An assistant principal, sometimes called a vice-principal or Deputy Principal, assists a principal in the general governance and leadership of a school. Experience as an assistant principal is often a prerequisite for advancement to a principalship. Assistant principals are often responsible for student discipline, classroom observations, teacher evaluation and supervision, facilitating parent meetings, maintaining schedules, and handling logistical matters. Additionally, assistant principals frequently serve as testing coordinators, training staff on procedures related to standardized assessment, as well as accounting for testing materials.  In addition to these duties, assistant principals are instructional leaders.

With the advent of site-based management, assistant principals are playing a greater role in ensuring the academic success of students by helping to develop new curricula, evaluating teachers, and dealing with school-community relations—responsibilities previously assumed solely by the principal.

An assistant principal works directly under the principal and helps coordinate, direct and plan the academic or auxiliary activities of the school. The assistant principal manages the teachers, counselors, staff and students on a daily basis. Along with the principal, they review and approve or recommend modifications to new or existing programs and then submit their proposals to the school board. They prepare or oversee the maintenance of attendance records, personnel reports, planning and other activities. The assistant principal coordinates or directs the use of the high school facilities.

An assistant principal meets with staff and parents to discuss policies, educational activities and a students learning or behavioral problems. He or she provides counsel and guidance to students regarding academic, personal, behavioral or vocational issues, along with enforcing attendance and discipline rules. The assistant principal organizes and directs committees of volunteers, specialists and staff to provide either advisory or technical assistance for programs and develops partnerships with communities or organizations to help meet educational needs providing school-to-work programs.

An assistant principal must make decisions and solve problems by analyzing information and selecting the best solution, along with developing cooperative and constructive working relationships. They perform daily administrative tasks such as processing paperwork and preparing or maintaining information files, records and reports and also handle complaints, resolve conflicts or grievances and settles disputes. An assistant principal requires extensive knowledge, skills and experience to deal with the responsibilities of students and staff on a daily basis.

Common work activities of vice principals include:

• Working closely with the principal on a daily basis to ensure the smooth overall operation of the school.
• Supporting committees of staff and parent that function to improve the learning and social environment of the school for the students.
• Teaching classes, developing rapport with the students, handling discipline issues and filling in for the principal when required.
• Resolving conflicts between students, teachers, parents or combinations of conflicts between various individuals.
• Assisting in yearly teacher evaluations, assisting in providing guidance to staff and students, and encouraging a positive climate in the school.
• Directing assemblies and other special gatherings of students for events throughout the year.
• Developing emergency response plans for schools as required by state and federal education agencies. Filing reports and updating as required.
• Record keeping as required through the use of various logs, tracking records, computer programs, inter or intranet software or other programs.

Sample of Assistant Principal’s Resume for Job