Middle School Principal

Job Title: Middle School Principal
Location: Gilbert Middle School-Gilbert, Iowa

Employment Status: Salary-230 Days FLSA Status-Exempt

Reports to: Superintendent and Gilbert CSD School Board

Position Purpose

The Middle School Principal provides visionary and courageous leadership to ensure a student-centered learning environment where all students and staff members thrive. The Middle School Principal works with the superintendent, principals, and other district leaders to provide leadership and supervision in administering the educational program of Gilbert Middle School. This leader will foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and high expectations for learning, aligning with the district’s vision and mission of Every Student, Every Day. The principal will champion the development of middle school students, support teacher growth, and work collaboratively with district and building leaders to ensure success at all levels. This leader will work in accordance with the Board of Education policies, and procedures. As the instructional leader, the principal will lead professional development opportunities with the highly trained staff and continue to keep the bar high for ongoing student success.

Qualifications Profile-Certification/License:

• Iowa BoEE Professional Administrator License with a PK-12 Endorsement

• Bachelors and Masters Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in School Administration or other education-related field

• Valid Evaluator Endorsement

• A minimum of five years of successful teaching experience

Experience

• Successful administrative experience at the Middle School level is preferred.

• Successful teaching experience at the Middle School level is preferred

• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership or related field.

• Valid Iowa Administrator License or ability to obtain.

• Experience as a school administrator is preferred, particularly in a middle school setting.

• Experience with Standards-Based Grading (SBG) and Covey’s Essential Habits is strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to lead a high-performing school community with integrity, vision, and passion for student success.

Essential Functions

• Establish and maintain a student-focused culture that promotes academic excellence, social-emotional development, and leadership opportunities for all students.

• Demonstrate courageous leadership in decision-making, advocating for student success while maintaining high expectations for teaching and learning.

• Have knowledge of Standards-Based Grading (SBG)

• Have knowledge and understanding of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Covey’s Essential Habits, and can oversee the implementation of the schoolwide initiative to enhance student leadership opportunities

• Foster a collaborative professional learning community (PLC) that empowers teachers to implement best instructional practices and meet the needs of all middle school students.

• Partner with fellow building leaders to create a cohesive, district-wide vision of success, ensuring each school shines as part of a unified, high-performing district.

• Engage with families, staff, and the broader community to build strong relationships and ensure a welcoming, inclusive school environment.

• Supervise and evaluate staff to promote continuous professional growth and instructional excellence.

• Implement and monitor school initiatives in alignment with district goals and state standards.

• Utilize data-driven decision-making to enhance student learning outcomes and drive continuous improvement.

• Effectively manage school operations, including scheduling, budgeting, and student discipline, while fostering a positive school culture.

• Develops and administers school programs consistent with school district goals and objectives.

• Provides leadership and direction to staff with regard to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of educational programs, including curricular and extra-curricular activities.

• Promotes a school environment that is safe and conducive to individualized instruction, cooperative curriculum development, and student learning.

• Ensures that Board policies and procedures are implemented and followed at the school.

• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, or professional meetings, or by conducting research.

• Encourages staff to continue to grow professionally.

• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and reporting for all student activities, attendance, and records as required by law.

• Coordinates the work of school staff and school district program leaders to develop and implement instructional programs and teaching practices.

• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and works with teaching staff to modify instructional methods to fit students' needs, including students with special needs.

• Coordinates with the central office in the recruitment and selection of employees, the proper maintenance of employee personnel files, the administration of collective bargaining agreements, corrective action, and other human resource issues.

• Organizes and conducts regular meetings with teachers for continuing development of instructional techniques.

• Involves staff in the evaluation of programs and the planning of new programs.

• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep understanding of adolescent development and a passion for middle school students and their unique needs.

• Strong knowledge of Standards-Based Grading (SBG) and experience leading its implementation.

• Strong knowledge with The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and ability to integrate these essential leadership habits into school culture.

• Proven ability to create a collaborative school culture where teachers and staff work together to ensure student success.

• Capacity to build strong relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members.

• Commitment to fostering a high-expectations learning environment where all students are challenged and supported.

• Courageous and strategic leadership skills, with the ability to make data-informed decisions.

• Ability to balance school-level autonomy with district-wide collaboration, contributing to a unified vision while celebrating individual school achievements.

• Strong communication and problem-solving skills to navigate the complexities of middle school

• Strong knowledge in instructional leadership, assessment, and curriculum development.

• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiates instruction based upon student learning styles.

• Knowledge of Middle school curriculum and concepts.

• Knowledge of best practices in administration, program evaluation, and staff supervision.

• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis, and the formulation of action plans.

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education.

• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.

• Ability to develop and implement projects.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.

• Ability to organize multiple tasks and conflicting time constraints.

• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to leadership, performance, and professional growth.

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Additional Duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Superintendent and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

Works in standard office and school building environments.

Why Join The Gilbert Community School District?