Assistant Principal of School Culture – 2027/2028 School Year

Mastery Schools•Philadelphia, PA

23d•$108,200 - $137,025

About The Position

The Assistant Principal of School Culture (APSC) fosters a positive, achievement-oriented environment that supports student success. The role leads implementation of the Mastery School Culture Model, promoting belonging, high expectations, and student accountability. The APSC coaches teachers on classroom management, oversees academically aligned extracurricular activities, and engages families and the community to strengthen school culture. The position manages and develops a culture team, including Deans of Students and Attendance Coordinators, and oversees systems related to attendance, behavior, school climate, positive reinforcement, accountability, and discipline. The APSC also partners with instructional leaders to align culture strategies with academic goals and maintains a consistent leadership presence throughout the school. Mastery Schools is a public charter network founded in 2001, comprising 23 K–12 schools in Philadelphia and Camden and serving more than 14,000 students. Its mission is to equip students with the academic and personal skills to succeed after graduation. The organization emphasizes equity, inclusion, respect, service, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Strong leadership and coaching skills to support teachers in classroom management and student engagement.
Deep understanding of restorative practices, SEL frameworks, and behavior intervention strategies.
Ability to build strong relationships with students, families, and staff in a diverse school community.
Ability to use student data to drive school-wide behavioral strategies and interventions.
Proficiency in conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, and crisis intervention.
Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced, high-energy school environment.
Bachelor’s degree required.
At least five years of experience in an urban school setting.
At least three years in a leadership, counseling, or youth development role.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in social work, counseling, education, or a related field.
Teaching experience.

Responsibilities

Lead implementation of Mastery’s school culture model to create a safe, inclusive, achievement-focused environment.
Manage and develop the culture team, including Deans of Students and Attendance Coordinators, to improve attendance, student behavior, and school climate.
Establish and oversee systems for positive reinforcement, accountability, and student discipline.
Manage student discipline through a restorative justice approach emphasizing accountability and personal growth.
Oversee planning and execution of extracurricular programs, clubs, and school events that promote student engagement and leadership.
Strengthen relationships with parents and the community to enhance student support and engagement.
Coach teachers on effective classroom management strategies and school-wide behavior expectations.
Provide professional development to support a positive and structured learning environment.
Partner with instructional leaders to align culture strategies with academic goals.
Maintain a consistent leadership presence throughout the school to monitor and reinforce a positive climate.
Lead school-wide crisis prevention and de-escalation efforts, including staff training on safety interventions.
Perform other duties as assigned to support school operations, culture, and student achievement.

Benefits

$5,000 bonus eligibility.
Up to $5,000 in relocation expenses.
403(b) retirement plan for Pennsylvania employees, with a 5% Mastery match for full-time employees.
Enrollment in the New Jersey State Pension Plan for New Jersey employees.
Employee Assistance Program.
Mental health and counseling programs.
Annual Professional Development Fund.
Discounts and perks at retailers, travel organizations, and insurance providers.
Access to the Health Advocate Helpdesk for benefits-related assistance.
Professional growth opportunities.