It's 6:47 AM, and while most teachers are just arriving to prep their classrooms, you're already in the main office, handling a parent complaint about bus routes, reviewing substitute plans for three absent teachers, and mentally preparing for that challenging IEP meeting at 8:30. This is the invisible work of educational leadership - the work that happens before the first bell rings and long after students leave.
As someone ready to transition from classroom excellence to school-wide impact, you understand that the Assistant Principal role isn't just about wielding a walkie-talkie and managing lunch duty anymore.
The modern Assistant Principal serves as the crucial link between classroom realities and administrative vision. You're the one who translates district mandates into practical classroom strategies, who coaches struggling teachers while supporting star performers, who can pivot from analyzing standardized test data to mediating a playground dispute in the span of minutes. Your resume needs to capture this unique blend of instructional leadership, operational management, and interpersonal finesse that defines today's educational administrators.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every element of crafting an Assistant Principal resume that resonates with selection committees. We'll start with choosing the right format - specifically the reverse-chronological structure that best showcases your progressive leadership journey. Then we'll dive deep into articulating your work experience in ways that highlight administrative readiness, not just teaching excellence. You'll learn which skills matter most at the administrative level, how to handle specific situations like in-progress licensure or limited formal leadership experience, and how to position your educational credentials for maximum impact.
We'll also cover the often-overlooked elements that can set your application apart - from strategically selected awards and publications to crafting a cover letter that thinks systemically rather than individually. Finally, we'll explore the delicate art of choosing references who can speak to different dimensions of your leadership potential. Whether you're a department chair ready for the next step, a teacher leader who's been shouldering administrative duties, or an instructional coach looking to impact entire schools rather than individual classrooms, this guide provides the roadmap for translating your educational expertise into administrative opportunity.
Now, let's picture a scenario - you've spent years in the classroom, perhaps as a department head or instructional coach, and now you're ready to step into school leadership. The Assistant Principal role represents that crucial bridge between teaching and administration, where you'll balance discipline, curriculum oversight, and teacher support while learning the ropes of educational leadership.
Your resume needs to tell this transition story effectively.
For Assistant Principal positions, the reverse-chronological format stands out as the clear winner.
Why? Because school districts want to see your progressive journey through education - from classroom teacher to perhaps team lead, department chair, or instructional specialist, and now to administration.
This format showcases your most recent (and likely most relevant) educational leadership experiences first, which is exactly what hiring committees scan for during their initial review.
Start with a compelling professional summary that positions you as an educational leader ready to support the principal in driving school improvement. This isn't the place for generic statements about being "passionate about education" - every candidate is.
Instead, highlight your specific leadership achievements and administrative readiness.
❌ Don't write a vague summary:
Dedicated educator seeking Assistant Principal position. Passionate about student success and supporting teachers.
✅ Do write a specific, achievement-focused summary:
Educational leader with 8 years of progressive teaching and leadership experience, including 3 years as Department Chair overseeing 12 teachers. Led implementation of data-driven instruction protocols that increased state test scores by 15%. Hold Master's in Educational Leadership and State Administrative License.
After your professional summary, organize your resume sections in this sequence:
Your work experience section needs to demonstrate the evolution from educator to leader. Remember, the hiring principal and superintendent aren't just looking for an excellent teacher - they need someone who can handle angry parents, support struggling teachers, manage disciplinary issues, and contribute to the school's strategic vision.
Even if you haven't held formal administrative positions, your teaching experience likely includes leadership elements. The key is identifying and articulating these administrative-relevant accomplishments.
Think about times you've led committees, mentored new teachers, managed budgets for your department, or handled quasi-administrative duties.
❌ Don't write basic job descriptions:
High School Math Teacher - Lincoln High School
- Taught Algebra I and Geometry to 9th and 10th graders
- Graded papers and maintained gradebook
- Attended faculty meetings
✅ Do highlight leadership and administrative skills:
High School Math Teacher - Lincoln High School
- Mentored 4 new teachers through district induction program, with 100% earning tenure
- Chaired School Improvement Committee, facilitating monthly meetings with 15 stakeholders
- Managed $25,000 mathematics department budget, reducing costs by 18% while expanding resources
- Led professional development sessions on differentiated instruction for 45-member faculty
School boards love data, and as an aspiring Assistant Principal, you need to speak their language. Wherever possible, include metrics that demonstrate your impact on student achievement, teacher development, or school improvement.
