Principal (Upper School 2026-27)

Diocese of Dallas Schools•Dallas, TX

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Established in September 1947, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School is now the largest Catholic PreK-8 school not only in the Catholic Diocese of Dallas but also in the state of Texas. The school is located in the Wilshire Heights neighborhood of East Dallas and serves primarily a large parish population spanning generations of Lakewood and Old East Dallas residents. the School serves approximately 550 families and maintains an enrollment of nearly 900 students. STA’s Upper School and Lower School campuses are located seven blocks from each other, and together they share ten-plus acres. St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School has a highly effective President/Principal model. The upper school principal is the educational leader of the school and directly responsible for the daily operation of the upper school. The upper school principal will serve in a close working relationship with the pastor, president, the faculty, staff, and students, as well as parents and the Dallas community to bring our mission of educating the hearts, minds, and spirits of future servant leaders to life. The upper school principal is charged with the implementation of the philosophy, mission, objectives, and the overall management of the school. The upper school principal is responsible for the professional effectiveness of the staff, the educational progress of the students, as well as the relationship within the entire school community. The upper school principal will be an inspiring, confident leader with strong communication skills, the ability to build trust, collaborate, and think critically while creating a joy filled culture rooted in our Catholic faith.

Requirements

Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church
Knowledge of instructional methods/strategies and curriculum differentiation
Knowledge of child and adolescent development, learning, and behavior
Knowledge of the content and the methods of religious education
Knowledge of effective assessment methods
Able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form
Able to work well with others in the school community
Able to work independently and self-motivate
Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously
Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format
Skill in job appropriate technology
Skill in critical thinking and planning
Skill in managing conflicts effectively
Skill in organizational management and delegation of responsibilities
Skill in using group process skills effectively with various school communities
Master’s degree and 18 credit hours in educational administration and supervision courses or a valid state certificate administrator certificate
The principal/head of school must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with a commitment to ongoing formation in catechetical and spiritual leadership development as defined by and monitored by the local ordinary and superintendent.
Required to work some nights and weekends
Required to manage high to moderate levels of stress
Required to work a full school day
Required to work in standard school and office conditions
This position requires a Pre-Employment Declaration.

Nice To Haves

10 years of teaching experience in a Catholic school (preferred)
5 years of administrative experience in a Catholic school (preferred)

Responsibilities

Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
Acts as a witness to the Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
Develops a school climate reflecting Catholic identity
Supports and adheres to the teachings of the Catholic Church, Code of Conduct, and policies and procedures of the Diocese
Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters
Communicates effectively with students, parents, and other professionals
Identifies and effects needed change for school improvement
Ensures the implementation of a comprehensive curriculum through the use of a variety of pedagogical strategies
Supervises instruction and evaluates the overall effectiveness of the academic program
Ensures that the religious instruction of students meets the guidelines set forth by the Diocese
Promotes Catholic identity within the school through liturgical celebrations, faith development, integration of Gospel values, and the practice of Christian service
Oversees ongoing orientation and staff development in both educational and faith development of faculty and staff
Maintains the accreditation of the school according to TCCED standards
Oversees the certification of religion teachers according to diocesan policy
Responsible for the annual school budget and supervises all expenditures
Oversees development goals and activities and seeks resources and support beyond the school
Works effectively with the board to establish goals for school effectiveness
Hires, supervises, evaluates, and terminates all faculty and staff according to diocesan guidelines
Fosters collaboration between parish(es), pastor(s), and the school
Maintains current and accurate records according to diocesan and school policy
Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits
Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students and staff
Provides for an orderly school environment and promotes student self-discipline
Develops faculty and student/parent handbooks in accordance with diocesan guidelines
Completes and submits all official forms required by the Diocesan Catholic Schools Office, Texas Catholic Conference Education Department, and other public agencies
Implements and reviews long-range strategic planning
Promotes healthy staff morale and professionalism
Participates in professional development, including diocesan principal meetings and in-services
Establishes and implements technology goals for the school
Other duties as assigned
Abide by all policies as outlined in the Catholic Schools Office Handbook of Policies and Procedures for Elementary and Secondary Schools