Elementary School Principal

About Red Barn Schoolhouse

This is a new nature-based, tuition-free, public K-5 elementary charter school located in the Loess Hills of southwestern Iowa, just 15 minutes from the vibrant Council Bluffs/Omaha metro area. The school is set on a 160-acre property featuring prairies, green space and old-growth forests. The location offers abundant opportunities for nature-based and experiential learning. We anticipate opening doors in August 2025

Vision:

To nurture children's curiosity, resilience, joy and compassion and to inspire change-makers of the future. Red Barn Schoolhouse is a collaborative community where children learn through nature and art. This community includes an empowered staff, parents and caregivers who share in the growth of our children. We envision a school that celebrates diversity, promotes innovative and experiential curriculum and generates gratitude for the natural world.

Principal Position Overview

Title: Principal Administrator

Reports To: Governing Board

This is an exempt position

We are welcoming a steward, a guide and a co-creator to apply for the position as Principal of the Red Barn Schoolhouse. Here you'll lead the way in creating a groundbreaking educational experience that blends nature, community and artistic creativity. We employ a year-round calendar and a four-day student week designed to support both deep learning, educator well-being and will shape a school and curriculum that honors seasonal cycles, ecological awareness and outdoor learning. Fridays are dedicated to teacher planning, reflection and professional collaboration, ensuring that educators have the time and space to innovate, document learning and refine their practice. We are searching for an educational leader and storyteller to guide this emergent process and who has the ability to hold both a vision and structure-balancing innovation with organizational leadership. Candidates will need a strong belief in academic excellence as a foundation for lifelong learning and believe that children thrive when they are:

• Seen, heard, and deeply engaged in their own learning journeys.
• Invited into meaningful exploration through nature, art, and inquiry.
• Surrounded by adults who trust their innate curiosity and capabilities.
• Challenged and supported in achieving academic excellence through hands-on, inquiry-driven learning.

If this speaks to you - we invite you to step forward and be part of an exciting and educational journey.

Preferred Education & Experience:

1. Minimum Bachelor's degree in Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction or a related field.
2. Minimum five years of teaching experience.
3. Experience in school leadership, administration, or program development (or an equivalent role where you’ve guided teams through visionary change).
4. Additional certifications preferred.

Preferred Leadership & Management Skills:

1. Ability to hire, mentor, and support teachers, especially in co-teaching models.
2. Self-starter with the ability to lead innovative curriculum and instructional strategies.
3. Experience managing school operations, including budgeting, scheduling, and compliance with state/federal education policies.
4. Support teachers in comprehensive evaluation, including documentation (photos, video, storytelling) to make learning visible and reflective.
5. Strong collaborator with skills in conflict resolution and team-building and a willingness to build a culture of mutual respect among staff and families.
6. Ability to work with boards, parents, and diverse community stakeholders to advance the school’s mission.

Curriculum & Instructional Focuses:

1. Knowledge of nature-, project-, and/or art-based learning methodologies.
2. Ability to facilitate the implementation of an integrated curriculum that aligns with state standards and prioritizes outdoor learning.
3. Understanding of child development and diverse learning needs in outdoor settings.
4. Preference given to familiarity with forest school, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, place-based learning, or emergent curriculum models.

Community & Family Engagement:

1. Strong communication and relationship-building skills with parents, staff, and local partners.
2. Ability to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse school culture.
3. Experience in fundraising, grant writing, or securing resources for outdoor programs.

1. Red Barn Schoolhouse adheres to all non-discriminatory practices as described in Iowa Code.