Principal, Morton Middle School

Omaha Public Schools•Omaha, NE

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Morton Middle School serves students in grades 6–8 and is a relationship-centered school that values students, staff, families, and the community. Its mission is to inspire lifelong learning, and its vision is to prepare students to excel in college, career, and life in an ever-changing global society. The Principal is the school’s instructional leader and is responsible for preparing all students for college, career, and community leadership. The position begins August 1, 2027, with preparation, planning, and meetings during June and July. This is a 12-month, 261-day, exempt position. Salary is governed by the Omaha School Administrators Association Level 10 schedule; applicable experience may receive salary credit, with placement determined under the applicable agreement. The Principal leads student achievement, equity, instruction, staff development, school culture, communication, strategic problem-solving, and school operations. The role includes setting and monitoring goals, supporting and evaluating teachers, using student data to inform instruction, developing staff talent, building partnerships with families and the community, and maintaining systems that support safe and effective learning. The Principal works under the indirect supervision of the Principal Supervisor and performs other related duties assigned by the Superintendent or designee. The position is based in a school building environment and may involve limited travel. It may require use of technology such as iPads and Apple TVs, along with basic office equipment. The Principal must be able to respond rapidly in emergencies and work effectively with a diverse population. Employment is contingent on verification of required licensure, an acceptable background check, authorization to work in the United States, a tuberculosis skin test if required, and execution of an Administrator Contract. The role is subject to applicable state laws, Board policies, and any applicable negotiated agreement.

Requirements

Minimum of a master’s degree with a major emphasis in educational administration.
Valid Nebraska teaching certificate with an endorsement in educational administration.
Demonstrated evidence of proficiency in the OPS Principal Competencies.
Demonstrated track record of increasing student achievement.
Instructional expertise in K–12 education and proven ability to support, coach, and develop teachers to improve instructional practice.
Record of success in leading adults and students.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Problem-solving and strategic-thinking skills.
Ability to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
Ability to work with a diverse population with tact and diplomacy and provide friendly, professional, responsive customer service.
Employment requires verification of a valid Nebraska teaching license or other required license, an acceptable background check, authorization to work in the United States, a tuberculosis skin test if required, and execution and delivery of an OPS Administrator Contract.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of five years of successful teaching experience in an urban school district is preferred.
Vision and courage to ensure every student, regardless of background, can achieve college and career success.

Responsibilities

Set clear, challenging expectations and hold self and others accountable for high academic achievement for all students.
Articulate and advance a vision that prepares students for college, career, and community leadership.
Set goals, monitor progress, persist through obstacles, and develop and implement school improvement plans.
Help teachers reach and engage students based on individual needs and interests.
Develop plans to close achievement gaps, address inequities and biases, and support staff in addressing race, culture, class, language acquisition, and student learning needs.
Promote mastery of standards through rigorous instructional strategies and assessments aligned with curricula.
Use multiple forms of student achievement data to inform instruction and advance learning.
Ensure teachers check for student understanding and clarify, reteach, or adjust instruction as needed.
Partner with staff to provide appropriate scaffolds and interventions for individual student needs.
Evaluate teachers and staff; observe classrooms and provide coaching and timely, targeted, actionable feedback.
Recognize and retain high performers, support mid-performers, and develop or exit low performers as appropriate.
Select and assign staff strategically to meet student needs and provide targeted professional development based on observation and student data.
Create a positive, safe, respectful, and welcoming school culture focused on student development.
Promote collaboration among students, families, staff, and the community; share or delegate leadership appropriately.
Establish and maintain clear student expectations that support positive behavior management.
Engage families as integral partners in their children’s education.
Listen to and seek input from diverse stakeholders; communicate effectively with students, families, staff, and the community.
Build ownership and action, manage change, gain buy-in, address resistance, and resolve conflict constructively.
Develop and navigate school and district relationships; reflect on personal strengths and growth areas, solicit feedback, and pursue ongoing growth.
Collect, analyze, and use data to make informed decisions; identify problems and root causes and develop solutions.
Develop and implement action plans, anticipate risks, and adapt to changing circumstances.
Manage people, time, and resources, including budgets and facilities, to improve student outcomes and attain school goals.
Establish systems and structures that maximize instructional time and student learning.
Delegate and monitor school operations to ensure a safe learning environment, seeking support to resolve issues as appropriate.
Perform other related tasks assigned by the Superintendent or designee.
Comply with OPS equipment-use guidelines and assigned work hours; obtain prior approval for deviations from assigned hours.