This shows you understand the accountability measures that administrators face daily.
Your work experience should tell a clear story of increasing responsibility.
Perhaps you started as a classroom teacher, then became a grade-level team leader, then department chair, and maybe served as summer school administrator. Each role should build upon the previous, showing your readiness for the Assistant Principal position.
For international considerations - in the UK, you might be applying for "Deputy Head" or "Vice Principal" positions, while in Canada, the term "Vice-Principal" is more common. Adjust your terminology accordingly while maintaining the same strategic approach to highlighting progressive leadership experience.
The Assistant Principal role demands a unique blend of educational expertise and administrative acumen. You're no longer just managing a classroom - you're managing adults, budgets, policies, and crises.
Your skills section needs to reflect this duality.
These are the non-negotiable skills that every Assistant Principal needs. Think of these as the foundation that proves you can handle the business side of running a school:
These skills show you understand the instructional side of the Assistant Principal role:
❌ Don't list vague educational buzzwords:
Skills: Leadership, Communication, Organization, Team Player, Dedicated
✅ Do specify concrete administrative and educational skills:
Skills:
• Instructional Leadership: Classroom observation, curriculum alignment, professional development planning
• Student Discipline: Restorative justice practices, PBIS implementation, due process procedures
• Technology: Student Information Systems (PowerSchool), Google Workspace administration, data visualization
• Compliance: FERPA, IDEA, Title IX regulations, state testing coordination
While technical skills matter, the Assistant Principal role is fundamentally about people.
Include interpersonal skills, but make them specific to educational administration. Instead of generic "communication skills," specify "facilitating difficult conversations with parents" or "delivering constructive feedback to veteran teachers."
Different regions emphasize different competencies. In the USA, include skills related to standardized testing and federal compliance. UK Deputy Heads should highlight OFSTED preparation experience. Canadian Vice-Principals might emphasize French language skills in certain provinces.
Australian Assistant Principals should note experience with NAPLAN and state-specific curriculum standards.
Here's what most Assistant Principal candidates overlook - this role is as much about politics and relationships as it is about education. Your resume needs subtle signals that you understand the delicate balance of supporting the principal while maintaining your own leadership presence.
Unlike teaching positions where certification is straightforward, administrative licensure varies significantly by state and country. If you're still completing your administrative credential, be transparent but strategic:
Education:
Master of Education in Educational Leadership - State University (2023)
Administrative Credential - In Progress, expected completion May 2024
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics - Regional College (2015)
State Teaching License - Mathematics 7-12 (Current)
Every school has its unique culture and challenges.
Research your target schools and tailor your resume accordingly. Applying to a school under academic improvement? Emphasize your experience with intervention programs and data-driven instruction. Interested in a school with discipline challenges?
Highlight your work with restorative justice or PBIS implementation.
The Assistant Principal works in a unique space - you're administration to teachers but still report to the principal. Your resume should demonstrate you can navigate this dynamic.
Include examples where you've successfully balanced competing interests or served as a bridge between groups:
✅ Do show diplomatic leadership:
Teacher Leadership Team Facilitator
• Served as liaison between administration and faculty, successfully mediating concerns about new bell schedule
• Facilitated consensus-building sessions resulting in 95% faculty buy-in for new grading policy
Many Assistant Principal candidates overlook valuable administrative experience gained through summer school administration, athletic director roles, or evening program coordination. These positions often provide genuine administrative experience - hiring staff, managing budgets, handling discipline, and reporting to the school board.
Don't bury these experiences; they're gold for showing you can handle administrative responsibilities.
Be cautious about over-emphasizing classroom success at the expense of leadership experience. Yes, being an excellent teacher matters, but hiring committees need to know you can transition from peer to supervisor.
Also, avoid educational jargon that might alienate non-educator board members who often participate in administrative hiring decisions.
Remember, the Assistant Principal role varies significantly by school level. Elementary Assistant Principals often focus more on curriculum and parent relations, while high school Assistant Principals typically handle more discipline and logistics. Tailor your resume to match the specific level and needs of your target position.
Finally, consider including a brief section on your leadership philosophy or vision for the role - but only if you can articulate it concisely and connect it to concrete achievements. This sets you apart from candidates who simply list qualifications without demonstrating educational vision.
Your education section needs to reflect this evolution from educator to leader. Unlike when you were applying for teaching positions where your Bachelor's degree was the star, now it's all about showcasing that advanced education that qualifies you for administrative roles.
Let's be real - every state has specific requirements for assistant principals, and your education section needs to check these boxes immediately.
Most states require a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Educational Administration, or a closely related field. Some accept a Master's in your subject area plus additional administrative coursework.
Here's how to structure your education section in reverse-chronological order:
✅ Do - Lead with your highest, most relevant degree:
Master of Education in Educational Leadership
University of State, City, State
Graduated: May 2022
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Relevant Coursework: School Law, Instructional Supervision, Data-Driven Decision Making
❌ Don't - Bury your administrative qualifications:
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, 2010
Master of Education in Educational Leadership, 2022
Your principal or administrative license is crucial and should be prominently displayed.
Different states call it different things - Principal License, Administrative Certificate, Building-Level Administrator License. Whatever your state calls it, make it visible.
For US candidates, include your state-specific administrative license right after your Master's degree. For Canadian provinces, include your Principal's Qualification Program (PQP) certification. UK candidates should highlight their National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) or National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL).
✅ Do - Make your administrative credentials crystal clear:
State Principal License (K-12)
State Department of Education
Issued: June 2022 | Expires: June 2027
Your Bachelor's degree still matters, but it takes a backseat to your advanced credentials. Include it, but keep it brief.
If you have multiple Master's degrees or additional specialist degrees, prioritize those related to educational leadership.
Remember, you're not just showing you can teach - you're proving you can lead teachers. If your Bachelor's is in Elementary Education but you're applying to a high school, don't worry.
Your Master's and administrative experience carry more weight now.
As someone stepping into assistant principal territory, your awards and publications tell a story of recognition and thought leadership. They show you're not just doing the job - you're advancing the profession.
Not all awards are created equal when you're moving into administration. That perfect attendance award from your first year teaching? Skip it. But that recognition for leading your school's successful accreditation process?
That's gold.
Focus on awards that demonstrate:
❌ Don't - List every recognition without context:
Teacher of the Month - March 2019
Excellence in Teaching Award - 2020
Staff Appreciation Award - 2021
✅ Do - Select and contextualize leadership-focused recognitions:
Excellence in Educational Leadership Award - District Name (2023)
Recognized for implementing school-wide PBIS program resulting in 40% reduction in disciplinary referrals
State Association of Educators Innovation Award (2022)
Honored for developing mentor teacher program adopted by 5 district schools
Maybe you haven't published in peer-reviewed journals - and that's okay. But if you've written for educational blogs, presented at conferences, or contributed to district publications, these demonstrate your ability to articulate vision and share best practices.
Include publications that show you can:
Format your publications professionally, even if they're not academic:
✅ Do - Present all publications professionally:
"Building Bridges: Engaging Families in Middle School Transition"
State Education Association Newsletter, Spring 2023
"Data Teams in Action: A Practical Guide for Grade-Level Collaboration"
District Professional Development Series, 2022
For assistant principal positions, create a combined "Leadership Recognition & Publications" section if you have substantial entries in both categories.
This positions you as both an accomplished practitioner and a contributing thought leader. Place this section after your professional experience but before your education - unless you have very recent, highly relevant recognition that strengthens your candidacy.
You're probably wondering - should you include that parent who loved how you handled their child's behavioral transformation? What about the union rep you worked with during contract negotiations?
The answer lies in understanding what AP selection committees really want to verify.
For assistant principal positions, you need references who can attest to different dimensions of leadership. Here's your strategic lineup:
Current or Former Administrator - This is non-negotiable. You need at least one principal or assistant principal who has observed your leadership capacity. They can speak to your initiative, judgment, and ability to see beyond classroom walls.
District-Level Supervisor - If you've worked on district committees, curriculum development, or special projects, include someone from central office. They provide perspective on your ability to navigate organizational politics and implement district-wide initiatives.
Teacher Leader or Department Chair - Choose someone you've led or collaborated with on school improvement efforts. They offer peer validation of your leadership style and ability to maintain credibility while transitioning to administration.
Community Partner or Parent Leader - For elementary positions especially, having a PTA president or community organization leader can differentiate you. They attest to your stakeholder engagement skills.
When approaching potential references, be explicit about the leadership qualities you'd like them to highlight. Provide them with:
❌ Don't - Send generic reference requests:
"Hi Dr. Smith, I'm applying for an AP position. Can you be a reference?
