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What does a School Principal do?

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

Published 4 min read

A school principal is the head of a school who is responsible for the school's educational program, administration, and organization.

School Principal job duties include:

  • Overseeing the daily operations of the school
  • Supervising and evaluating teachers and other staff members
  • Developing and implementing educational policies
  • Creating a positive and productive learning environment
  • Disciplining students when necessary
  • Preparing budgets and managing finances
  • Acting as a liaison between the school and parents/guardians
  • Advocating for the needs of the school and its students
  • Working with the community to promote the school

School Principal Job Requirements

The job requirements for a School Principal typically include a Master's degree in education or a related field, as well as certification from the state in which they will be working. In addition, most Principals have several years of experience teaching and working in school administration.

School Principal Skills

  • Strong leadership skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Good organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to make decisions and solve problems
  • Ability to motivate and inspire others
  • Good public speaking skills
  • Good writing skills
  • Knowledge of education and teaching methods
  • Understanding of child development and behavior
  • Ability to deal with difficult situations and people
  • Patience and tolerance

Related: Top School Principal Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a School Principal

The job of a school principal is both demanding and rewarding. As the leader of a school, the principal sets the tone for the entire educational community. He or she is responsible for ensuring that all students have the opportunity to learn and succeed.

To become a school principal, one must first earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Many principals also have a master’s degree in education or administration. Once you have your degree, you will need to obtain a teaching license from your state.

After you have your teaching license, you will need to gain several years of experience working as a teacher in a public or private school. During your time as a teacher, you will likely take on additional responsibilities such as serving on committees or leading professional development workshops. These experiences will help you develop the skills necessary to be an effective principal.

Once you have several years of teaching experience under your belt, you can begin to apply for principal positions. The hiring process for principals varies by school district, but it usually includes an interview and demonstration of your leadership abilities.

If you are hired as a principal, you will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of your school. This includes overseeing faculty and staff, developing curriculum, and enforcing school policies. You will also be responsible for creating a positive and safe learning environment for all students.

Becoming a school principal is not an easy task, but it is one that comes with great responsibility and rewards. Those who are up for the challenge can look forward to making a lasting impact on the lives of young people.

Related: School Principal Resume Example

Related: School Principal Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

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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