/GDPR
  • Accessibility
  • Editorial Guidelines
Additional Resources
  • About Us
  • Affiliate Opportunities
  • Career Experts Program
  • Join Our Team
  • Press & Media Mentions
  • Product Reviews
  • The Genius Blog
Support
  • Help & Support
  • Contact Us
  • Forgot Password
Member of
Certified professional resume writer official seal

© 2025, Sonaga Tech Limited. All rights reserved

ResumeGenius.com is owned and operated by Sonaga Tech Limited, Hamilton, Zweigniederlassung Luzern with offices in Luzern Switzerland.

100% FREE TEMPLATES

Use our templates to win the job.

Each template on our website was designed by HR and hiring professionals to help jobseekers easily apply for work.

Sign up for more free templates & career resources!

This field is required
This field is required

In addition to this template, you'll also receive:

  • Early access to our newest premium templates
  • Job-specific resume tips & free examples
  • Access to our exclusive newsletter for jobseekers
  • Notifications of product improvements
No thanks, I only want to download this template

*By sharing your email, you agree to receive marketing emails from our team. You can easily opt out of future emails on the dashboard of your account or by unsubscribing directly from the link at the bottom of an email you receive from us.

Your review would mean a lot to us.

We hope our free downloadable resources will help you on your path to career success. If you have time, a quick review would really make our day (it'll only take 15 seconds). Best of luck on the job hunt!

Leave A Review