Thanks!"
✅ Do - Provide context and refresh their memory:
"Dr. Smith, I'm applying for the AP position at Riverside Middle School, which is
focusing on restorative justice implementation. You observed my work leading our
school's RJ pilot program last year. Would you be willing to speak to my ability
to train staff and manage cultural change initiatives?"
Your reference list should be a separate document, not included on your resume. Format it professionally with full context for each reference:
✅ Do - Provide complete reference information:
Dr. Maria Rodriguez
Principal, Oakwood Elementary School
Email: [email protected] | Phone: (555) 123-4567
Relationship: Direct Supervisor, observed my leadership of Grade Level Team and
School Improvement Committee (2019-2023)
UK candidates should note that references are typically contacted before interview, so ensure your referees are prepared for written reference requests. Include your current headteacher as one reference - omitting them raises red flags.
Canadian administrators often expect references from multiple stakeholder groups, including union representatives if you've held union positions. This demonstrates your ability to balance multiple perspectives.
US candidates should be aware that some districts conduct reference checks before first interviews, while others wait until finalist stage. Have your references ready early in the process.
Sometimes who you don't list speaks volumes.
If you've been at your current school for several years but don't list your current principal, selection committees notice. If this is your situation, consider addressing it briefly in your cover letter or be prepared to discuss it diplomatically in interviews.
Remember, education administration is a small world - assume connections exist between your references and the hiring committee.
The harsh truth?
Many qualified teachers with leadership experience miss out on assistant principal positions because their cover letters still read like teaching applications. You need to shift from "I impact students" to "I impact systems that impact all students."
Your cover letter should immediately establish you as someone who thinks systemically. Start with a compelling example of leadership impact, not classroom success.
❌ Don't - Lead with classroom achievements:
"As a dedicated educator with 10 years of experience, I have consistently helped
students achieve academic success in my mathematics classroom."
✅ Do - Open with system-wide thinking:
"Leading our school's mathematics vertical alignment team taught me that sustainable
improvement happens when teachers collaborate across grade levels - a perspective I'm
eager to bring to the Assistant Principal role at Lincoln Middle School."
Your cover letter should address three critical areas that selection committees look for:
1. Instructional Leadership Evidence
Don't just say you've led professional development. Explain how you identified needs through data, designed responsive training, and measured impact. Use specific metrics when possible.
2. Stakeholder Relationship Building
Assistant principals are the ultimate relationship managers. Provide concrete examples of building bridges - between resistant parents and teachers, between district initiatives and school culture, between diverse student groups.
3. Administrative Readiness
Address the elephant in the room - you haven't been an AP before.
Show how you've handled quasi-administrative duties: scheduling, budgeting for department resources, managing substitute coverage, leading accreditation committees.
An elementary AP position requires different emphasis than high school. For elementary, highlight your understanding of developmental stages and family engagement. For middle school, emphasize your ability to navigate adolescent challenges and transition programs.
High school applications should stress your comfort with complex scheduling, diverse pathways, and post-secondary preparation.
For UK candidates applying for Deputy Head positions, emphasize your understanding of Ofsted frameworks and safeguarding responsibilities. Canadian applicants should reference provincial curriculum initiatives and inclusive education mandates.
End with confidence, not desperation. You're not begging for an interview - you're proposing a mutual exploration of fit.
✅ Do - Close with confident leadership vision:
"I look forward to discussing how my experience building collaborative teaching teams
and implementing data-driven interventions aligns with Jefferson High's commitment to
closing achievement gaps."
After diving deep into the nuances of Assistant Principal resume writing, here are the essential points to remember as you craft your leadership story:
Creating a compelling Assistant Principal resume requires more than just updating your teaching CV - it demands a complete reframing of your educational journey through the lens of leadership. At Resumonk, we understand this transition and have designed our platform to help educators like you showcase their administrative readiness effectively. Our AI-powered recommendations can help you identify and articulate those leadership moments hidden within your teaching experience, while our professionally designed templates ensure your qualifications are presented with the polish that administrative positions demand.
Ready to transform your teaching experience into administrative opportunity?
Start building your Assistant Principal resume with Resumonk's intelligent resume builder, complete with education-specific templates and AI-powered content suggestions tailored to school leadership roles.
Begin your journey from classroom to administration today, with Resumonk!
