Resume Examples for Assistant Principals

Resumes and CVs for an assistant principal are tailored to reflect varying levels of experience, from entry-level educators to seasoned leaders. Discover the key elements needed at each stage and leverage our Resume Builder to craft your effective application.

Entry-Level Assistant Principal Resume

Ideal for recent graduates and career changers aiming to enter the education field, this template is crafted for those who need a resume with no experience, allowing you to showcase your skills and potential.

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Why this resume works:

This thoughtful font selection highlights professionalism and improves readability, making it an excellent choice for a resume. The best fonts for a resume include options like Calibri, Garamond, or Times New Roman, as these fonts are favored by hiring managers for their clarity and formal appearance.

Mid-Career Assistant Principal Resume

A smart choice for mid-level educators aiming to elevate their careers, this template effectively showcases leadership experiences while highlighting key accomplishments and skills relevant to advanced positions.

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Why this resume works:

With eight years of educational leadership experience, the applicant demonstrates a strong track record in improving student success and fostering curriculum innovation. The combination format effectively showcases their skills in leadership and curriculum development alongside a robust work history, making them an ideal fit for advanced administrative roles.

Experienced Assistant Principal Resume

A perfect fit for seasoned educators, this template supports assistant principals with 10+ years of experience seeking senior leadership roles in school administration.

Experienced Assistant Principal Resume Example
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Why this resume works:

This resume reflects a strong career trajectory, showcasing skills in data-driven decision-making and instructional leadership that have significantly impacted student outcomes. Advanced roles as an assistant principal and dean of students, along with certifications (e.g., K-12 Educational Leadership Certification), demonstrate readiness for senior educational leadership positions.

Assistant Principal Resume Template (Text)

Use this editable text resume template for an assistant principal position to copy, paste, and modify directly in your document.

Jin Martinez

Greenfield, IN 46145

Professional Summary

Assistant Principal with 9 years in instructional leadership, MTSS, and data-driven school improvement, driving measurable gains in achievement and behavior. Proven track record in coaching teachers, leading school culture initiatives, and implementing equity-focused interventions in diverse K-8 environments. Skilled in strategic planning, restorative practices, and stakeholder engagement to enhance student outcomes and school performance.

Work Experience

January 2022 – March 2026

Summit Ridge Middle School – Greenfield, IN

Assistant Principal

  • Raised math proficiency by 18% in two school years
  • Cut behavioral referrals 32% via PBIS implementation
  • Led data teams, boosting Tier 2 support for 210+ students

January 2018 – December 2021

Evergreen Heights K-8 Academy – Greenfield, IN

Vice Principal

  • Improved attendance 3.5% through MTSS interventions
  • Observed 75+ teachers yearly using standards rubric
  • Reduced out-of-school suspensions by 27% in 18 months

January 2017 – December 2017

Pinecrest Urban Charter School – Greenfield, IN

Instructional Dean of Students

  • Coached 18 teachers, lifting reading scores by 12%
  • Co-led Title I plan, securing $95K in federal funding
  • Implemented SEL program serving 430+ middle students

Education

May 2015
University of Northern Colorado Greeley, CO
Master of Education Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

May 2013
Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO
Bachelor of Arts Secondary Education – English

Certifications

  • Certified School Improvement Specialist – Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
  • K-12 Instructional Coaching Certificate – Learning Forward Institute
  • Trauma-Informed Schools Practitioner – National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Skills

  • Instructional leadership
  • Data-driven decision making
  • School climate and culture
  • Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
  • Restorative practices and PBIS
  • Teacher coaching and evaluation
  • Family and community engagement
  • Curriculum alignment and assessment

How to Write an Assistant Principal Resume

As a principal, showcasing your leadership skills and educational experience in a clear format is essential for capturing your unique qualifications. Learning how to write a resume can guide you in emphasizing your achievements and tailoring your resume for the roles you’re pursuing.

1. Contact Info

Your contact information should be prominently displayed at the top of your resume, ensuring clarity and professionalism.

Be sure to include:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Professional email address
  • City and state (ZIP code is optional)
  • LinkedIn profile or relevant portfolio link
TipPRO TIP

Skip including personal details such as your age, marital status, or social media handles on your resume unless the employer specifically requests them.

2. Resume Profile

A resume profile is a brief introductory section consisting of two to four sentences that highlights your key qualifications and professional identity. This segment serves as an engaging pitch to hiring managers, capturing their interest and prompting them to delve deeper into your application.

Typically located at the top of your resume, the profile can be formatted as either a summary or an objective, each fulfilling distinct roles. Understanding these differences will help you choose the best approach for showcasing your experience:

  • A resume summary showcases essential qualifications, leadership skills, and significant achievements relevant to educational administration. This format is particularly beneficial for job seekers with a solid work history or transferable experiences who aim to highlight their impact as an accomplished assistant principal.
  • A resume objective highlights your future aspirations and the goals you aim to achieve in your career. It’s especially helpful for recent graduates, professionals moving into new fields, or individuals with limited experience who want to showcase their ambitions.

