Dual Language Middle School Principal

Mount Vernon School District 320 • Mount Vernon, WA

15h • Onsite

About The Position

The Principal of the Dual Language Middle School serves as the instructional and operational leader of a Spanish–English dual language learning environment serving adolescent learners. The Principal is responsible for the overall administration of the school and for advancing bilingualism, biliteracy, academic achievement, and cultural competence through a high-quality dual language instructional program. This role provides visionary, equity-centered leadership to ensure rigorous instruction, strong systems of student support, and a safe, inclusive school culture that honors linguistic and cultural diversity. The Principal collaborates closely with students, staff, families, and community partners to promote student engagement, positive school climate, and shared responsibility for student success. The Principal leads with an explicit commitment to closing opportunity gaps and ensuring that all students—particularly historically underserved learners—are supported to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Requirements

• Bilingual English/Spanish required: Proficiency verified through testing
• Master’s degree in educational administration or related field required
• Washington State principal certification
• Minimum of three years of successful certificated teaching experience at the secondary level
• Successful middle school or secondary Dual Language administrative experience preferred
• Commitment to social justice, equity, and culturally responsive leadership
• Criminal background clearance
• Professional experience verification

Nice To Haves

• Successful middle school or secondary Dual Language administrative experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and management of the school, including instructional programs, operations, staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and facilities.
• Develop, implement, and monitor the School Improvement Plan aligned to district priorities and strategic goals.
• Serve as an effective and collaborative member of the district administrative leadership team.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate certificated and classified staff in accordance with district procedures and collective bargaining agreements.
• Establish systems, structures, and routines that support effective middle school operations and a positive learning environment.
• Manage time, responsibilities, and competing priorities effectively while modeling strong organizational leadership.
• Provide leadership for the Spanish–English dual language instructional model, ensuring fidelity to program design and alignment with district expectations.
• Demonstrate expertise or strong knowledge of dual language education, language acquisition, bilingual development, and adolescent learning.
• Lead the development and implementation of rigorous, culturally responsive instruction across content areas in both English and Spanish.
• Support department-based collaboration, curriculum alignment, and vertical articulation within the middle school setting.
• Utilize the district-adopted instructional framework to observe instruction, provide meaningful feedback, and support continuous instructional improvement.
• Promote bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural competence through instructional practices, scheduling, staffing, and schoolwide initiatives.
• Lead with an explicit equity lens to ensure access, opportunity, and support for all students, particularly historically marginalized populations.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in leadership decisions, policies, and daily interactions and actively participate in district and site based equity leadership.
• Foster a positive, inclusive middle school culture that promotes belonging, respect, student voice, and high academic and behavioral expectations.
• Demonstrate understanding of the social, emotional, cultural, linguistic, and developmental needs of middle school students.
• Build and sustain collaborative, respectful, and trusting relationships with students, staff, and families.
• Lead, implement and monitor inclusive models of learning for individuals with disabilities.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the implementation of IDEA and FAPE through past experiences and services provided to communities of students with disabilities.
• Establish and oversee MVSD’s comprehensive student discipline system grounded in restorative, preventative, and developmentally responsive practices.
• Promote social, emotional, intellectual, and physical safety for students and staff.
• Address student behavior, attendance, and engagement concerns using data-informed and trauma-informed approaches.
• Supervise and support extracurricular programs, athletics, student leadership, and schoolwide activities.
• Respond effectively to crises, conflicts, and safety concerns with diplomacy, sound judgment, and clear communication.
• Analyze and use multiple sources of data to inform instructional decisions, program evaluation, and school improvement efforts.
• Monitor student academic achievement, language development, and growth in both English and Spanish.
• Identify barriers contributing to opportunity and achievement gaps and lead targeted strategies to address and reduce those gaps.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional, behavioral, and intervention programs using evidence of student growth.
• Build and sustain strong school–family–community partnerships that support student learning and well-being.
• Engage families in culturally responsive and linguistically accessible ways, including bilingual communication.
• Collaborate with community organizations and agencies to enhance student support and enrichment opportunities.
• Foster a school culture that values family voice, partnership, and shared responsibility.
• Ensure compliance with district, state, and federal laws, policies, procedures, and contractual obligations.
• Model professionalism, ethical leadership, integrity, and accountability.
• Demonstrate approachability, strong communication skills, and a commitment to collaboration.
• Engage in continuous professional learning and leadership development.
• Ability to engage in and implement adult learning aligned to the MVSD Strategic Plan and the Racial Equity Action Plan.
• Perform all other duties as assigned in support of school and district priorities.

Benefits

• Eligibility for SEBB medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, and LTD if anticipated to reach 630 hours in the school year.
• Eligibility for retirement based on 3.50 hrs/day or more for 5 or more consecutive months.
• Optional tax-sheltered annuities: Omni 403(b) and Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Personal leave, vacation leave (260-day employees only), and sick leave prorated based on FTE.

What This Job Offers

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