Assistant Principal

AMS Schools • Phoenix, AZ

4d • $67,000 - $80,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Academies of Math and Science (AMS) is a network of high-performing K–8 public charter schools in Arizona, committed to educational equity, college readiness, and rigorous instruction. For more than 20 years, AMS has provided students — particularly those in historically underserved communities — with a high-quality education grounded in high expectations and research-based instructional practices.

AMS Desert Sky is seeking a mission-driven, student-centered Assistant Principal focused on Kindergarten through 2nd grade instructional leadership. This role is critical in ensuring strong early academic foundations, particularly in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development. The K–2 Assistant Principal will support teachers in implementing structured literacy practices, standards-aligned instruction, and developmentally appropriate classroom systems that build long-term academic success.

The ideal candidate is:

Deeply knowledgeable about early childhood and primary-grade instruction
Data-driven and results-oriented
Skilled in coaching teachers and strengthening classroom practice
Passionate about building strong literacy foundations in K–2
Committed to creating structured, joyful, and academically rigorous classrooms

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of successful K–3 classroom teaching experience, with demonstrated student growth outcomes.
• Prior teacher leadership experience (e.g., grade-level lead, mentor teacher, instructional coach, or similar role).
• Strong background in early literacy instruction and structured reading practices.
• Demonstrated ability to coach teachers, facilitate collaboration meetings, and lead instructional improvement.
• Proficiency in analyzing student achievement data and implementing intervention systems.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s in Education, Leadership, or related field preferred).
• Consistent professional work history demonstrating commitment and follow-through.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting early childhood or primary-grade teams (K–2 focus strongly preferred).
• Experience in Title I or similar high-need school settings.
• Arizona Administrator Certification or enrollment in an approved leadership program.

Responsibilities

• Coach and develop K–2 teachers through regular classroom observations, feedback cycles, and instructional modeling.
• Support implementation of structured literacy and foundational math practices aligned to network curriculum.
• Monitor and analyze K–2 academic data (literacy benchmarks, phonics progression, intervention tracking) to drive instructional decisions.
• Lead professional development focused on early literacy, small-group instruction, and developmentally appropriate classroom management.
• Ensure alignment to Arizona academic standards and network instructional frameworks.
• Oversee K–2 intervention systems to ensure early identification and support for struggling readers and learners.
• Partner with instructional staff to design action plans based on formative and summative assessment data.
• Ensure consistent progress monitoring and accountability for student growth.
• Support a structured and nurturing K–2 culture grounded in high expectations and positive behavior systems.
• Collaborate with families to strengthen early literacy engagement and scholar development.
• Serve as acting administrator in the absence of the Principal.

Benefits

• Collaborative, Supportive Leadership Culture: Work alongside strong instructional leaders invested in your development.
• Career Advancement: AMS is growing—creating opportunities for expanded leadership roles.
• Competitive Benefits: Fully paid employee medical, dental, life, and disability insurance Optional vision coverage 401(k) with 4% employer match
• Professional Development: Structured onboarding, ongoing coaching, and monthly leadership development sessions.
• Meaningful Mission: Play a critical role in building strong early foundations that shape scholars’ lifelong academic success.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level