Academy Leader

West Philadelphia Achievement Charter Elementary School•Philadelphia, PA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

We are an inner-city Arts and Technology K-5 Elementary Academy seeking strong leadership from a dedicated person who is data-driven and is passionate about closing the achievement gaps found in many urban academy settings while also creating a loving environment where students, families, and staff feel comfortable and at home. We are a family-oriented environment with family and community involvement being an integral part of our mission to enrich the lives of our students. Some important aspects of the work as the academy leader include maintaining visibility throughout the building, establishing a professional rapport with students and staff, cultivating a collaborative environment, and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with parents, parent organizations, outside agencies, and the community.

Requirements

Master's Degree in Educational Leadership
Valid and current Pennsylvania Teacher Certification in Elementary Education
Valid and current Pennsylvanica Principal Certification
3 + years working as an Assistant Academy Leader, an Academy Leader, Principal or equivalent in an urban K-12 academy/school
Current clearances (FBI, Child Abuse, Criminal, Mandated Reporter and TB Test)
All candidates must be able to obtain or currently have all three Pennsylvania State background clearances (Federal, PA State, & Child Abuse)
Strong organizational skills
Strong data analysis skills
Strong communication skills
Evidence of utilizing data-driven results to increase a cohort of or overall school's academic achievement
In the event that the need arises, you will need to be able to: lift, pull or push up to 15 lbs, walk a standard flight of stairs, or stand or sit for up to 45 minutes

Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership Directs the day-to-day activities and operations of the academy, professional and support staff ensuring that high standards and expectations are established and promoted for all students and staff
Direct, lead, and coordinate the development and implementation of the academy's educational programming, ensuring that instructional objectives are consistent with the academy's mission, goals, and targeted outcomes while making data-informed decisions
Provides leadership towards the continuous improvement of the academy's educational program; encourages and supports the development of innovative educational initiatives
Provides support and guidance to staff on the effective delivery of instruction
Collaborates with the administrative team to establish long and short-range academic and operational goals and objectives
Track student performance; monitoring student attendance and discipline; and creating and maintaining a safe and secure academy environment for students and staff that is conducive to learning.
Work with CEO to develop academic and operation reports for board review and attend board meetings as needed
Oversees the academy's extracurricular activities and events both during the academy day, evenings, and/or weekends.
Collaborates with the Director of Facilities to ensures the cleanliness and maintenance of the building; promotes the proper attitudes in students, staff, and the community in the respect and care of academy property
Assumes responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of students, staff, and visitors.
Ensures compliance with all laws, board policies, and district procedures in collaboration with the CEO
Lead existing annual activities, events, and trips as well as develop new academy traditions that support the academy's mission
Displays the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, staff and parents; serves as a role model for the academy
Encourages parental involvement and maintains an open line of communication with parents and parent groups
Establishes partnerships with community groups, agencies, colleges, and universities
Supervises and collaborates with academy's Instructional Leader for curriculum development, academic programming, and professional development
Supervises and collaborates with the Assistant Academy Leader to foster commitment and positive culture among staff and the fulfillment of the academy's mission and objectives
Supervises and coach teachers to foster continuous improvement, assure accountability, and maintain high standards for all students' performance, including requirements for special education identification, accommodations, and IEP modifications in partnership with the Director of Special Education
Oversees student and staff attendance, performance evaluations, professional improvement plans, retention, staff observations (including Instructional Leader and Assistant Academy Leader).
Lead and facilitate weekly professional development to ensure that all daily lessons, homework, and additional support for students are well-managed and rigorous
Conducts daily teacher observations and provides real-time feedback to support the gains in student achievement, and teacher growth and development