Middle School Principal-Dorothy Hamm

Arlington Public Schools•Arlington, VA

About The Position

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES The Middle School Principal provides visionary leadership and administrative oversight for all aspects of school operations, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and academically rigorous learning environment for students in grades 6–8. The principal directs the planning, assessment, and implementation of instructional programs; manages staff performance and professional growth; oversees the allocation of financial and physical resources; and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The effectiveness of the principal’s work directly influences student achievement, teacher performance, and the overall quality of the school program. Properly performed duties result in an engaging and equitable learning environment, the professional growth of staff, the efficient use of resources, and compliance with all legal and policy requirements. The principal’s leadership impacts students, families, school personnel, and the broader community by fostering a culture of excellence, safety, and continuous improvement. SUPERVISION The Middle School Principal works under the general direction of the Executive Principal in conjunction with the Chief of Schools of Arlington Public Schools, who provides overall objectives, priorities, and deadlines. Within this framework, the principal exercises a high degree of independence in decision-making and daily operations, while ensuring alignment with district goals and policies. The principal is responsible for carrying out the work of administering the school program, including instructional leadership, staff management, budget oversight, and student support, with full authority to make decisions and commitments within established policies and regulations. The principal provides direct supervision to assistant principals, teachers, instructional specialists, counselors, support staff, and other school-based employees. Work is reviewed primarily through the Administrator Work Plan, which is developed at the beginning of the school year and evaluated annually by the Superintendent, who provides written performance feedback. Overall, the work is reviewed for accomplishment of goals, compliance with policy, and effectiveness in leading the school toward continuous improvement. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is a professional, school-based administrative position responsible for the overall leadership and management of a middle school within Arlington Public Schools. As the highest level of administration and supervision at the school, the principal is accountable for student achievement, staff performance, program implementation, and daily operations. The work requires analyzing and responding to a wide range of complex issues, often involving incomplete or conflicting information, and demands the use of professional judgment, innovation, and discretion to develop solutions that balance instructional quality, resource management, staff development, and community engagement. This position requires the creation and refinement of strategies, instructional practices, and organizational methods to meet evolving educational needs. Additionally, the role emphasizes instructional leadership, ethical practice, equity, cultural responsiveness, and collaboration with stakeholders, distinguishing it by the scope of responsibility, level of authority, and impact on students, staff, and the broader community.

Requirements

Demonstrates strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to motivate, guide, evaluate, and develop staff effectively.
Possesses broad knowledge of middle school curriculum design, instructional programs, evidence-based teaching practices, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, including integration of technology and current educational trends.
Applies knowledge of public-school administration, organizational practices, and operational systems—including budgeting, facilities management, student transportation, food services, and safety—to ensure effective and efficient school operations.
Understands and applies federal, state, and local regulations and policies governing special populations, such as ESOL, Special Education, and gifted programs.
Analyzes student performance and operational data to plan, implement, and evaluate school improvement strategies and support continuous growth.
Develops and maintains effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members through clear and concise oral and written communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution.
Plans, organizes, and coordinates middle school programs, including instructional services, student activities, interscholastic athletics, and school-community relations initiatives.
Education: A master’s degree in education, administration, or a related field.
Experience: A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience, preferably at the middle school level, and a minimum of three years of administrative experience in a school setting.
Extensive and progressively responsible experience in middle or high school teaching and in administrative roles such as assistant principal, coordinator, or director, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION Virginia Postgraduate Professional License in Administration and Supervision, Pre K–12 (or eligibility).
Endorsement in one or more teaching areas and as a secondary school principal.
A valid driver’s license

Responsibilities

Provide instructional leadership and oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the educational program for all middle school students, ensuring alignment with district goals, state and federal requirements, and evidence-based instructional strategies, including the Middle Years Program (MYP).
Analyze student performance and operational data to inform school improvement plans, including Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and involve staff, students, and the community in assessing and refining these plans.
Recruit, hire, train, evaluate, and retain highly qualified staff, including administrators, teachers, office staff, custodians, cafeteria workers, and adjunct staff, and provide professional development aligned with school and program goals.
Develop and maintain a positive, inclusive school culture and climate that fosters high levels of student achievement, teacher growth, and collaborative engagement.
Establish and enforce policies, procedures, and guidelines for student conduct, school operations, and safety, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local mandates, including special education, testing programs, and facility regulations.
Direct daily school operations, including the development of the master schedule, budgeting, resource management, and oversight of physical space and facilities, including recommendations for modifications, additions, or construction.
Collaborate with parents, community organizations, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders to support student achievement, school initiatives, and the use of school facilities in accordance with School Board policy.
Participate in professional development, school district committees, task forces, and local, state, and national education conferences to maintain current knowledge of instructional methods, leadership practices, and policy developments.
Attend school events, functions, and extracurricular activities to recognize student achievement and promote community engagement.
Oversee administrative responsibilities related to staff performance, including observing, evaluating, disciplining, assigning work, managing grievances, and resolving personnel or staff relations issues.
Develop, administer, and monitor the school budget to ensure alignment with instructional priorities, operational needs, and resource efficiency.
Respond to district- and state-level demands, initiatives, and reporting requirements as required by Arlington Public Schools and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Perform other duties and responsibilities inherent to the leadership and administration of a middle school, including responding to emerging school needs, supporting instructional programs, and ensuring the safe and effective operation of the school.