What are the responsibilities and job description for the Middle School Principal position at Dedham Middle School?
Position Summary:
The Middle School Principal is the instructional leader and administrative head of the school, responsible for creating and maintaining a positive and effective learning environment. This individual will lead a collaborative team of educators, staff, and families to ensure high levels of student achievement and well-being. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with a strong commitment to instructional excellence, collaborative leadership, and data-driven decision-making.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Instructional Leadership:
- Develop and implement a school-wide vision for teaching and learning that aligns with district goals and best practices.
- Lead the implementation of a rigorous and relevant curriculum that meets the diverse needs of all students.
- Provide instructional coaching and support to teachers, focusing on effective teaching strategies, data analysis, and student engagement.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement by analyzing student achievement data and implementing targeted interventions.
- Observe and evaluate classroom instruction, providing constructive feedback to teachers for professional growth.
- Stay current with educational research and best practices (including effective scheduling), and facilitate professional development opportunities for staff.
- Ensure the effective use of technology to enhance teaching and learning.
Collaborative Leadership:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with students, staff, families, and the community.
- Foster a collaborative and supportive school culture where all stakeholders feel valued and respected.
- Lead and facilitate collaborative teams, including grade-level teams, department teams, and school leadership teams.
- Promote effective communication and collaboration among all members of the school community.
- Engage families as partners in their children's education through regular communication and involvement opportunities.
- Work collaboratively and vertically with school and district administrators and support staff to ensure smooth transitions for students from one grade to the next.
- Establish and maintain positive relationships with community organizations to enhance school programs and resources.
School Management and Administration:
- Manage the school's budget, ensuring the effective allocation of resources to support student learning.
- Oversee the implementation of school policies and procedures, ensuring a safe and orderly learning environment.
- Supervise and evaluate all school staff, providing leadership and support for their professional growth.
- Manage student discipline and attendance, ensuring a fair and consistent approach.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
- Oversee the maintenance and operation of the school facility.
Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Educational Administration or a related field.
- Valid MA Principal Certification.
- Demonstrated experience in instructional leadership and school improvement.
- Proven ability to lead and facilitate collaborative teams.
- Strong understanding of middle school curriculum and best practices.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Ability to analyze data and use it to inform decision-making.
- Demonstrated knowledge of effective behavior management and student support systems.