Principal (Jackson, TN)

Gestalt Community Schools•Jackson, TN

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The School Principal Fellows program will support the Founding Jackson School Principals in developing the skills and mindset necessary to lead a high-performing charter school. The fellowship will primarily be based in Memphis for the 2026-27 school year and will transition to a full time Principal role in Jackson, TN for the 2027-28 school year. The principal fellow is part of the school's leadership team and acts as a Vice Principal. This emerging school leader will be immersed in a comprehensive one-year school-based fellowship program, shadowing a Gestalt Community Schools mentor principal while completing special projects and assignments required to fulfill the program. The program requirements will determine leadership responsibilities and strongly emphasize the areas of strength and opportunity of the fellow and the school assigned. The principal fellowship pathway at Gestalt Community Schools is designed to cultivate effective school leaders through a structured program. To successfully transition into a principal role, principal fellows must meet specific criteria, including: Successful Program Completion: Candidates must complete all required components of the principal fellows program. This includes coursework, hands-on leadership experiences, and mentorship opportunities that equip them with the skills needed for effective school leadership. Scoring “Effective” in All Competencies: Candidates are assessed using a Leadership Framework that outlines the competencies necessary for successful school leadership. To be eligible for a principal position, candidates must score "effective" or higher in each competency, demonstrating their readiness to lead a school. By fulfilling these requirements, candidates can effectively prepare themselves for the challenges and responsibilities of being a principal within the Gestalt Community Schools network, pending vacancies within Gestalt Community Schools.

Requirements

Master’s Degree required
Minimum of 3+ years of instructional leadership experience (Dean, Assistant Principal, Instructional Coach), or 2+ years of experience as a principal
3+ years of exemplary teaching experience, preferably in a secondary setting
Valid Tennessee School Leadership License or ability to obtain licensure within 3 years of hire
2 to 3 years of significant student achievement gains (double AMO) on state or nationally recognized assessment
Successful completion of leadership training program
A positive recommendation from a current supervisor
Participate and receive proficient ratings on “Selection Day” activities: writing prompts, classroom observations, mock teacher feedback sessions, entry plan, etc.
Strong, student-centered instructional leadership focused on measurable student growth and achievement
Deep knowledge of Common Core standards, curriculum frameworks, assessment practices, and ACT College Readiness Standards
Proven ability to develop and coach adult learners to improve instructional practice
Ability to design and implement systems and structures that drive teacher effectiveness and student outcomes
Strong content knowledge and pedagogy across core subject areas
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with Windows-based systems and Google Workspace tools
Commitment to a 6 to 18-month Fellowship Program
Commitment to Leadership Training
Commitment to attend all required summer training dates (Leadership Training, New Teacher, GCS Conference)
Commitment to 3 years of employment if offered by Gestalt Community Schools

Nice To Haves

Successful employment as a Dean of Instruction, Dean of Scholars, or equivalent (preferred)

Responsibilities

Assist the Principal in developing a school environment that is supportive of learning and high achievement among the scholars.
Develop and provide appropriate learning and curriculum programs and methods of instruction that meet the needs of all scholars in the school and timetable to support them.
Promote effective teaching and learning practices across the school.
Assist in the development of the school curriculum and assessment policies.
Develop and implement systems for recording individual scholar progress and ensure that parents are regularly informed of their children's progress at the school.
Assist the Principal in supporting the monitoring and evaluation of teaching and learning across the school and contribute to school self-evaluation and the development of improvement plans.
Assist the Principal in the re-evaluation of the purpose, objectives, and activities of the school in line with the School Improvement Guidelines from the Department of Education, GCS, and SCS.
Assist the Principal in developing the education aims and objectives of the school and devising strategies to achieve them.
Assist the Principal in coordinating the school plan and policies regarding the operation of the school.
Develop a good working relationship with the principal, the other Deans, the teaching staff, and support and network staff.
Treat all staff with respect and develop positive relationships.
Assist the Principal in promoting ongoing staff development and in-service and in the identification of the staffing needs of the school – i.e. teaching and support staff.
Coordinate Staff Development and organize PLC's.
Develop effective communication systems with scholars, staff, parents, and the wider community.
Maintain effective relationships with the stakeholders involved (CMO, SCS staff, scholars, parents, Parents Association, Student Council, and the wider school community).
Communicate with students, staff, and parents in a positive, friendly, and professional manner.
Implement the Code of Conduct and all school policies with an understanding of their rationale.
Assist the Principal in matters of student discipline, in the promotion of good order and general supervision between classes.
Establish and maintain effective data management systems such as student records, teacher records, attendance, purchasing procedures, and timetables.