It's 6:47 AM, and while most teachers are just arriving to prep their classrooms, you're already in the main office, handling a parent complaint about bus routes, reviewing substitute plans for three absent teachers, and mentally preparing for that challenging IEP meeting at 8:30. This is the invisible work of educational leadership - the work that happens before the first bell rings and long after students leave.
As someone ready to transition from classroom excellence to school-wide impact, you understand that the Assistant Principal role isn't just about wielding a walkie-talkie and managing lunch duty anymore.
The modern Assistant Principal serves as the crucial link between classroom realities and administrative vision. You're the one who translates district mandates into practical classroom strategies, who coaches struggling teachers while supporting star performers, who can pivot from analyzing standardized test data to mediating a playground dispute in the span of minutes. Your resume needs to capture this unique blend of instructional leadership, operational management, and interpersonal finesse that defines today's educational administrators.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every element of crafting an Assistant Principal resume that resonates with selection committees. We'll start with choosing the right format - specifically the reverse-chronological structure that best showcases your progressive leadership journey. Then we'll dive deep into articulating your work experience in ways that highlight administrative readiness, not just teaching excellence. You'll learn which skills matter most at the administrative level, how to handle specific situations like in-progress licensure or limited formal leadership experience, and how to position your educational credentials for maximum impact.
We'll also cover the often-overlooked elements that can set your application apart - from strategically selected awards and publications to crafting a cover letter that thinks systemically rather than individually. Finally, we'll explore the delicate art of choosing references who can speak to different dimensions of your leadership potential. Whether you're a department chair ready for the next step, a teacher leader who's been shouldering administrative duties, or an instructional coach looking to impact entire schools rather than individual classrooms, this guide provides the roadmap for translating your educational expertise into administrative opportunity.
Now, let's picture a scenario - you've spent years in the classroom, perhaps as a department head or instructional coach, and now you're ready to step into school leadership. The Assistant Principal role represents that crucial bridge between teaching and administration, where you'll balance discipline, curriculum oversight, and teacher support while learning the ropes of educational leadership.
Your resume needs to tell this transition story effectively.
For Assistant Principal positions, the reverse-chronological format stands out as the clear winner.
Why? Because school districts want to see your progressive journey through education - from classroom teacher to perhaps team lead, department chair, or instructional specialist, and now to administration.
This format showcases your most recent (and likely most relevant) educational leadership experiences first, which is exactly what hiring committees scan for during their initial review.
Start with a compelling professional summary that positions you as an educational leader ready to support the principal in driving school improvement. This isn't the place for generic statements about being "passionate about education" - every candidate is.
Instead, highlight your specific leadership achievements and administrative readiness.
❌ Don't write a vague summary:
Dedicated educator seeking Assistant Principal position. Passionate about student success and supporting teachers.
✅ Do write a specific, achievement-focused summary:
Educational leader with 8 years of progressive teaching and leadership experience, including 3 years as Department Chair overseeing 12 teachers. Led implementation of data-driven instruction protocols that increased state test scores by 15%. Hold Master's in Educational Leadership and State Administrative License.
After your professional summary, organize your resume sections in this sequence:
Your work experience section needs to demonstrate the evolution from educator to leader. Remember, the hiring principal and superintendent aren't just looking for an excellent teacher - they need someone who can handle angry parents, support struggling teachers, manage disciplinary issues, and contribute to the school's strategic vision.
Even if you haven't held formal administrative positions, your teaching experience likely includes leadership elements. The key is identifying and articulating these administrative-relevant accomplishments.
Think about times you've led committees, mentored new teachers, managed budgets for your department, or handled quasi-administrative duties.
❌ Don't write basic job descriptions:
High School Math Teacher - Lincoln High School
- Taught Algebra I and Geometry to 9th and 10th graders
- Graded papers and maintained gradebook
- Attended faculty meetings
✅ Do highlight leadership and administrative skills:
High School Math Teacher - Lincoln High School
- Mentored 4 new teachers through district induction program, with 100% earning tenure
- Chaired School Improvement Committee, facilitating monthly meetings with 15 stakeholders
- Managed $25,000 mathematics department budget, reducing costs by 18% while expanding resources
- Led professional development sessions on differentiated instruction for 45-member faculty
School boards love data, and as an aspiring Assistant Principal, you need to speak their language. Wherever possible, include metrics that demonstrate your impact on student achievement, teacher development, or school improvement.
