Principal

Specialized Education Services • Philadelphia, PA

7d • $80,000 - $80,000

About The Position

In special education and alternative education settings nationwide, the team members of Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI) shine a positive light on students who need academic, emotional, social, and behavioral support and uncover the unique learner within. Have a profound impact, grow, learn, and thrive as part of our team.

Overview

The Principal serves as the instructional and operational leader of the school, responsible for cultivating a high-performing, inclusive, and student-centered school culture. This role is accountable for the academic success, social-emotional development, and overall well-being of all students, while ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, values, and performance standards. The Principal leads, supports, and develops staff while managing resources effectively and maintaining strong relationships with students, families, and the broader community.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Education, School Leadership, or a related field
• Principal Certification
• Demonstrated success in instructional leadership, staff development, and culture-building.
• Deep commitment to educational equity, inclusion, and student achievement.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Set a clear instructional vision focused on academic excellence and equity.
• Oversee the implementation of curriculum and assessment systems that ensure rigorous and differentiated instruction for all students.
• Use data to monitor student progress, inform instructional practices, and drive decision-making.
• Lead professional development and coaching initiatives to build teacher capacity.
• Establish a safe, supportive, and inclusive school culture grounded in high expectations and mutual respect.
• Lead school-wide systems for behavior management, student attendance, and social-emotional supports.
• Promote positive relationships among students, staff, and families to foster a strong school community.
• Recruit, hire, and retain high-quality educators and support staff.
• Conduct regular observations, evaluations, and feedback sessions in alignment with performance goals.
• Build leadership capacity across the staff by delegating responsibilities and mentoring emerging leaders.
• Oversee daily school operations, ensuring a safe and efficient learning environment.
• Manage the school budget, resources, and facilities in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and local regulations, including special education, civil rights, and health/safety policies.
• Communicate proactively and transparently with families about student progress, school initiatives, and opportunities for engagement.
• Build partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders to enhance student learning and well-being.
• Represent the school in district, community, and organizational forums.

Benefits

• Diverse career pathways, mobility up and across our national network, and ongoing professional and leadership development.
• Paid training, tuition reimbursement, and credentialing support.
• Data-driven, evidence-based learning and instructional models, including SESI’s own positive behavioral interventions and support (PBIS) framework called CASE.
• An attractive and robust suite of benefits, including comprehensive healthcare benefits, 401(k) with employer match, employee assistance program, mental health support, fertility and family building, and more.
• Smaller class sizes in diverse educational settings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal