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What does a High School Principal do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A high school principal typically oversees the entire operation of a high school. This can include everything from hiring and firing staff to developing curriculum to working with parents and guardians. A high school principal is responsible for ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

High School Principal job duties include:

  • Oversees the daily operations of the school
  • Supervises and evaluates teachers and other staff members
  • Develops curriculum and teaching methods
  • Enforces school rules and regulations
  • Selects textbooks and instructional materials
  • Schedules classes, faculty meetings, and other events
  • Prepares reports on the school’s progress and submit them to the school board or other authorities
  • Meets with parents, guardians, and students to discuss their progress
  • Coordinates activities with other principals in the district

High School Principal Job Requirements

A High School Principal typically has a Master's Degree in Education Leadership or a related field. Many states also require certification as a school administrator. Principals typically have several years of experience working as a teacher and/or assistant principal before becoming a principal.

High School Principal Skills

  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Budgeting
  • Planning
  • Scheduling
  • Supervising
  • Evaluating
  • Hiring
  • Firing
  • Training
  • Mentoring

Related: Top High School Principal Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a High School Principal

There is no one specific path to becoming a high school principal. However, there are some common steps that individuals can take to increase their chances of being hired for this role. Firstly, it is important to obtain a bachelor's degree, preferably in education or a related field. Secondly, many high school principals have several years of teaching experience under their belts. Therefore, teaching at the high school level is another key step towards becoming a principal. Finally, completing a master's degree or educational leadership program can also give individuals an edge when applying for jobs as high school principals.

Related: High School Principal Resume Example

Related: High School Principal Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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