Middle School Principal (25-26 School Year)

INSTRUCTIONAL & SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

• Commitment to a STEAM-focused model and building an effective adult professional practice
• Develop and communicate strategic school systems, culture, and vision, and build a plan to achieve that vision.
• Lead all aspects of Data-Driven Instruction, Professional Development, and Observation & Feedback.
• Implement effective assessment systems, use data to inform decisions, curriculum development, and assessment, and ensure consistency within the school program and alignment with state and other rigorous standards.
• Provide exemplary leadership to all members of the school community to achieve outstanding performance in the school’s mission of preparing each student for college
• Work to dramatically improve student achievement by leading the educational program
• Effectively manage faculty and staff
• Oversee curriculum development and assessment
• Ensure strong consistency within the school program and curricular alignment with state and other rigorous standards
• Select and share effective curricular and instructional practices from and with other schools
• Serve as point person for all students and families

Teacher Coaching and Evaluation

• Integrate tools and frameworks of Get Better Faster and Teach Like a Champion.
• Conduct daily teacher observations and provide real-time feedback to move the needle on student achievement.
• Oversee faculty and staff, including recruitment, evaluation, retention, and dismissal, and hold primary responsibility for professional development, staff observations, curriculum development, staff communication, and program decisions;
• Lead faculty to ensure that all staff are providing well-managed and rigorous daily lessons, reasonable and effective daily homework, and regular and productive after-school tutoring
• Focus on proven techniques that improve teacher proficiency by helping teachers ask better questions, push student thinking, manage class time effectively, check for understanding, and prepare and implement high-quality content to ensure students do as much cognitive work as possible.
• Hold teachers accountable for meeting a high bar for student performance, including requirements for special education accommodations and IEP modifications in partnership with the Special Education Coordinator.

Culture Leadership

• Build a joyful and rigorous school culture
• Foster consistency in academic and behavioral expectations
• Collaborate with school staff to support students’ academic and socio-emotional development
• Ensure that traditions and rituals that support the school’s college mission are built and maintained, grade by grade, year to year
• Support staff to ensure the effectiveness of after-school enrichment programs
• Support staff to provide a positive, safe, and structured culture of high expectations

 Community Engagement

• Communicate regularly with families, ensuring they are kept involved with and held accountable for their children’s performance and correspond about school policies, trips, and events;
• Respond to family concerns promptly and effectively.

• Build a personal and professional network to cultivate future leaders and instructors at AECP.
• Develop and maintain partnerships that enhance the academic experience of students and staff and support the mission of AECP.

EVALUATION & FEEDBACK

• Oversee faculty and staff of the school, including recruitment, selection, evaluation, supervision, retention, and dismissal
• Manage teaching staff, including professional development, staff observations, curriculum development, staff communication, and scheduling and program decisions
• Lead faculty to ensure that all staff are providing  well-managed and rigorous daily lessons, reasonable and effective daily homework, and regular and productive afterschool tutoring
• Foster commitment among faculty and staff to the development and fulfillment of the school’s mission and objectives
• Hold teachers accountable for meeting high standards for student academic and behavioral performance
• Work with staff on all curricular, instructional, assessment, and professional development issues and activities to ensure data drives classroom instruction
• Work with staff to foster consistency among staff in enforcing the Student and Family Handbook and other school-wide discipline policies
• Facilitate positive faculty dynamics
• Work with Special Education team to ensure 504 accommodations, IEP modifications, and counseling needs are met

FAMILY SUPPORT

• Maintain communication and relations with the families of the school, ensuring they are kept involved with and held accountable for their children’s academic and behavioral performance
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student performance and academic achievement
• Work with staff to correspond regularly with families regarding school policies, trips, events, and milestones
• Work with staff to plan, coordinate, and support family meetings and special events
• Respond to family concerns promptly and effectively

STUDENT SUPPORT/SCHOOL CULTURE

• Collaborate with school staff and the Culture team to maximize the ability of the school to support students’ academic and socio-emotional development
• Provide leadership to all staff and students in establishing a positive, structured, achievement-oriented, and fun school culture
• Oversee students’ academic and behavioral program, including disciplinary decisions, enforcement of the Student and Family Handbook, scheduling and class decisions, educational program, and assessment and accountability
• Ensure that traditions and rituals that support the school’s college mission are being created and maintained, grade by grade, year to year
• Foster consistency in academic and behavioral expectations in and out of class
• Ensure effective exam preparation to ensure student success
• Work with appropriate staff to ensure the smooth administration and effectiveness of the after school enrichment programs

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

• Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of school
• Help oversee school-wide strategic planning and problem solving 
• Work with the Leadership team to lead the school’s administrative program

PRIORITIES

A successful first year in this role for the new Middle School Principal will include the following:

• Cultivate a sense of pride and joy in equitable, diverse academic curriculum for students, staff, and families
• Teachers' and leaders’ work and practice are aligned with the instructional priorities of AECP's mission and goals
• Successful hiring and retention of school-based leaders, teachers, and staff to meet the needs of the school's growth trajectory
• Successful enrollment and retention of students to meet all student enrollment goals
• Eighth-grade students are prepared for AECP’s Middle school STEAM-based, college-focused academic program.

QUALIFICATIONS

To fulfill these responsibilities, the ideal Middle School School Principal candidate will:

• Maintain a record of student growth and instructional improvement 
• Have experience with change management within complex organizations
• STEAM instruction and content background are strongly preferred
• Knowledge of Relay Leverage Leadership practice as a norm for teachers strongly preferred
• Excellent direct manager who can coach and delegate when needed
• Demonstrate ability in critical thinking, problem-solving, strategic planning, and detailed data analysis
• Ability to create and maintain a collaborative work environment
• Advanced relationship-building and conflict-management skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive situations with tact
• Adept interpersonal and communication skills with diverse audiences 
• Strong organizational skills, careful attention to detail, and commitment to follow-through
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and negotiating skills.
• Ability to work well in a team.
• Exceptional ability to bridge and enhance cooperative working relationships.
• Ability to create, monitor, and maintain systems that enhance organizational efficiency.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment; flexible, able to work autonomously as well as take direction as needed.

Minimum educational level

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, educational administration, or a related field
• Minimum of (7) years of full-time, salaried educational experience, at least three of which have been in a public school administrative or supervisory capacity
• Three years of verifiable student growth data from an urban educational setting required
• NJ Principal Certification

 This position offers a competitive salary range starting at $120,000 and robust medical, dental, and retirement benefits. More details can be provided upon request.