Assistant Principal - High Rock School SY 26-27

Needham Public Schools•Needham, MA

About The Position

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic, skilled, and warm Assistant Principal to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. About Needham Public Schools (NPS): NPS has a deep commitment to the success of our diverse students and families and to the professional accomplishments of its educators. Needham devotes itself to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration to fulfill the vision of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate . This METCO district comprises 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 nationally-ranked high school serving approximately 5,500 students. NPS is committed to addressing equity in the district by focusing on improving academic performance for historically marginalized students and ensuring our schools are safe for every child and free of bias, bullying, and hurtful acts that demean and diminish. Read more about our equity work here . The High Rock School serves all sixth-grade students in Needham with an average enrollment of 450 students each year. High Rock School addresses the specific academic, social, emotional, and developmental needs of 11- & 12-year-old children. The focus for instruction, improvement, and programming centers around Needham Public School’s investment in Equity and Portrait of a Needham Graduate Vision, along with the High Rock School Values of Learning, Self-Discovery, and Caring for Others. Diverse candidates, especially those from historically marginalized and silenced groups such as educators of color, are highly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Knowledge of adolescent development and of developmentally appropriate methods for communication, interaction, and intervention with students and families.
Knowledge of culturally responsive teaching practices and the ability to develop a culturally proficient environment for students, staff, families, and guests.
Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy.
Understanding of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
Knowledge of middle school curriculum and concepts.
Knowledge of effective administration practices, program evaluation, and staff supervision.
Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education.
Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
Ability to develop and implement projects.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
Ability to organize multiple tasks and projects and conflicting time constraints.
Ability to engage in self-evaluation and ongoing professional reflection with regard to leadership, performance and professional growth.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain a high degree of diplomacy in responding to and resolving issues in a highly professional manner.
Master’s Degree - preferably in Public School Administration, School Leadership, or related field.
DESE License as a Middle School Principal/Assistant Principal (5-9).
Successful teaching and/or educational experience with middle level students (ages 10-14).

Responsibilities

Promotes a positive climate for learning, sensitively supports all persons, and actively works to create an inclusive, anti-racist environment.
Fosters a school environment that is physically and emotionally safe for all members.
Collaborates closely with the community, staff, students, and administration.
Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective and respectful communication with students and parents.
Ensures that student conduct and attendance conform with the school's standards and school district policies.
Supervises and evaluates teaching staff and other building employees in accordance with the school district's evaluation plan, and makes recommendations regarding goals, areas needing improvement, and continued employment.
Fosters opportunities for teacher and student leadership.
Assists in a variety of staff development activities.
Encourages staff to continue to grow professionally and to experiment with new approaches or strategies to teaching.
Supervises and evaluates school programs/departments as assigned.
Assists in the recruitment and selection of employees, the proper maintenance of employee personnel files, the administration of collective bargaining agreements, corrective action, and other human resource issues
Maintains communication with the principal, administration team, and guidance relating to problems, concerns, activities, and achievements of students and staff.
Maintains communication between students, parents, staff, and the community.
Prepares cluster assignments/class schedules/master schedules and coordinates school-wide testing.
Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
Assists in ensuring that School Committee policies and procedures are implemented and followed at the school.
Acts as the principal in the principal's absence when instructed to do so.
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal, Superintendent, and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.