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What is an elementary school principal and how to become one
An elementary school principal coordinates the day-to-day operational activities of elementary schools. They oversee staff and teachers, implement policies, coordinate the curriculum, and generally ensure that students have a safe and productive environment for learning. They also oversee some administrative functions, including recruiting staff, budgeting, training staff and report writing.
Elementary school principals should ensure that the school's training programs conform with the state and federal regulations. They hold regular meetings with the district superintendent and other officials to see how the district plans align with the school plans. Elementary school principals usually report to the school board. A successful principal should have organization skills, leadership skills, confidence, and communication skills.
Elementary school principals usually work 40 hours a week. Their schedule may vary on days when they have off-site meetings. Their work schedule depends on the school hours.
What general advice would you give to an elementary school principal?
Dr. Dwan Robinson PhD
Associate Professor of Educational Leadership, Ohio University
I would suggest that our graduates seek opportunities where there is growth potential and future career opportunities for advancing in educational leadership.
I would encourage them to explore positions where they have the chance to impact the organization with the educational leadership and related expertise that they have cultivated.
I would also suggest that graduates reflect on how their expertise and experiences connect with the various roles and pathways that they are seeking in education so that they can imagine what their trajectories might be in the careers that they aspire to in the field of education.
Avg. Salary $92,372
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 5%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.70%
Asian 4.34%
Black or African American 10.60%
Hispanic or Latino 14.15%
Unknown 4.00%
White 66.21%
Genderfemale 57.18%
male 42.82%
Age - 47American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 47Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Elementary school principal career paths
Key steps to become an elementary school principal
Explore elementary school principal education requirements
Start to develop specific elementary school principal skills
Skills Percentages Professional Development 9.47% Student Achievement 6.65% School Administration 6.28% Elementary Schools 5.24% Staff Development 5.12% Complete relevant elementary school principal training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New elementary school principals learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an elementary school principal based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real elementary school principal resumes.Research elementary school principal duties and responsibilities
- Create a PBIS system for teachers on how to manage behavior on a daily basis and reward positive outcomes.
- Assist teachers in the Pre-K and pre-school programs.
- Establish and maintain relationships with colleges, community organizations, and other schools to coordinate educational services.
- Help re-design the 6th grade program to promote smoother transition to jr. high.
Prepare your elementary school principal resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your elementary school principal resume.
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Choose from 10+ customizable elementary school principal resume templates
Build a professional elementary school principal resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your elementary school principal resume.
Apply for elementary school principal jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an elementary school principal job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first elementary school principal job
Are you an elementary school principal?
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Average elementary school principal salary
The average elementary school principal salary in the United States is $92,372 per year or $44 per hour. Elementary school principal salaries range between $65,000 and $129,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do elementary school principals rate their job?
Elementary school principal reviews
Working with children, teachers and parents. Developing programs to suit a child's needs and interests, mmoments in learning and understanding.
Pressure from parents, pressure from the board, stressful and time demanding obstacles. The fact that people treat you so utterly poorly once you become a Principal.
Updated January 8, 2025