This shows you understand the accountability measures that administrators face daily.
Your work experience should tell a clear story of increasing responsibility.
Perhaps you started as a classroom teacher, then became a grade-level team leader, then department chair, and maybe served as summer school administrator. Each role should build upon the previous, showing your readiness for the Assistant Principal position.
For international considerations - in the UK, you might be applying for "Deputy Head" or "Vice Principal" positions, while in Canada, the term "Vice-Principal" is more common. Adjust your terminology accordingly while maintaining the same strategic approach to highlighting progressive leadership experience.
The Assistant Principal role demands a unique blend of educational expertise and administrative acumen. You're no longer just managing a classroom - you're managing adults, budgets, policies, and crises.
Your skills section needs to reflect this duality.
These are the non-negotiable skills that every Assistant Principal needs. Think of these as the foundation that proves you can handle the business side of running a school:
These skills show you understand the instructional side of the Assistant Principal role:
❌ Don't list vague educational buzzwords:
Skills: Leadership, Communication, Organization, Team Player, Dedicated
✅ Do specify concrete administrative and educational skills:
Skills:
• Instructional Leadership: Classroom observation, curriculum alignment, professional development planning
• Student Discipline: Restorative justice practices, PBIS implementation, due process procedures
• Technology: Student Information Systems (PowerSchool), Google Workspace administration, data visualization
• Compliance: FERPA, IDEA, Title IX regulations, state testing coordination
While technical skills matter, the Assistant Principal role is fundamentally about people.
Include interpersonal skills, but make them specific to educational administration. Instead of generic "communication skills," specify "facilitating difficult conversations with parents" or "delivering constructive feedback to veteran teachers."
Different regions emphasize different competencies. In the USA, include skills related to standardized testing and federal compliance. UK Deputy Heads should highlight OFSTED preparation experience. Canadian Vice-Principals might emphasize French language skills in certain provinces.
Australian Assistant Principals should note experience with NAPLAN and state-specific curriculum standards.
Here's what most Assistant Principal candidates overlook - this role is as much about politics and relationships as it is about education. Your resume needs subtle signals that you understand the delicate balance of supporting the principal while maintaining your own leadership presence.
Unlike teaching positions where certification is straightforward, administrative licensure varies significantly by state and country. If you're still completing your administrative credential, be transparent but strategic:
Education:
Master of Education in Educational Leadership - State University (2023)
Administrative Credential - In Progress, expected completion May 2024
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics - Regional College (2015)
State Teaching License - Mathematics 7-12 (Current)
Every school has its unique culture and challenges.
Research your target schools and tailor your resume accordingly. Applying to a school under academic improvement? Emphasize your experience with intervention programs and data-driven instruction. Interested in a school with discipline challenges?
Highlight your work with restorative justice or PBIS implementation.
The Assistant Principal works in a unique space - you're administration to teachers but still report to the principal. Your resume should demonstrate you can navigate this dynamic.
Include examples where you've successfully balanced competing interests or served as a bridge between groups:
✅ Do show diplomatic leadership:
Teacher Leadership Team Facilitator
• Served as liaison between administration and faculty, successfully mediating concerns about new bell schedule
• Facilitated consensus-building sessions resulting in 95% faculty buy-in for new grading policy
Many Assistant Principal candidates overlook valuable administrative experience gained through summer school administration, athletic director roles, or evening program coordination. These positions often provide genuine administrative experience - hiring staff, managing budgets, handling discipline, and reporting to the school board.
Don't bury these experiences; they're gold for showing you can handle administrative responsibilities.
Be cautious about over-emphasizing classroom success at the expense of leadership experience. Yes, being an excellent teacher matters, but hiring committees need to know you can transition from peer to supervisor.
Also, avoid educational jargon that might alienate non-educator board members who often participate in administrative hiring decisions.
Remember, the Assistant Principal role varies significantly by school level. Elementary Assistant Principals often focus more on curriculum and parent relations, while high school Assistant Principals typically handle more discipline and logistics. Tailor your resume to match the specific level and needs of your target position.
Finally, consider including a brief section on your leadership philosophy or vision for the role - but only if you can articulate it concisely and connect it to concrete achievements. This sets you apart from candidates who simply list qualifications without demonstrating educational vision.
