K-1 Assistant Principal of Instruction

Deep Roots Charter School•Philadelphia, PA

24d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Principal of Instruction (K–1) is a dynamic instructional leader responsible for driving high-quality teaching and learning across Kindergarten and 1st Grade at Deep Roots Charter School. This role focuses exclusively on the foundational primary years, ensuring that all K–1 students experience rigorous, joyful, developmentally appropriate, and equitable instruction that builds strong academic and social-emotional foundations. The Assistant Principal of Instruction (K–1) oversees curriculum implementation, instructional coaching, assessment practices, and data-driven instructional planning within Kindergarten and 1st Grade classrooms. This leader works closely with teachers, teaching assistants, interventionists, and school leadership to strengthen classroom practice, support early literacy and math achievement, and ensure strong systems for intervention and enrichment. The Assistant Principal of Instruction (K–1) fosters a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and reflective practice while upholding Deep Roots' mission of joy, belonging, and purpose. This position reports directly to the School Leader. About Deep Roots Where students discover joy, belonging, and purpose Authentic Relationships Deep Roots prioritizes deep, trusting relationships with students, families, and staff, recognizing that strong relationships are foundational to meaningful learning and academic growth. Personalized Learning We believe in meeting every student where they are through rigorous, culturally responsive instruction, targeted interventions, and data-informed instructional practices. Our Core Values Practice: Committing to ongoing professional development, reflection, and collaboration as pathways to excellence. Service: Engaging students and staff in community-centered learning and leadership opportunities. Purpose: Empowering all students to discover and pursue their unique gifts with intention and passion. Antiracist & Inclusive: Deep Roots is actively anti-racist, dedicated to dismantling barriers and creating equitable learning environments for all.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience leading instructional improvement in an urban or charter school setting, preferably in early elementary grades.
Deep knowledge of early literacy, foundational math instruction, child development, and developmentally appropriate instructional practices.
Strong understanding of curriculum implementation, assessment practices, and data-driven instructional planning.
Proven ability to coach and develop teachers across varying experience levels.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
Deep commitment to Deep Roots' mission, core values, and anti-racist educational practices.
Strong organizational and analytical skills with a focus on continuous instructional improvement.
Master's degree in education, curriculum & instruction, school leadership, or related field required.
Pennsylvania teaching certification required; PA Administrative certification strongly preferred.
Minimum of 3 years of successful teaching experience in elementary education, preferably in K–2 settings.
Proven track record of improving instructional quality and student academic outcomes through leadership and coaching.

Responsibilities

Lead and support high-quality instruction across Kindergarten and 1st Grade classrooms, ensuring alignment to Pennsylvania standards and Deep Roots' instructional vision.
Supervise and coach K–1 teachers through regular classroom observations, feedback cycles, co-planning, and individualized coaching plans focused on instructional growth and student outcomes.
Support teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate instructional practices rooted in early childhood learning science.
Collaborate with instructional coaches and school leadership to design and facilitate job-embedded professional development focused on early literacy, foundational math, student discourse, and classroom culture.
Ensure strong instructional systems that support foundational reading, writing, language development, and numeracy.
Oversee implementation of K–1 curriculum across core content areas, ensuring coherence, rigor, and fidelity to instructional materials.
Support teachers in internalizing curriculum and designing engaging, standards-aligned lessons.
Monitor formative and summative assessment practices, including literacy screeners, benchmark assessments, and common assessments.
Guide teachers in analyzing student data to inform instructional adjustments, intervention planning, and enrichment opportunities.
Collaborate with interventionists and specialized services staff to ensure students receive targeted academic supports.
Facilitate K–1 data meetings and instructional planning cycles centered on equity, student growth, and responsive instruction.
Monitor academic progress across Kindergarten and 1st Grade classrooms, identifying trends, strengths, and areas for instructional improvement.
Partner with school leadership to ensure strong MTSS systems and cohesive intervention programming for early learners.
Support teachers in using student work and assessment data to drive small-group instruction and differentiated learning experiences.
Conduct formal and informal observations of K–1 instructional staff, providing timely, actionable feedback aligned to the school's instructional framework.
Support new and developing teachers through mentoring, modeling, and structured coaching supports.
Collaborate with school leadership on teacher evaluation processes, professional growth plans, and instructional accountability measures.
Build teacher capacity around classroom management, developmentally appropriate practice, and culturally responsive instruction.
Foster a joyful, structured, and academically focused K–1 learning environment that promotes belonging, engagement, and high expectations for all students.
Partner closely with families to communicate academic expectations, developmental milestones, and student progress.
Support strong systems and routines that promote positive student behavior, independence, and social-emotional development in early childhood classrooms.
Collaborate with the School Leader and leadership team to advance school-wide initiatives and strategic priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the school's mission and needs.