Assistant Principal, K-6
Assistant Principal, K-6
(Start date: Summer 2021)
At the Inspired Teaching Demonstration School, a professional learning community of master teachers and teacher residents ensures that a diverse group of students achieve their potential as accomplished learners, thoughtful citizens, and imaginative and inquisitive problem solvers through a demanding, inquiry-based curriculum. The Inspired Teaching Demonstration Public Charter School is seeking a thoughtful, dynamic, and focused educator to serve as an Assistant Principal to support the implementation of an educational program aligned with the core beliefs of the Inspired Teaching Demonstration School.
With its clear mission and prominent location in Washington, DC, the school serves as a model of instruction for students and training for teachers, with the goal of becoming a leader in changing the way teachers are prepared and supported, and students are educated nationwide. At the Inspired Teaching Demonstration School, students learn through an academically challenging, standards-based curriculum that supports and builds the four “I”s: Intellect, Inquiry, Imagination, and Integrity. Within its walls young people learn and achieve at high levels without having to surrender their intellectual curiosity and passion for learning.
The school focuses on developing student potential in four areas: Intellect, Inquiry, Imagination, and Integrity. Students master content in Reading & Literature, Communication, Math, Science, and Social Studies—and have the ability to apply their knowledge to relevant and current situations, problems, and experiences; students develop the skills of a researcher, using their intellectual curiosity to pose and solve problems; students exhibit the skills of divergent thinkers, with the courage to create, the willingness to approach problems with a joyful spirit, and the ability to play; and students develop the skills and dispositions necessary to function as members of a democratic society.
Teachers are held to a high standard of excellence and professionalism. Teachers demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the subjects they teach; draw on an extensive repertoire of authentic and engaging strategies for instruction and assessment, steeped in the knowledge of how children and adolescents learn; contribute to a vibrant and active professional learning community; and forge strong and positive relationships not only with students, but also with community stakeholders, including families.
The school hosts Teaching Residents in which Inspired Teaching Fellows study under the guidance of classroom teachers. Currently Residents are placed through Urban Teacher Center.
As a demonstration school, staff works to disseminate our instructional approach through inviting education influencers to visit the school, and disseminating the model outward via preparation of Teaching Residents, conference presentations, and other opportunities to speak in the community.
The school is a place where children, adolescents and adults thrive and find joy in their work.
The physical space communicates a genuine focus on learners.
The emotional space requires an approach to academics and discipline that focuses on helping children and adolescents develop compassion, empathy, respect for others, self-discipline, and problem-solving skills.
The intellectual space of the school asks teachers and students to act as leaders, share opinions and ideas, identify problems and generate solutions, and collaborate and work together as a community so that everyone experiences success.
The school emphasizes parent and community involvement. Parents play an active and important role in the school - volunteering in classrooms, creating special events for families, supporting student learning, and contributing to the positive climate.
THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, K-6
In 2021-22, the school will have two Principals: Kindergarten - 6th (Lower School), and 7-8 (Middle School). The Assistant Principal will support the Lower School Principal in grades K-6, which serves approximately 350 students.
We seek a leader with demonstrated expertise in supporting teachers, students, and families, implementing instructional best practices, and who is skilled at fostering a collaborative and nurturing school climate that emphasizes an asset-based approach to children and adolescents, families, and educators. This is balanced with the responsibility to hold teachers and staff accountable for full investment and contribution toward the delivery of the highest quality of instruction to enable our students to achieve at the highest levels.
The Assistant Principal will support the Principal in building the instructional culture of the school, including curriculum implementation, teacher feedback and evaluation, and data analysis. The Assistant Principal will also serve as a primary point of contact for families, and help to create and manage the day-to-day functions and systems of the school. All school leaders work to cultivate teacher leadership, a nurturing and joyful culture for students and staff, and strong relationships with families. This position has growth potential within Inspired Teaching Demonstration Public Charter School.
The primary responsibilities fall into the following three categories:
Instructional Culture
Assist the Principal in instructional leadership to implement the school’s progressive, student-centered mission and instructional philosophy that results in high student performance
Support teachers in the implementation of the curriculum
Review lesson plans, observe teachers, and provide feedback to classroom teachers; support the annual teacher evaluation process
Support data-driven and standards-driven instruction through review of standardized and non-standardized data
Contribute to a positive instructional culture that embraces self-reflection and continual professional growth
Create and contribute to the learning community through professional development
Family Engagement and Communication
Serve as a primary point of contact for families for sharing information, problem solving, and developing a team approach to student learning
Listen, engage, and communicate proactively with families and students
Develop and implement family engagement strategies that support a deep respect for children and teacher professionalism
Build strong interpersonal relationships with families and students
School Operations
Manage day-to-day routines, expectations, and structures
Support the creation and management of schedules and school resources to maximize efficiency and focus on student learning
CHARACTERISTICS AND QUALIFICATIONS
The successful applicant will demonstrate significant experience in school settings, including teaching and leadership roles, demonstrating knowledge and experience in:
Leading and supporting the professional growth and instructional skills of experienced and novice teachers, including those studying to become teachers; differentiating professional development opportunities to meet the unique needs of a diverse teaching staff
Working equitably with families from diverse backgrounds to productively support their children’s learning and growth
Child and adolescent development and developmentally appropriate best practice
Inquiry- and project-based teaching and learning
Using multiple forms of assessment to make data driven decisions that inform and improve teaching, learning, and student achievement
Creating a culture of empathy and compassion with a sense of joy in teaching and learning and active pursuit of social justice
Excellence in instruction, and rigorous exploration balanced with consideration for the developmental needs for all learners
Collaborating with all members of the school’s team including classroom instructors, special educators, specialists and the leadership team
Leading and motivating families to be advocates for their children and adolescents, and active and productive contributors to the school community
Observing, documenting and sharing regular feedback to teachers; ideally the candidate has experience with Danielson’s Framework as an observation tool for teachers
Successful candidates will:
Hold a Master’s degree in Education, or demonstrate progress toward a graduate degree in education
Have a minimum of 3-5 years experience in education including classroom teaching, educational leadership, and school administration
Have deep knowledge of best practices in student-centered instruction, classroom management (including Responsive Classroom and Restorative Justice), and communication and collaboration with families
Be approachable, kind, and equitable, with a sense of humor
Be inclusive and responsive to a diverse staff, student body, and family community, with the ability to build consensus and communicate effectively in all formats
Show a personal commitment to upholding Intellect, Inquiry, Imagination, and Integrity, and be committed to the belief that all children and adolescents can learn and achieve at high levels
Operate as an organized and efficient manager, holding self and others accountable, and demonstrating appropriate professional discretion
Be deeply committed to creating a school that not only provides an excellent education for the student, but also fosters a fair, open, trusting learning environment for the teachers
Approach problems with a holistic, asset-based stance
Highly value and show a commitment to reflective practice
Fit with the school's organizational culture and mission
Have the ability to thrive in an innovative and diverse urban school environment and hold a keen interest in being part of a team that works to refine systems of a relatively young school
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The Inspired Teaching Demonstration School offers competitive salaries, commensurate with experience. The school offers a strong benefits package that includes health care (HMO and PPO options), retirement plan (employer match available), Flexible Spending accounts, supplemental insurance through AFLAC, pre-tax public transportation/Metro benefit, and generous vacation leave for its administrators.
TO APPLY
Submit a resume and a letter of interest that addresses the following:
What is your philosophy and approach to school leadership? How does your knowledge and experience inform it?
Application review will begin immediately.