Elementary Principal (2026-2027)

Joliet Public Schools District 86•Joliet, IL

1d•$106,600•Onsite

About The Position

The primary function of the Principal is to vision, direct, and facilitate continuous improvement of instruction at the building level. The principal shall be responsible for all instructional and managerial leadership, administration, and coordination of an elementary school. This role reports to the Superintendent of Schools and supervises Assistant Principals, Academic Advisors, Teachers, Secretary, Clerical Aides, Paraprofessionals, Engineer and Custodial Personnel, and Nutrition Services Personnel.

Requirements

Master’s Degree, from an accredited college or university, with training in administration, supervision, or curriculum development
Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with appropriate administrative endorsement (ie: Principal, General Administrative, etc.)
Appropriate Illinois Credentials for the Evaluation of Certified Staff and Principals
Four years of successful teaching experience, preferably at the elementary level
Four years of successful administrative/supervisory experience, at the elementary level, preferred
An administrative leadership style based on effective human relations and a student-focused continuous improvement model
Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in curriculum and instruction at the elementary level
Ability and flexibility to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions
Demonstrated excellence as an educational leader with strong organizational, problem solving and human relations skills
Effective verbal and written communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills with a record of building relationships that foster collegial trust, promote teacher efficacy, family engagement, and motivate others to aspire to high expectations and accountability with a common instructional focus
A positive attitude toward the role, and flexibility as an innovative team builder
Accessibility and visibility to building stakeholders
Evidence of regular engagement and desire to continue professional learning, implementation, and reflection, in the areas of curriculum, child development, equitable practices, and instructional methods in the elementary school
Experience with the integration of instructional technology to enhance delivery of learning
Knowledge of District policies, Local policies, State, and Federal laws relating to students
Understanding of the range of services and requirements to meet the needs of a diverse student population, including special education, enrichment, and multilingual services, and demonstrated use of strategies for ensuring practice of the same
The vision, compassion, and enthusiasm for effective team leadership to motivate high standards and continuous improvement
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in Spanish is strongly preferred

Nice To Haves

Ability to regularly communicate verbally and hear
Ability to use close and distant vision and adjust focus
Ability to push, pull, ambulate, perform tasks from a standing or seated position, and use fine motor manipulation during the normal performance of tasks and responsibilities
Ability to occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch and lift or move up to 30-50 pounds.
Ability to travel from building to building and within the local community as needed.
Ability to participate fully in the training and regular certification and use of established methods of crisis management, including de-escalation and physical management.
May require valid CPR and First Aid Certification

Responsibilities

Ensure the implementation of an educational environment that meets the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical needs of all primary and intermediate students.
Provide leadership to ensure understanding and implementation of the mission, vision, and core values contained within the District's strategic plan.
Organize, direct, and supervise the educational program within the school and the policy structure of the District and the District Administration.
Direct, collaboratively design, implement, monitor, and evaluate all activities and initiatives related to ensuring continuous school improvement, including the school improvement plan, the school improvement leadership team, teacher-level teams, the utilization of a variety of data as evidence of effectiveness, and regular reports of progress.
Lead, observe, support, and collaborate with building teams in the analysis of student data, and lead the professional development that improves instructional practices and student outcomes.
Screen, select, assign, supervise, and evaluate performance of certified and educational support staff, including contractual personnel, and provide leadership for assistant principals/academic advisors in the same, following District protocols, policies and procedures, including terms of collective bargaining agreements.
Administer an articulated elementary curriculum program; conduct regular needs assessments, and interpret results to staff and community.
Keep abreast of developments and trends in elementary curriculum and instruction, and provide leadership in program direction and improvement at the building level in collaboration with District administration.
Lead the coordination and work of specialized groups of educators (nurses, psychologists, social workers, counselors, speech clinicians, coordinators, etc.).
Supervise all matters related to supporting substitute teachers and staff within the building.
Lead the development, supervision, and management of all site operations, equipment, and systems to ensure safety and efficiency.
Ensure coordinated use of building facilities for internal and external stakeholders.
Lead efforts to ensure overall safety of students and personnel, including the supervision and documentation of investigations of emergencies, disturbances, crisis management, and proactive safety measures.
Consult with District leaders to facilitate programs and operations in the building, including cleaning, maintenance, nutritional services, co-curricular activities, and building usage.
Vision and lead efforts to build and maintain family-school partnerships and engagement with community groups, promoting a positive image of the school within the community.
Ensure appropriate record keeping, communications and processes related to student attendance within the building and with District leaders.
Secure and collaborate with community partners.
Communicate effectively with the business and residential community, and participate in civic activities.
Communicate regularly with staff, verbally and in writing, in individual, small group, and whole faculty settings.
Lead planning and execution of a student activities calendar, including special events that inform families, build school climate and enhance and highlight student learning, and communicate events with District and stakeholders.
Supervise the coordination of student transportation needs in cooperation with District leaders.
Supervise all aspects of the co-curricular program, including clubs and activities.
Work closely with District leaders to facilitate special education and other student services within the building.
Implement a responsive learning environment through mutually respectful relationships with all stakeholders, including positive, proactive and effective student discipline policies, rooted in restorative practices, according to District policies.
Administer a balanced budget, and operate the school using a collaborative management system consistent with District priorities.
Coordinate the assignment of student teachers within the building, including cooperation with District and university representatives, and assist with ensuring a positive learning experience.
Organize and supervise the procurement, issuance, maintenance, collection and storage of instructional materials.
Supervise the collection of all student fees, fines, and other obligations.
Maintain accurate student records.
Supervise development of master schedules and calendars to maximize the achievement of program objectives, and direct the registration and placement process for students at the building level.
Supervise accurate record keeping and timely reporting as required by the District, ISBE, and all other state and federal agencies, and ensure the implementation of requirements.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent and/or his/her designee.