Your education section needs to reflect this evolution from educator to leader. Unlike when you were applying for teaching positions where your Bachelor's degree was the star, now it's all about showcasing that advanced education that qualifies you for administrative roles.
Let's be real - every state has specific requirements for assistant principals, and your education section needs to check these boxes immediately.
Most states require a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Educational Administration, or a closely related field. Some accept a Master's in your subject area plus additional administrative coursework.
Here's how to structure your education section in reverse-chronological order:
✅ Do - Lead with your highest, most relevant degree:
Master of Education in Educational Leadership
University of State, City, State
Graduated: May 2022
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Relevant Coursework: School Law, Instructional Supervision, Data-Driven Decision Making
❌ Don't - Bury your administrative qualifications:
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, 2010
Master of Education in Educational Leadership, 2022
Your principal or administrative license is crucial and should be prominently displayed.
Different states call it different things - Principal License, Administrative Certificate, Building-Level Administrator License. Whatever your state calls it, make it visible.
For US candidates, include your state-specific administrative license right after your Master's degree. For Canadian provinces, include your Principal's Qualification Program (PQP) certification. UK candidates should highlight their National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) or National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL).
✅ Do - Make your administrative credentials crystal clear:
State Principal License (K-12)
State Department of Education
Issued: June 2022 | Expires: June 2027
Your Bachelor's degree still matters, but it takes a backseat to your advanced credentials. Include it, but keep it brief.
If you have multiple Master's degrees or additional specialist degrees, prioritize those related to educational leadership.
Remember, you're not just showing you can teach - you're proving you can lead teachers. If your Bachelor's is in Elementary Education but you're applying to a high school, don't worry.
Your Master's and administrative experience carry more weight now.
As someone stepping into assistant principal territory, your awards and publications tell a story of recognition and thought leadership. They show you're not just doing the job - you're advancing the profession.
Not all awards are created equal when you're moving into administration. That perfect attendance award from your first year teaching? Skip it. But that recognition for leading your school's successful accreditation process?
That's gold.
Focus on awards that demonstrate:
❌ Don't - List every recognition without context:
Teacher of the Month - March 2019
Excellence in Teaching Award - 2020
Staff Appreciation Award - 2021
✅ Do - Select and contextualize leadership-focused recognitions:
Excellence in Educational Leadership Award - District Name (2023)
Recognized for implementing school-wide PBIS program resulting in 40% reduction in disciplinary referrals
State Association of Educators Innovation Award (2022)
Honored for developing mentor teacher program adopted by 5 district schools
Maybe you haven't published in peer-reviewed journals - and that's okay. But if you've written for educational blogs, presented at conferences, or contributed to district publications, these demonstrate your ability to articulate vision and share best practices.
Include publications that show you can:
Format your publications professionally, even if they're not academic:
✅ Do - Present all publications professionally:
"Building Bridges: Engaging Families in Middle School Transition"
State Education Association Newsletter, Spring 2023
"Data Teams in Action: A Practical Guide for Grade-Level Collaboration"
District Professional Development Series, 2022
For assistant principal positions, create a combined "Leadership Recognition & Publications" section if you have substantial entries in both categories.
This positions you as both an accomplished practitioner and a contributing thought leader. Place this section after your professional experience but before your education - unless you have very recent, highly relevant recognition that strengthens your candidacy.
You're probably wondering - should you include that parent who loved how you handled their child's behavioral transformation? What about the union rep you worked with during contract negotiations?
The answer lies in understanding what AP selection committees really want to verify.
For assistant principal positions, you need references who can attest to different dimensions of leadership. Here's your strategic lineup:
Current or Former Administrator - This is non-negotiable. You need at least one principal or assistant principal who has observed your leadership capacity. They can speak to your initiative, judgment, and ability to see beyond classroom walls.
District-Level Supervisor - If you've worked on district committees, curriculum development, or special projects, include someone from central office. They provide perspective on your ability to navigate organizational politics and implement district-wide initiatives.
Teacher Leader or Department Chair - Choose someone you've led or collaborated with on school improvement efforts. They offer peer validation of your leadership style and ability to maintain credibility while transitioning to administration.
Community Partner or Parent Leader - For elementary positions especially, having a PTA president or community organization leader can differentiate you. They attest to your stakeholder engagement skills.
When approaching potential references, be explicit about the leadership qualities you'd like them to highlight. Provide them with:
❌ Don't - Send generic reference requests:
"Hi Dr. Smith, I'm applying for an AP position. Can you be a reference?
Thanks!"
✅ Do - Provide context and refresh their memory:
"Dr. Smith, I'm applying for the AP position at Riverside Middle School, which is
focusing on restorative justice implementation. You observed my work leading our
school's RJ pilot program last year. Would you be willing to speak to my ability
to train staff and manage cultural change initiatives?"
Your reference list should be a separate document, not included on your resume. Format it professionally with full context for each reference:
✅ Do - Provide complete reference information:
Dr. Maria Rodriguez
Principal, Oakwood Elementary School
Email: [email protected] | Phone: (555) 123-4567
Relationship: Direct Supervisor, observed my leadership of Grade Level Team and
School Improvement Committee (2019-2023)
UK candidates should note that references are typically contacted before interview, so ensure your referees are prepared for written reference requests. Include your current headteacher as one reference - omitting them raises red flags.
Canadian administrators often expect references from multiple stakeholder groups, including union representatives if you've held union positions. This demonstrates your ability to balance multiple perspectives.
US candidates should be aware that some districts conduct reference checks before first interviews, while others wait until finalist stage. Have your references ready early in the process.
Sometimes who you don't list speaks volumes.
If you've been at your current school for several years but don't list your current principal, selection committees notice. If this is your situation, consider addressing it briefly in your cover letter or be prepared to discuss it diplomatically in interviews.
Remember, education administration is a small world - assume connections exist between your references and the hiring committee.
The harsh truth?
Many qualified teachers with leadership experience miss out on assistant principal positions because their cover letters still read like teaching applications. You need to shift from "I impact students" to "I impact systems that impact all students."
Your cover letter should immediately establish you as someone who thinks systemically. Start with a compelling example of leadership impact, not classroom success.
❌ Don't - Lead with classroom achievements:
"As a dedicated educator with 10 years of experience, I have consistently helped
students achieve academic success in my mathematics classroom."
✅ Do - Open with system-wide thinking:
"Leading our school's mathematics vertical alignment team taught me that sustainable
improvement happens when teachers collaborate across grade levels - a perspective I'm
eager to bring to the Assistant Principal role at Lincoln Middle School."
Your cover letter should address three critical areas that selection committees look for:
1. Instructional Leadership Evidence
Don't just say you've led professional development. Explain how you identified needs through data, designed responsive training, and measured impact. Use specific metrics when possible.
2. Stakeholder Relationship Building
Assistant principals are the ultimate relationship managers. Provide concrete examples of building bridges - between resistant parents and teachers, between district initiatives and school culture, between diverse student groups.
3. Administrative Readiness
Address the elephant in the room - you haven't been an AP before.
Show how you've handled quasi-administrative duties: scheduling, budgeting for department resources, managing substitute coverage, leading accreditation committees.
An elementary AP position requires different emphasis than high school. For elementary, highlight your understanding of developmental stages and family engagement. For middle school, emphasize your ability to navigate adolescent challenges and transition programs.
High school applications should stress your comfort with complex scheduling, diverse pathways, and post-secondary preparation.
For UK candidates applying for Deputy Head positions, emphasize your understanding of Ofsted frameworks and safeguarding responsibilities. Canadian applicants should reference provincial curriculum initiatives and inclusive education mandates.
End with confidence, not desperation. You're not begging for an interview - you're proposing a mutual exploration of fit.
✅ Do - Close with confident leadership vision:
"I look forward to discussing how my experience building collaborative teaching teams
and implementing data-driven interventions aligns with Jefferson High's commitment to
closing achievement gaps."
After diving deep into the nuances of Assistant Principal resume writing, here are the essential points to remember as you craft your leadership story:
Creating a compelling Assistant Principal resume requires more than just updating your teaching CV - it demands a complete reframing of your educational journey through the lens of leadership. At Resumonk, we understand this transition and have designed our platform to help educators like you showcase their administrative readiness effectively. Our AI-powered recommendations can help you identify and articulate those leadership moments hidden within your teaching experience, while our professionally designed templates ensure your qualifications are presented with the polish that administrative positions demand.
Ready to transform your teaching experience into administrative opportunity?
Start building your Assistant Principal resume with Resumonk's intelligent resume builder, complete with education-specific templates and AI-powered content suggestions tailored to school leadership roles.
Begin your journey from classroom to administration today, with Resumonk!
