School Leader

Copper Island Academy•Calumet, MI

About The Position

Copper Island Academy is seeking a School Leader to join our outstanding educational team beginning in the 2026-27 school year. Organization Overview Copper Island Academy, nestled in the scenic Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan, is a K-11 public school academy dedicated to equipping all students with the skills needed for college, career, and life success. We blend the proven strengths of Finnish educational practices with core American values, creating a dynamic environment that fosters lifelong learning and personal growth. Position Overview We are searching for a passionate and visionary School Leader to become a vital part of our team and growing school community. The ideal candidate will champion our Finnish-inspired instructional model, coordinate special education services, strengthen behavioral and social-emotional learning (SEL) supports, and actively contribute to strategic leadership and decision-making that drives continuous improvement and student success. The position has an anticipated start date of August 3, 2026. If you are a visionary leader, passionate about Finnish-inspired education, highly effective instructional practices, eager to provide expert coordination of special education services, drive meaningful behavioral and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives, actively shape strategic decisions as part of the leadership team, and build strong community connections that enrich student learning, we invite you to apply for this rewarding School Leader role at Copper Island Academy.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Education, Special Education, or a related field.
Experience teaching at the K-12 level; 6-12 experience preferred.
Valid Michigan school administrator certification (or eligibility to obtain one).
Demonstrated experience in leadership and/or administrative roles, including oversight of instructional programs, special education, and student support services.
Strong familiarity with Finnish education practices and a commitment to integrating them school-wide alongside highly effective instructional strategies.
Knowledge of special education laws, behavioral intervention frameworks, PBIS, and SEL programs.
Exceptional leadership, communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
A deep commitment to creating an engaging and joy-filled school culture.

Responsibilities

Instructional Model Support: Provide leadership for the school’s instructional model by integrating Finnish educational practices and highly effective, research-based instructional strategies across all classrooms.
Coach and support teachers in designing differentiated, student-centered lessons that promote critical thinking, independence, and real-world application.
Special Education Coordination: Oversee and coordinate special education and related programs, ensuring full compliance with IEPs, 504 plans, and federal/state regulations.
Collaborate with special education staff, general education teachers, paraprofessionals, ISD personnel, families, and students to coordinate and implement supports and services that meet diverse student needs.
Behavioral and SEL Support: Lead school-wide behavioral management systems and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives to foster a positive, supportive school climate.
Provide training, coaching, and resources to staff on effective classroom management practices, restorative approaches, and strategies that build student ownership, resilience, and emotional well-being.
Leadership Team Involvement: Serve as an active member of the school’s leadership team, participating in strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and policy development.
Contribute to long-term visioning, goal setting, and continuous improvement efforts that align with the academy’s mission and values.
Community Engagement and Real-World Connections: Build and strengthen partnerships with families, businesses, and community organizations to enrich student learning experiences.
Support school-wide initiatives such as service projects and civic engagement that connect classroom learning to the local community.
Collaboration and Professional Development: Work closely with teachers, staff, and the leadership team to maintain a collaborative, supportive school culture.
Lead or participate in ongoing professional learning to advance