Elementary School Principal

Department: Elementary Education

FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt): Exempt

Reports to: Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education

In compliance with state and federal laws, newton public schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

SUMMARY: 

The ideal principal for Burr Elementary should embrace and respect the school’s rich diversity—encompassing ethnic, socio-economic, and linguistic variety—while demonstrating strong communication, emotional intelligence, and experience with ELL and special education populations. Key qualities include stability, transparency, collaboration with staff and parents, and advocacy for resources. The candidate should foster a warm, community-centered environment, support and challenge both students and teachers and bring experience in similar educational settings, with a commitment to long-term leadership at Burr.

The Principal is the instructional and operational leader, cultivating a culturally responsive and inclusive school culture to ensure all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.  The Principal ensures the successful implementation of data-driven strategies and instructional practices to promote the growth and well-being of all students.  Additionally, the Principal fosters innovation and a growth-oriented school environment aligned with the vision and mission of Newton Public Schools.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to growth and equity, creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students. The Principal will provide academic leadership and drive continuous improvement in student achievement in ELA and Math through targeted instructional support and effective use of data.

Additionally, the successful candidate will develop and implement instructional strategies that promote a growth-oriented culture, raising students' proficiency levels and ensuring academic progress to meet and exceed district and state benchmarks. to meet and exceed district and state benchmarks.

Qualifications:

• Licensure or eligible for licensure as an Elementary Principal/Assistant Principal by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The applicant hired by the Superintendent must possess proper licensure at the point of formal appointment by the Superintendent.
• At least 5 years of successful classroom teaching experience at the Elementary school level, prior experience as a school Administrator/Principal preferred.
• Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of instruction in the elementary school, state curriculum frameworks, and the development of a standards-based classroom environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in data-driven instruction and a proven track record of raising student achievement.
• Strong instructional leader with experience in curriculum development, assessment, and classroom management.
• Effective communicator, able to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Understand the dynamics of elementary school organization and management. Has experience and educational background in professional development programs for a learning organization and teacher supervision and evaluation.
• Able to demonstrate strong knowledge of learning theories and application of them; proven successful experience in improving student achievement.
• Willing to learn and collaborate with administrator colleagues and interested in system-wide issues.
• Commitment to and experience leading equity initiatives focused on race, disability, class, and gender.
• Minimum of Master's degree from an accredited college or university; Advanced degree preferred.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participates and maintains an effective and culturally responsive learning environment among the entire school community (faculty, staff, support personnel, students, etc). Leads administrative teams in the school to support culturally responsive teaching and high achievement for all students.
• Lead the development of professional learning communities focused on best instructional practices in literacy and numeracy to create continuous improvement and equitable academic and social-emotional outcomes for all students.
• Lead the development and execution of school-wide strategies aligned with district goals to achieve continuous improvement in academic and social-emotional outcomes for all students.
• Analyze and use student performance data to identify trends, adjust instructional approaches, and monitor progress toward school-wide growth targets.
• Implement and sustain tiered systems of support to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of a diverse student population, ensuring equitable access to resources and interventions.
• Promotes educational equity and closing achievement gaps.
• Ensure collaborative planning time for teachers to align instructional practices and improve student learning outcomes.
• Sets clear expectations for staff and provides ongoing feedback, evaluations, advice, counseling, and support to all staff members regarding their individual and group performance.
• Works with central administration to address school challenges related to student learning, family engagement, attendance, operational needs, and other issues that arise.
• Initiates, facilitates, designs, and implements programs and scheduling to meet student needs.
• Attends school-sponsored activities, functions, and special events to recognize student achievement.
• Maintains a clear and open communication process with the internal and external school community. Keeps the school population informed of policy changes, new programs, opportunities, etc.
• Acts as a liaison between the school and the local community, encouraging the community to participate in the educational process as part of the overall school life.
• Keeps updated on changes and developments in the profession by attending professional meetings, reading professional journals and other publications, and discussing contemporary issues with colleagues.
• Together with central office staff, coordinates and supervises support functions such as maintenance, security, food services, recreational programs, library activities, financial/budgeting, accounting functions, etc.
• Consistent, reliable, and punctual attendance is essential.
• Implement professional development that equips teachers with strategies for effectively using data in classroom instruction.
• Monitor progress towards school-wide growth targets in ELA and Math, making real-time adjustments to meet goals.
• Responsible for implementing “other job-related duties” as needed.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Work Environment:

This position is in a typical school and office setting.  Some bending, reaching, lifting may be required.  May be responsible for diffusing difficult situations including student restraint.  Transportation is required.