Principal

San Carlos Unified School District•San Carlos, AZ

About The Position

The Principal serves as the instructional and cultural leader of San Carlos Middle School, advancing student achievement while honoring and integrating the cultural values, language, and traditions of the San Carlos Apache community. The Principal leads a shared vision focused on academic excellence, cultural responsiveness, and whole-child development; ensures effective systems for teaching and learning; fosters a positive and inclusive school climate; and builds strong partnerships with families and the community. The role establishes a high-performing, culturally responsive learning environment and leads with a focus on equity, access, and opportunity for students in a high-poverty Title I setting. The Principal integrates Apache culture, language, and community values into the instructional program and manages school operations, personnel, and resources in alignment with district priorities. This is a twelve-month contract position reporting to the Superintendent. Salary is set on the Governing Board-approved administrative salary schedule based on education and experience.

Requirements

Master's degree in Education or a related field.
Valid Arizona Principal Certification.
Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Administrative Certification.
At least five years of successful classroom teaching experience.
Demonstrated commitment to educational equity and the belief that all students can achieve.
Experience improving outcomes for Native American and low-income students.
Strong team-building, conflict-resolution, and organizational-management leadership skills.
Ability to integrate culturally responsive practices into instruction and school systems.
Knowledge and implementation of trauma-informed school practices.
Experience leading and sustaining Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
Skills in strategic planning, data analysis, and problem-solving.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
Active listening and sound judgment in decision-making.
Resilience and adaptability when leading through challenges.

Nice To Haves

Previous school leadership experience.
Experience working in rural, high-poverty, or Native American communities.

Responsibilities

Develop and communicate a clear vision for student success grounded in equity, cultural relevance, and trauma-informed practices.
Lead continuous improvement using data-driven decision-making to increase student achievement.
Establish and support Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) focused on student data, instructional practices, and student outcomes.
Support high-quality instruction through classroom observations, coaching, and actionable feedback.
Ensure implementation of research-based instructional practices, culturally responsive teaching, and aligned curriculum.
Recruit, hire, develop, and retain high-quality staff committed to serving students in a Title I environment.
Foster staff collaboration, PLC participation, and shared accountability for student success.
Provide job-embedded professional development, including training in trauma-informed practices, culturally responsive instruction, and effective PLC implementation.
Conduct staff evaluations aligned to district and state frameworks and support staff growth.
Build and sustain a safe, inclusive, and culturally affirming school environment that recognizes the impact of trauma on students.
Implement and support trauma-informed systems, social-emotional supports, restorative approaches, and positive behavior interventions.
Promote respect for Apache culture, traditions, and community values throughout the school.
Develop systems supporting student attendance, engagement, and well-being.
Strengthen relationships with families, tribal leadership, and community stakeholders through culturally responsive practices.
Communicate with parents regarding student progress and school initiatives, and foster trust and collaboration with the San Carlos community.
Manage fiscal, human, and physical resources to support instructional priorities and student needs.
Ensure compliance with district, state, and federal regulations, including Title I requirements.
Allocate resources to support student intervention systems, mental health supports, and PLC structures.
Oversee school operations, safety, and facility management.
Address student and staff concerns in a timely, professional, and trauma-informed manner.
Lead or support district initiatives as assigned and perform other duties assigned by the Superintendent.