Let’s explore the distinctions between a resume summary and a resume objective through the following examples:

Assistant principal resume summary example:

Dedicated assistant principal with over 6 years of experience in educational leadership within diverse school environments. Proficient in curriculum development, staff training, and student engagement strategies. Celebrated for fostering a supportive learning atmosphere that improves student performance and promotes educational equity.

Assistant principal resume objective example:

Recent Master’s degree holder in educational leadership, enthusiastic about starting a career as a principal in an engaging school environment. Committed to fostering inclusive learning and dedicated to building strong relationships while implementing innovative educational strategies within K-12 institutions.

3. Work Experience

The work experience on your resume serves as a critical foundation for showcasing your qualifications. Employers assess not only your job titles and responsibilities but also the tangible impact you’ve made in previous roles.

This background illustrates how your unique experiences make you well-suited for the position you’re applying for, demonstrating both relevance and capability.

The work experience section should contain:

  • Job title
  • Employer name and location
  • Dates of employment (month/year)
  • 3–5 bullet points describing your leadership roles and educational achievements

Tailor your work experience bullet points to align with the assistant principal role, using education-specific language. Begin each point with a powerful action verb such as “Coordinated,” “Implemented,” or “Facilitated.”

Incorporate quantifiable metrics to highlight your impact. Specific numbers and achievements provide tangible proof of your contributions and help set you apart from other job seekers vying for the same position.

In general, consider following the format of:

[action verb] + [responsibility] = [result/achievement]

For example:

Directed a professional learning community (PLC) of 15 instructional staff, facilitating weekly data-analysis sessions that contributed to a 12% increase in grade-level literacy benchmarks within one academic year.

Note that you can also flip the result/achievement with the responsibility:

Maintained 100% compliance with state educational mandates by overseeing school-wide testing coordination and complex master scheduling for a student body of 1,200.

Explore more work experience examples for assistant principals further down this page.

4. Skills

The skills section offers a concise overview of your leadership and educational abilities, which are essential for an assistant principal role. This ATS-friendly resume format allows hiring managers to quickly assess your qualifications.

Skills can be categorized into three key areas:

  • Soft skills are personal qualities that influence how well individuals collaborate in educational settings. For an assistant principal, key soft skills include communication, leadership, conflict resolution, and empathy.
  • Hard skills are specific, measurable abilities gained through education, training, or hands-on experience. For an assistant principal, these include developing school schedules, analyzing student performance data, and managing staff evaluations.
  • Technical skills encompass the expertise required to operate specific tools and software relevant to a job role. For an assistant principal, these include managing student information systems, using educational data analysis platforms, and coordinating digital communication tools.

In general, aim to include a diverse range of skills that closely match the job requirements to showcase your qualifications. For additional examples tailored to specific professions, explore the skills listed further down the page.

TipPRO TIP

If you’re a newer assistant principal, consider placing your skills section higher on the resume, right after your summary. For those with more experience, it’s best to position this section lower and weave your skills into your work history for a more cohesive presentation.

5. Education

Understanding how to list education on your resume is important for showcasing your qualifications. Begin with your most recent or relevant degree, clearly stating the type of degree and the institution’s name.

If you have recently graduated, include your graduation year, GPA (if it’s 3.5 or above), any honors received, and relevant coursework to give a fuller picture of your academic achievements.

Assistant principal resume education section example:

Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Graduated: 2023 | Graduated with Distinction

TipPRO TIP

When listing multiple degrees on your resume, always start with the highest degree first in reverse-chronological order, such as Master of Education (M.Ed.), followed by Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAEd).

6. Certifications

Certifications are important as they highlight your qualifications and ensure you stay current in your field. While they may not fit the traditional resume format, this section is often vital for many professionals, particularly those in specialized areas like education or healthcare, where specific credentials are often mandatory. Employers look for these certifications to confirm expertise and readiness for particular roles.

Make sure to list all relevant certifications that bolster your application. Keeping them updated and clearly formatted will improve your visibility to hiring managers.

Assistant principal certification examples:

  • Principal Certification, State of New York | New York Department of Education | Expires: 08/2028
  • Educational Leadership Certificate | National Board for Professional Teaching Standards | Expires: 07/2028
  • Advanced Educational Leadership Certification | State University System | Expires: 10/2027
  • School Administration License, New Jersey | New Jersey Department of Education | Expires: 03/2028

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Tailor Your Work History to Beat the ATS

Your work experience section should be more than just a summary of your previous roles. It’s an opportunity to highlight the tangible impact you’ve made in education, leadership, and student outcomes. This approach not only showcases your achievements but also helps create a resume that is ATS-friendly, ensuring it can be easily scanned by applicant tracking systems (ATS).

To make your work history stand out, tailor it specifically to the position you’re applying for by using relevant keywords from the job description. Start by carefully analyzing the listing and take note of any recurring skills or qualifications mentioned. Incorporate these elements into your experience descriptions to better align with what employers are seeking.

These examples are pulled from our most-used entries in the resume builder—based on what hiring managers respond to most.

