Principal Fellow

Camden Prep • Camden, NJ

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Uncommon Schools is seeking dedicated individuals to join their Principal Fellowship program. This program is designed to train and develop future leaders for Uncommon's network of high-performing public charter schools. Principal Fellows will receive comprehensive training aligned with the competencies of Uncommon Principals, with the ultimate goal of stepping into an Uncommon Principal role upon completion of the fellowship. In this role, they will co-lead a school alongside an Uncommon Director of Operations. The fellowship emphasizes feedback, school immersion, and professional development to build capacity in instructional leadership, teacher development, school culture, and family engagement. Principal Fellows are full-time employees supported by the Regional Superintendent of Instruction and the Senior Director of School Support.

Requirements

• Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools.
• Passionate commitment to expand knowledge, skills, and opportunities for students.
• Dedication to building culturally responsive learning partnerships with students, teachers, and families.
• Demonstrates tenacity, personal responsibility, a founder’s mentality, and a commitment to continual professional growth.
• Strong people management skills, including the ability to effectively navigate difficult conversations and hold staff, scholars, and families accountable in a supportive manner.
• Ability to develop and maintain a strong staff culture focused on the Uncommon mission.
• Strong data analysis skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; flexible, able to work autonomously and take direction as needed.
• At least 3 years of teaching experience with evidence of outstanding student growth and achievement.
• At least 1 year of experience coaching, leading, and/or managing teachers (e.g., Assistant Principal, Dean of Curriculum, Instructional Leader, grade level chair, content/department chair).
• A Bachelor's degree.

Nice To Haves

• Experience teaching core subjects (e.g., Math, ELA, Science, History) is preferred.
• Familiarity and success with–or commitment to–implementing Uncommon’s core tenets of instructional leadership (e.g., See It-Name It-Do It framework, Leverage Leadership principles).

Responsibilities

• Receive formal and informal feedback from Host Principal, Regional Superintendent of Instruction, and Senior Director of School Support for leadership growth.
• Integrate fully into the day-to-day activities of an Uncommon school to gain exposure to leadership scenarios.
• Manage the complexity of school scenarios and master skills in instructional leadership, teacher development, school culture, and family engagement.
• Seek and plan opportunities to demonstrate leadership presence and readiness to lead while immersed in a school.
• Participate in monthly, cross-regional professional development with Principals and cohort members.
• Attend intimate, cohort-specific professional development workshops for practice and direct application.
• Co-lead a school alongside an Uncommon Director of Operations upon completion of the Fellowship.
• Provide high-leverage feedback via classroom observations.
• Strategically manage and prioritize time and tasks effectively to meet school needs with a systems thinking lens.
• Implement Uncommon's core tenets of instructional leadership (e.g., See It-Name It-Do It framework, Leverage Leadership principles).

Benefits

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and ~10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA).
• Retirement benefits available based on role eligibility.
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.).
• Mental health and counseling support.
• Wellness benefits.

What This Job Offers

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