Assistant Principal

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are canonically obedient to the Bishop and assist him in fulfilling his ministry and canonical obligations. Pastors, presidents, and principals serve as leaders of the schools to make Christ’s mission present and enduring in the schools. In order to fulfill Christ’s mission, the school leaders employ suitable, chosen collaborators, sharing with them Christ’s mission and entrusting to them various responsibilities.

Positions employed in this School help to extend the ministry of the school leaders in particular ways as outlined in the job description. The employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the school leaders in the performance of their ministry and, therefore, engages in ministry for the Church.

The Assistant Principal fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by working with the principal in the management of the school, faculty, staff, and students with major emphasis on curriculum and instruction, as well as student discipline. This position reports to and is evaluated by the principal.

Essential Duties

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school.
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Supports and adheres to the Standards of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school.
• Supports and assists with the responsibilities of the principal.
• Serves as the principal in the principal’s absence, as directed by the principal.
• Assists in the general administration of the school.
• Collaborates with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning.
• Oversees faculty and staff committees, as assigned.
• Reviews lesson plans and curriculum plans.
• Observes instruction during classroom walk-throughs and provides feedback.
• Works with the principal to review and update handbooks.
• Helps to develop and implement a school discipline plan that communicates expectations.
• Enforces school policies.
• Carries out the disciplinary policies and behavior programs of the school.
• Monitors daily attendance and tardies, implementing school guidelines and consequences.
• Generates reports regarding disciplinary concerns, absences and tardies and shares the information quarterly with the principal.
• Works collaboratively with the Counselor and Learning Support Coordinator in addressing issues which may be affecting student behavior.
• Makes decisions in consultation with the principal and others regarding the general safety of the students and orderly use of the building.
• Orients students, faculty and staff about appropriate behavior in hallways, bathrooms, classrooms, parking lots, athletic fields and school.
• Assists with the implementation of the Emergency Management Plan.
• Works in conjunction with the Principal and President when dealing with the local police or issues of serious concern to the community.
• Organizes the annual faculty duty schedules, in collaboration with the administration team.
• Collaborates with Learning Support Coordinator in developing, documenting and implementing individual student support plans.
• Supports the communication, training, and supervision of the faculty and staff.
• Collaborates with the Principal to offer professional development for teachers and staff that enhances their knowledge and skills in dealing effectively and respectfully with students.
• Assists in planning for staff development, curriculum, educational textbooks and materials, and student assessment.
• Provides direct supervision of school sponsored activities, during and outside of the regular school day.
• Maintains a visible presence in the school, especially upon arrival/dismissal, class changes, lunch periods.
• Other duties as assigned by the principal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of subjects taught, instructional methods and strategies, and curriculum differentiation.
• Knowledge of child development, learning, and behavior.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously and following directions.
• Skill in pacing and differentiating instruction.
• Skill in motivating and engaging students in the learning process.
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format.
• Skill in using job-appropriate technology.
• Skill in critical thinking and planning.
• Skill in demonstrating professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits.
• Skill in collaborating with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school matters.
• Ability to manage student behavior in classroom setting.
• Ability to maintain current and accurate records according to school policy
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form.
• Ability to work well with others in the school community.
• Ability to conference with parents upon request and respond to messages in a timely manner.
• Ability to respond to individual learning needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited American university or equivalent in a foreign country.
• Successful completion of or currently pursuing 18 credit hours in educational administration and supervision courses; may substitute a valid, appropriate state certificate for a principal or successful completion of an appropriate state certification examination.
• Master’s degree from an accredited American university or equivalent in a foreign country.
• One degree must be in education.

Catholic Requirement:

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with a commitment to ongoing formation in catechetical and spiritual leadership development.

Certifications and Training:

• Valid Texas driver’s license
• Meets TCCB ED Educational Personnel Requirements appropriate to educational assignment.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.
• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in theology or religious studies from a Catholic University or completion of Religion Certification Part 1 within two years of the date of hire, (completing a minimum of 25 hours within the first year).

Preferred Experience

• Has successful teaching experience.
• Has successful experience as an educational administrator or level coordinator.