2026-2027 Principal Fellow

Breakthrough Public Schools Home Office • Cleveland, OH

1d

About The Position

To build more high-performing schools, Breakthrough must intentionally develop the next generation of school leaders. The Principal Fellowship is a two-year, structured leadership development program designed to prepare Fellows to lead a Breakthrough campus upon successful completion. Principal Fellows are full-time Breakthrough employees who are strategically trained and developed through immersive, hands-on leadership experiences within a Breakthrough school. The Fellowship is designed around core leadership domains aligned to Breakthrough’s expectations for Principals: Instructional Leadership Teacher Development School Culture Systems Leadership Throughout the Fellowship, Principal Fellows work closely with a Host Principal, the Managing Director of Schools, and the Head of Schools to build the knowledge, mindsets, and leadership capabilities necessary to successfully lead a Breakthrough school. Fellows are placed strategically across Breakthrough campuses, based on organizational need and capacity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Master’s degree in education or leadership preferred
• Currently holds Principal certification and/or willing to enroll in certification program within the two years of the Fellowship and complete within first full school year of Principalship
• Must be a current Breakthrough Public Schools employee in good standing
• Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience with evidence of strong student outcomes
• At least two years of teacher leadership or coaching experience at (e.g., Assistant Principal or Dean level)
• Demonstrated success supporting adult learning and development
• Candidate must possess a valid driver’s license with a driving record in accordance with the BPS’s acceptable guidelines.
• Strong instructional expertise and ability to analyze teaching and learning
• Ability to provide high-leverage coaching and feedback to teachers
• Strong data analysis skills and commitment to data-driven decision-making
• Ability to build positive, high-expectation school cultures
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with staff, students, and families
• Ability to manage complex priorities through strong systems thinking
• Personal resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
• Alignment with and commitment to the mission of Breakthrough Public Schools
• Breakthrough Leader Mindsets
• We Do Our Job. We take full ownership of results. We do not blame circumstances, systems, or people — we improve them. We ensure the work gets done at a high level because students are counting on us.
• We Hold High Expectations. We believe all students can achieve at the highest levels. We define excellence clearly and refuse to lower the bar. We intervene quickly when performance slips — in ourselves and in others.
• Kid Needs > Adult Needs. We make decisions based on what is best for students, even when it is hard. We prioritize long-term student success over short-term adult comfort.
• We Communicate Openly and Honestly. We give direct, actionable feedback. We say what needs to be said in service of growth. We seek clarity and alignment rather than comfort.
• We Remain Committed. We persist through challenge. We do not waver when the work is difficult. We understand that consistency — not intensity — drives transformation.
• We Center Joy. We believe rigor and joy coexist. We create environments where adults and students feel purpose, belonging, and pride. We celebrate growth and progress along the way.

Responsibilities

• Feedback and Leadership Coaching
• School Immersion
• Professional Development and Network Learning

Benefits

• Breakthrough Schools offer a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision, life and disability coverage.
• Employees are also eligible to participate in the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS) or the School Employees Retirement System of Ohio (SERS).
• Breakthrough Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees