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What does an Elementary School Principal do?

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

Published 3 min read

An elementary school principal is responsible for the educational leadership and management of an elementary school. They work with teachers, staff, and parents to create a positive and effective learning environment for students. They also develop and implement curriculum, assess student progress, and discipline students as needed.

Elementary School Principal job duties include:

  • Supervise and evaluate teachers and other staff
  • Develop curriculum and teaching methods
  • Oversee the admissions process
  • Prepare budgets and allocate resources
  • Enforce school policies
  • Handle disciplinary issues
  • Coordinate extracurricular activities
  • Communicate with parents and guardians
  • Promote the school in the community

Elementary School Principal Job Requirements

An Elementary School Principal typically needs a Master's Degree in Education Leadership or a related field. Many states also require certification as a school administrator. Principals usually have several years of teaching experience before becoming a school administrator.

Elementary School Principal Skills

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Problem solving
  • Decision making
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Flexibility
  • Creativity
  • Patience
  • Vision
  • Motivation

Related: Top Elementary School Principal Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Elementary School Principal

There are many ways to become an elementary school principal. The most common path is to first become a teacher, and then move into an administrative role. Other ways to become an elementary school principal include working as a school counselor, assistant principal, or even a district administrator. No matter what your previous experience is, there are certain qualities that all successful principals share.

The most important quality for an elementary school principal is a passion for education. A love of learning is contagious, and as the leader of a school, you will set the tone for the entire community. In addition to a passion for education, principals must also be excellent communicators. You will need to be able to effectively communicate with teachers, parents, and students. Strong writing and public speaking skills are essential.

As an elementary school principal, you will also need to be highly organized and detail-oriented. You will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the school, as well as long-term planning. Good time management skills are crucial in this role.

If you have the necessary qualifications and are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, becoming an elementary school principal may be the right career choice for you.

Related: Elementary School Principal Resume Example

Related: Elementary 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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