Principals might need letters of recommendation when transitioning to another school, applying for grant money or seeking entry into an education doctoral program. Because principals have often amassed years of work experience and training before earning their position, it can be challenging to condense accomplishments and qualifications into one document. A brief overview that focuses on major achievements can provide a bird's-eye view of an accomplished career, but focusing on one or two capstone events in more detail can add professional heft.
Right away, the letter of recommendation should establish that the principal holds effective administrative skills that facilitate smooth school functioning and student academic achievement. The Oakland School District website states that effective letters of recommendation might touch on conflict resolution, consensus building, budget management, curriculum development, evaluation processes, disciplinary behavior actions and analyzing information pertinent to school processes. Addressing that the principal meets or exceeds basic job function responsibilities clears the way to extolling more nuanced, specific leadership traits that not all principals may possess.
Advertisement Article continues below this adDr. Smith's fiscal responsibility helped his school within the Forest School District move from four years of deficit spending to a budget surplus in one fiscal year through strategic cost reductions. He brought the same leadership to the teacher evaluation process at the middle school by implementing training programs to help teachers with low scores develop necessary skills for success in the classroom.
Principals wear numerous hats, often overseeing various components of campus life that include interacting with students, meeting with parents, communicating with school districts and community organizations and ensuring that the school remains in compliance with legal responsibilities. Touching on the principal's daily responsibilities can give the letters of recommendation a personal poignancy that has a lasting effect. For example, perhaps the principal makes it a point to attend every football game or spends her lunch break strolling around visiting with students.
Advertisement Article continues below this adVicki Adams brings a personal touch with her to every role within a school district. As a teacher, she supported the extracurricular activities of her students, even those outside of the schoolhouse. When she was promoted to principal of the local middle school, she made it a point to attend at least one school sporting event per week to connect with students and parents in a more social setting.
Because principals serve as liaisons between numerous groups of people, letters of recommendation can emphasize interpersonal skills. Letters might describe a principal's ability to work constructively with the teachers union, coordinate state testing logistics with government representatives, represent the school positively with the local media and build relationships with principals from other schools. A principal might look good on paper based on academic credentials or impressive job statistics, but conveying that she is also respected and liked among colleagues and students is also powerful.
Advertisement Article continues below this adOne day a student at Fairbanks Elementary School was left on a bus for two hours after he fell asleep on the way to school. In the ensuing media frenzy, John Williams fielded questions confidently, leaving parents informed while avoiding revealing confidential personnel information. Given the possibility for litigation in high-profile situations, deft communication skills are essential, and Williams possesses these in abundance.
Educators are a passionate group of individuals, and many professionals enter the field with a specific vision that inspires their dedication and hard work. Perhaps the principal is committed to social justice, education equity, bilingual education, gifted and talented programming, raising standardized test scores or preparing high school students for college and careers. Portraying the principal as mission-driven provides context for her achievements, since they point toward her larger philosophical goals. When addressing more conceptual or abstract visions or goals, incorporate concrete examples so that individuals receiving the letter can easily see the connection between actions and long-term goals.
Advertisement Article continues below this adWhen Vale Johnson arrived at Carver Middle School, she immediately started a gifted and talented program for high-achieving students. In her first year, she also introduced a state-crafted curriculum designed to improve standardized test scores through week-long concentrations on key elements. At the same time, she continued to promote key courses in the arts and humanities to help students embrace learning of all types. Test scores increased by 10 percentage points in the first year and enrollment in the extracurricular theater group and band program doubled.
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