Good Shepherd Principal

General Summary of the Position 

The principal fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by serving as the spiritual, educational, and managerial leader of the school.  The principal is charged with the implementation of the philosophy, mission, objectives, and the overall management of the school.  The principal is responsible for the professional effectiveness of the staff, the educational progress of the students, as well as the relationship within the entire school community.   

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Position 

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school 

• Acts as a witness to the Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church 

• Develops a school climate reflecting Catholic identity 

• Supports and adheres to the teachings of the Catholic Church, Code of Conduct, and policies and procedures of the Diocese 

• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters 

• Communicates effectively with students, parents, and other professionals 

• Identifies and effects needed change for school improvement 

• Ensures the implementation of a comprehensive curriculum through the use of a variety of pedagogical strategies 

• Supervises instruction and evaluates the overall effectiveness of the academic program 

• Ensures that the religious instruction of students meets the guidelines set forth by the Diocese 

• Promotes Catholic identity within the school through liturgical celebrations, faith development, integration of Gospel values, and the practice of Christian service 

• Oversees ongoing orientation and staff development in both educational and faith development of faculty and staff 

• Maintains the accreditation of the school according to TCCED standards 

• Oversees the certification of religion teachers according to diocesan policy 

• Responsible for the annual school budget and supervises all expenditures  

• Oversees development goals and activities and seeks resources and support beyond the school 

• Works effectively with the board to establish goals for school effectiveness 

• Hires, supervises, evaluates, and terminates all faculty and staff according to diocesan guidelines 

• Fosters collaboration between parish(es), pastor(s), and the school 

• Maintains current and accurate records according to diocesan and school policy 

• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits 

• Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students and staff 

• Provides for an orderly school environment and promotes student self-discipline  

• Develops faculty and student/parent handbooks in accordance with diocesan guidelines 

• Completes and submits all official forms required by the Diocesan Catholic Schools Office, Texas Catholic Conference Education Department, and other public agencies 

• Implements and reviews long-range strategic planning 

• Promotes healthy staff morale and professionalism 

• Participates in professional development, including diocesan principal meetings and in-services 

• Establishes and implements technology goals for the school 

• Other duties as assigned 

• Abide by all policies as outlined in the Catholic Schools Office Handbook of Policies and Procedures for Elementary and Secondary Schools 

Position Requirements 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church  

• Knowledge of instructional methods/strategies and curriculum differentiation 

• Knowledge of child and adolescent development, learning, and behavior 

• Knowledge of the content and the methods of religious education 

• Knowledge of effective assessment methods 

• Able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form 

• Able to work well with others in the school community 

• Able to work independently and self-motivate 

• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously  

• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format 

• Skill in job appropriate technology  

• Skill in critical thinking and planning 

• Skill in managing conflicts effectively 

• Skill in organizational management and delegation of responsibilities 

• Skill in using group process skills effectively with various school communities 

Education and Experience:  

• Master’s degree and 18 credit hours in educational administration and supervision courses* or a valid state certificate administrator certificate 

• 3 years of teaching experience in a Catholic school (required) 

• 3 years of administrative experience in a Catholic school (preferred) 

Special Requirements:  

• The principal/head of school must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with a commitment to ongoing formation in catechetical and spiritual leadership development as defined by and monitored by the local ordinary and superintendent. 

• Required to work some nights and weekends 

• Required to manage high to moderate levels of stress 

• Required to work a full school day 

• Required to work in standard school and office conditions 

 This position requires a Pre-Employment Declaration. Download the form now to attach to your application. 

Pre Employment Affidavit

Physical Requirements Specific to the Job: 

 N/A  

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position. The duties and responsibilities of the position may be changed at the sole discretion of the employer.  

Employer reserves the right to modify this job description without notice to the employee. This job description is not a contract and does not alter the employee’s at-will employment status.  

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted until the successful candidate is found.  Prospective candidates are required to be a practicing Catholic and possess a master's degree in educational leadership or its equivalent.  Please send the following material in PDR documents to the search consultants:

• Resume.
• Statement of educational philosophy.
• List of five references (four professional and one personal) with email and phone contact information as well as a statement regarding the relationship to the applicant.
• Additional letters of reference are accepted but not required.

If interested in this position, contact The Education Group consultants:

Mary Beth Marchiony

marybeth@educationgroup.com

785-840-4995

or

Allison Lorimer

allison@educationgroup.com

214-587-3694