Elementary Principal FY'25-26

Our Mission

“Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Through high expectations, a structured academic environment, and positive character development, Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School of Excellence ensures that every student in kindergarten through grade 5 is equipped to think critically, communicate clearly, and are empowered with a strong ethical foundation to be set on the path for success in college, career, and life. The school incorporates Dr. King’s commitment to the highest standards in scholarship, civic participation, and the ideal of the beloved community. 

Who We Are

Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School of Excellence (MLKCSE) is a free, public charter school offering a high-quality academic program and positive character building to 360 students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 in Springfield, MA. To learn more about MLKCSE please visit our website at: www.mlkcs.org

Position Description

The Principal oversees all aspects of the academic program from grades K-5, managing a comprehensive vision and strategy for meeting the unique needs of 360 students. The Principal provides leadership for our instructional team and creates a highly effective adult learning environment at the school. 

Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the school Leadership Team
• Develops and monitors the overall vision for teaching and learning in collaboration with all stakeholders including administration, parents, and staff
• Oversees all state testing and compliance
• Facilitates report card process
• Conducts classroom walk-throughs to assess/inform work and provide instructional feedback
• Supervise and support instructional coaches to ensure vertical and horizontal articulation of content, skills, strategies, and assessments
• Coordinates teacher professional development
• Provides strong leadership in the oversight of the day-to-day operations of the teaching staff
• Coordinates and facilitates meetings for teaching staff
• Establishes clear lines of communication at all levels
• Supervises and evaluates the performance of assigned personnel, as well as oversees the formal evaluation process
• Prepares reports deemed necessary for the Executive Director and/or the Board and attends Board or Board Committee meetings as needed
• Maintains and respects the confidentiality of staff and student information
• Analyzes research in making recommendations for sound curriculum and assessment-related decisions
• Interprets assessment results and provides recommendations for programs and services
• Participates in all hiring processes for program teachers and staff
• Ensures that each student receives high-quality instruction and the right amount of support, demand, voice, and choice so that students learn by doing
• Ensures that support services are highly effective
• Design professional development structure related to school-wide professional development themes and sessions
• In alignment with the school’s three-year strategic plan, align the curriculum and continue to build deeper learning structures into each discipline so that students are producers of knowledge and meaningful products
• In conjunction with the culture team, create a culture of inclusion, belonging, and achievement that permeates the school: classrooms, SEL programming, community meetings, etc. 
• Establishes quantitative and qualitative metrics, guidelines, and standards by which our students’ academic progress can be evaluated

• Reports to the Executive Director

Required Characteristics

• Maintains current knowledge of high-quality curriculum & instructional resources in respective content area(s)
• Demonstrates reflective practices and a willingness to improve their own performance
• Understands the role of formative & summative assessment data in planning for instruction for all students.
• Successful experience coaching teachers to instructional excellence including knowledge of effective instructional practices and how to provide feedback, coaching, and professional development to teachers to improve the quality of instruction
• Maintains high expectations & positive regard for all students and staff.
• Collaborates with team members to create and maintain inclusive, supportive and responsive learning environments
• Demonstrates an understanding and/or willingness to learn about and act on social issues that affect students (race, class, ability, status, etc.).
• Demonstrates an asset-based, culturally affirming stance
• Is aware of how one's own background and assumptions influence interactions and impacts how they develop, implement, and adjust curriculum/pedagogy

• Driven by results and use of data
• Thorough understanding of Common Core State Standards
• Superior verbal and written communication is vital
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Superior managerial and diplomacy skills
• Projects a positive image of the organization to employees, customers, and the community
• Extremely proficient in Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, or related software
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills

• Track record of proven school leadership
• Strong time management skills
• Passionate about public education and MLKCSE’s mission and vision
  
  

Qualifications 

• Master’s Degree
• 5+ years of teaching experience
• 3+ of leadership experience preferred
• MA Administrator License
• SEI Endorsement

Annual Salary

$89k- $109k annually *pay commensurate with experience, education and required licensure

Equal Opportunity Employer

MLKCSE is committed to ensuring that all of its programs and facilities are accessible to all members of the public and free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.