Principal - Elementary School

KIPP Memphis•Memphis, TN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

As a leader in providing high-quality education for students who need us most, KIPP Memphis is a network of open-enrollment, tuition-free, college-preparatory public charter schools. KIPP Memphis is part of the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) network of high-performing schools. KIPP’s network spans more than 200 schools across the US and is known for having high expectations, focusing on results, and ensuring students go to and through college. Founded in 2002, KIPP Memphis serves elementary, middle, and high school students in North Memphis. The KIPP Memphis team and family serve as a model of excellence and collaborate with other community organizations to raise the overall quality of education in Memphis. The mission of KIPP Memphis is to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose - college, career, and beyond - so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. Reporting to the Chief of Schools, the Principal provides the leadership and management necessary to maximize the efforts of teachers and students in an environment conducive to educational enhancement, growth, and achievement for all students. The position is responsible for directing all daily operations of the school campus; supervising and coordinating the work of all professional and classified personnel; ensuring subordinates' adherence to regional and district policies, regulations, and goals; preparing required reports; and performing other professional, administrative, and supervisory work as required. The position develops and implements programs within organizational policies; reports major activities to executive-level administrators through conferences and reports.

Requirements

Master's degree and an active Tennessee Administrative License
5 years' experience as an effective classroom teacher and 3 years' experience in School Leadership, leading and coaching teachers
Uses data-driven strategies to execute efficiently and effectively with managers, peers, and support personnel
Unquestioned integrity and commitment; Demonstrates excitement in growing students into their highest selves
Evidence of significant and consistent personal and professional achievement
Ability to plan, supervise, and evaluate the work of instructional and support personnel
Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff, community, and the public; and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Excellent communication skills with diverse constituents; clear writer, facilitator, and speaker, and eagerness to collaborate
Ability to tackle multiple projects and initiatives at once with a keen sense of organization, prioritization, follow-through, and results orientation
Experience working with underserved communities
Strong knowledge of school laws and regulations
In-depth knowledge of principles of effective instruction from advanced curriculum, content, and instruction
Knowledge of growth and development, and learning theory
Skill in assessment and evaluation of students
Ability to manage curriculum development, in-service training, and related activities, and provide a high level of instructional leadership for teachers and administrators
Excellent human relations skills and ability to establish and maintain successful cooperative working relationships with appropriate school communities, and school-based and central office staffs
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Strong organizational and management skills.
Satisfactory criminal records check, pre-hire and annually thereafter, if applicable.
Must be eligible to work in the United States and provide work authorization.
Occasional travel to KIPP Memphis campuses may be required.

Nice To Haves

Belief that all students, regardless of background, can pursue the path they choose; demonstrated commitment to the school’s unique community
Ability to set direction for a team and motivate others to action
Demonstrated student achievement results in their own classroom and from teachers that he/she manages
Adept at data analysis; ability to extract meaningful insights across school-wide data
Expertise in what the school-wide academic standards and state assessments require of students’ knowledge and skills to demonstrate mastery; able to translate student mastery requirements into instructional plans and strategies
Deep understanding of appropriate application and differentiation of high-leverage instructional strategies based on comprehension of child development and pedagogy
Expertise in cultivating relationships and managing a diverse group of stakeholders
Demonstrated resilience and focus on student achievement

Responsibilities

Set and unify staff around rigorous standards for student achievement that are in line with the goals of KIPP Memphis Schools.
Ensure the academic program meets or exceeds yearly student outcome goals.
Develop organizational goals and objectives consistent with the mission and values of the school and KIPP Memphis Schools.
Lead teachers in developing a healthy school culture aligned with the mission, vision, and values of the school and the region.
Create a culture of excellence, teamwork, and collaboration amongst the staff, teachers, students, and families.
Manage, evaluate, and develop a team of teachers to improve student achievement results.
Consistently use effective, research-based teaching methodologies and implement data-driven instruction.
Work with teachers to improve their teaching practice through coaching, professional development, modeling, and collaborative planning.
Select and hire school staff, including teachers and school-based support staff.
Continually monitor progress on all measures of school and staff performance.
Provide for adequate supervision, training, and evaluation of all staff and volunteers.
Create an effective team of people jointly responsible for the attainment of school goals and committed to achieving excellence.
Serve as liaison between teachers, parents, and the community.
Exhibit a high degree of professionalism in all elements of this position, while serving as a contributing member of the KIPP Memphis team and a dedicated role model for other employees.
Supervises all professional and classified staff members, including training, assigning, and evaluating work, coaching, disciplining, and recommending termination; prepares periodic employee performance evaluations.
Assigns responsibilities to Assistant Principals to foster professional growth and effective instructional programming; assigns responsibilities to professional staff, including assignments to instructional groups, rooms, and supervision duties.
Seeks to maintain an atmosphere conducive to good teacher-teacher and teacher-administrator relationships.
Plans, evaluates, and recommends school-wide programs, policies, goals, and objectives.
Ensures that all School Board and administrative policies are effectively explained and implemented.
Ensures school compliance with the requirements of state and regional accreditation standards and regulations.
Provides proactive, comprehensive, and facilitative leadership for the school in the planning and implementation of a challenging curriculum; observes classroom environment and makes recommendations for improvement in instruction and class management as appropriate.
Oversees efforts to reward student achievement and recognize outstanding staff.
Maintains high standards of student conduct through guidance and development.
Attends training, conferences, and workshops as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills.
Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.