Assistant Principal (Middle School)

Journey Community Schools•Memphis, TN

19h

About The Position

The Opportunity: Journey Community Schools (JCS) is a Tennessee non-profit corporation serving scholars in grades kindergarten through 8th grade at our Coleman School, East Academy, and Northeast Academy campuses. Our Mission is to engage families and community partners in our scholars' learning journey; cultivate a safe, positive and joyous learning environment; and empower teachers and leaders with support to deliver an inclusive, innovative and rigorous education. Visit Journey Community Schools for more information ( https://myjourneycs.org ). General Summary: The Assistant Principal plays a critical role in fostering a high-performing, student-centered school environment that promotes academic excellence, positive school culture, and strong relationships with students, staff, and families. In partnership with the Principal, the Assistant Principal supports the implementation of high expectations, consistent systems, and instructional practices that ensure all students develop the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to thrive academically and personally. The Assistant Principal serves as an instructional leader and coach, working directly with teachers to strengthen classroom practice, student engagement, and learning outcomes. This role requires a collaborative, organized, and reflective educator who is passionate about developing teachers, building strong school culture, and supporting the success of every student. The Assistant Principal reports directly to the Principal and serves as a key member of the school leadership team.

Requirements

Strong problem-solving and consensus-building abilities
Experience with instructional leadership, including demonstrated knowledge of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and developing teachers
Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively and interact effectively with different audiences
Excellent organization, time management and follow-up skills; high sense of urgency; demonstrated ability to successfully handle multiple projects concurrently; ability to work as a team
Knowledge of Tennessee State Standards
Strong knowledge of instructional best practices
Strong instructional leadership and coaching skills
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Reflective, coachable, and eager to learn and grow
Ability and willingness to implement JCS Strategic Practices
Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative student data
A bility to collaborate with colleagues, parents, and community
Demonstrate knowledge of curriculum development and program design
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the code of ethical behavior for principals and possess the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the Principal role, including expertise in educational leadership, curriculum development, staff management, and community engagement
De monstrate a commitment to students and learning
Demonstrates professionalism, adaptability, and a solutions-oriented mindset
Master's Degree in education or related field
Valid teaching license and valid administrator license with the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) or a valid teaching license and valid administrator license from a state that offers reciprocity with Tennessee
3+ years of successful classroom teaching experience
2+ years in an instructional leadership or coaching role (e.g., Assistant Principal, Dean, Instructional Coach)
Experience working in charter or high-performing school environments
Experience serving students from under-resourced communities

Nice To Haves

Doctoral Degree in education or related field preferred
Graduate or currently enrolled in Relay Graduate School of Education Instructional Leadership Professional Development preferred

Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership & Teacher Development Provide regular instructional coaching and feedback to teachers focused on classroom culture, management, and instructional practice Support the design and facilitation of professional development aligned to school-wide instructional priorities Participate in data analysis and lead data meetings following benchmark and interim assessments Assist in the development, administration, and review of assessments, including state and interim testing Collaborate with the Principal to monitor school-wide academic progress and support targeted interventions
Student Culture & School Climate Partner with the principal to establish and maintain a positive, structured, and achievement-oriented school culture Support the implementation of a school-wide behavior and discipline system with clear expectations, incentives, and consequences Serve as the first point of contact for student behavior concerns and provide targeted support to students and teachers Conduct regular school culture walkthroughs and provide feedback to staff to ensure consistency and high expectations Model and reinforce JCS mission, visions, and core values
Operations & School Leadership Support daily school operations, including arrival, dismissal, lunch supervision, and coverage as needed Assist in coordinating school events, field experiences, and extracurricular activities Serve as acting school leader in the absence of the principal Carry out additional duties as assigned to support the effective functioning of the school
Family & Community Engagement Build and maintain strong, proactive relationships with families and sever as a model for effective family engagement Support teachers in strengthening communication and partnerships with parents and caregivers Design and facilitate parent meetings, workshops, and events focused on academics, behavior, and student development Support the implementation of a school-wide behavior and discipline system with clear expectations, incentives, and consequences Serve as the first point of contact for student behavior concerns and provide targeted support to students and teachers Conduct regular school culture walkthroughs and provide feedback to staff to ensure consistency and high expectations Model and reinforce JCS mission, visions, and core values
Professional Culture & Growth Actively engage in professional learning and demonstrate a growth mindset through reflection and feedback Foster a collaborative and supportive professional culture among staff Participate in leader week training, ongoing professional development, and leadership meetings Support continuous improvement initiatives aligned to the school and network strategic goals Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, JCS mission, vision, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards Performs other duties as assigned