  • Implemented school-wide behavior intervention strategies, resulting in a 25% decrease in disciplinary incidents over one academic year.
  • Collaborated with teachers to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) for 15 students, improving their academic performance by an average of 20%.
  • Mentored new teachers through weekly coaching sessions, improving classroom management skills and increasing overall student engagement.
  • Used data analysis tools to assess student performance trends, leading to targeted instructional improvements.
  • Facilitated monthly staff meetings to promote collaboration and share best practices among educators.

Example of Skills for Assistant Principals

Incorporating the right skills for your resume shows employers and ATS that you have the necessary abilities for success in the role. Because resumes are often scanned quickly, it’s best to ensure your skills are focused, relevant, and aligned with the job description.

The skills listed represent what is highly valued in today’s education field. These abilities frequently appear in successful principal resumes and resonate well with hiring managers seeking qualified applicants.

5 Soft Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Effective communication
  • Team leadership skills
  • Conflict resolution
  • Cultural competency
  • Active listening

5 Hard Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Curriculum development and assessment
  • Classroom management software (Skyward, PowerSchool)
  • School law and compliance
  • Staff training and development
  • Data analysis for student performance

Key Takeaways

  • Customize your resume for each job application. Use language from the job description to reflect your relevant experience and skills, aiding both ATS and hiring managers.
  • Highlight quantifiable results in your achievements. Instead of listing duties, use metrics (e.g., student performance improvements, program participation rates) to demonstrate your impact.
  • Select a resume format that suits your career stage. New educators might prefer a functional or combination format, while seasoned administrators usually opt for a reverse-chronological style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Update:

What resume format should I use for my assistant principal resume?

When preparing your resume as an assistant principal, consider three primary formats to present your credentials. The choice depends on your experience level and the aspects of your career you wish to highlight:

  • Chronological: The chronological resume is the most widely used format, emphasizing work history by outlining roles and accomplishments. This approach works well for job seekers with a solid employment background that strengthens their qualifications, making it an ideal choice for presenting clear career progression.
  • Functional: The functional resume, also known as a skills-based resume, emphasizes your qualifications and expands the skills section instead of focusing on work history. This format is especially helpful for job seekers who may not have relevant experience in their desired field or have gaps in employment. By using this approach, it highlights what you can bring to the role rather than where you’ve worked.
  • Combination: The combination resume format merges the best of chronological and functional styles. It features sections for skills alongside work history, allowing professionals to showcase both their expertise and career growth. This approach is ideal for those transitioning fields or emphasizing accomplishments as well as experience.
Should I include a cover letter with my resume?

Yes, you should include a cover letter when applying for an assistant principal position. A well-crafted cover letter allows you to express your leadership philosophy and commitment to education, providing context that complements your resume. It shows hiring committees that you have taken the time to tailor your application, highlighting experiences and skills relevant to the school’s needs beyond what is listed on your resume.

If writing a cover letter feels daunting, don’t let that discourage you from submitting one. There are many helpful resources available, including guides on how to write a cover letter, sample letters specifically for educational leadership roles, and various formats you can adapt based on your experience level or the job requirements. These tools can help simplify the process and improve the clarity of your message.

For those seeking convenience in crafting their application, using a cover letter generator can provide structured suggestions tailored to assistant principal roles and save time during preparation.

How long should an assistant principal resume be?

For professionals with less than 10 years of experience, a one-page resume is typically adequate to highlight relevant skills and accomplishments. Focus on including educational background, key certifications, and any notable contributions to previous roles.

Conversely, those in senior or specialized positions can extend their resumes to two pages if the content remains relevant and well-organized. Emphasize leadership experiences and advanced qualifications while ensuring clarity by eliminating any irrelevant information or filler terms that do not improve your narrative.

What keywords should I include to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS)?

To successfully navigate ATS filters, tailor your resume with keywords and phrases found in the job posting. For an assistant principal role, look for terms like “curriculum development,” “student assessment,” and “educational leadership.” Incorporating these specific phrases will demonstrate that you understand the key responsibilities of the position.

In addition to relevant terminology, be sure to highlight any certifications, such as Principal Certification or Educational Leadership credentials. Mentioning familiarity with educational tools like Google Classroom or PowerSchool can also set you apart. These elements showcase your qualifications and align directly with what employers are searching for in their ideal job seeker.

Is it important to include volunteer work on my resume?

Absolutely, especially for those early in their careers. Including volunteer work demonstrates your commitment to the community and showcases relevant skills that may not come from formal positions, making you more appealing to potential employers.

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Kirsten Chorpenning Career Advice Expert

Kirsten Chorpenning is a career advice writer who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools. She specializes in helping job seekers find rewarding jobs in today’s dynamic work environment.Holding a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in writing, Kirsten combines academic knowledge with five years of career industry experience to provide practical job search guidance. She focuses on the nuances of the modern job market and effective strategies for job applications. Her work, which focuses on providing actionable advice on how to secure interviews and achieve long-term career success, has been featured in Forbes, Money Talks News, MSN, and FlexJobs.

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