Principal (Pool) SY 25-26

WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS!

At IPS, we believe in the transformative power of education. We work collectively every day to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in life by providing equitable, high-quality educational experiences across our family of schools. IPS is a place to make an impact, grow your career, and ensure every student has access to a high quality education, all while earning a good living in a district on the move. While the work is challenging, it is deeply meaningful and impactful. We seek innovators and trailblazers who bring varying experiences and expertise and share our belief that every child deserves access to an exceptional education. As part of TeamIPS, you’ll create lasting connections, find a sense of belonging, and feel supported to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

In return, no matter your role here, we expect a commitment to excellence and accountability. You’ll be held to high standards. Resilience and passion are key—you must be adaptable, handling adversity with flexibility while putting students at the heart of everything you do. Ethical conduct, clear communication, and mutual respect are fundamental. Being a dependable, collaborative team player who builds meaningful relationships is essential.

Together, we are Proving What’s Possible by building a community where everyone belongs and each student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

View this video to learn more about the selection process for leadership opportunities in IPS.

A LEADERSHIP CAREER IN IPS OFFERS:

Purpose and Impact:

• Students and Educators First: Leadership in IPS provides a unique opportunity to support both students and educators. Leaders set the tone for high expectations, fostering an environment where every student and staff member can thrive.
• Driving Change: Leaders in IPS play a critical role in shaping policies, practices, and a culture that ensures every student and staff member has the opportunity to succeed. You’ll help implement strategies that strengthen learning environments, support educators, and foster continuous improvement across our schools.

Professional and Personal Growth:

• Developing Leadership Excellence: IPS invests in leaders through professional development, executive coaching, and access to a robust leadership network, ensuring you have the tools to grow and succeed.
• Pathways for Advancement: Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned administrator, IPS offers clear pathways for career advancement in school and district leadership.

Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive Leadership Salaries: IPS provides highly competitive compensation packages, ensuring our leaders are recognized and rewarded for their expertise and contributions.
• Retirement and Financial Support: Leaders can benefit from IPS’s robust retirement plans and federal loan forgiveness programs designed for public sector employees.

Work-Life Balance and Well-being:

• Wellness and Support Services: IPS prioritizes leader well-being with access to comprehensive health insurance, wellness initiatives, and leadership-specific support networks.
• Generous Leave Policies: Leaders receive flexible leave options to maintain a healthy work-life balance, including sick leave, personal days, and additional wellness leave.

WHAT WE EXPECT:

Commitment to Excellence:

• High Standards: Strive for the very best in all you do, maintaining high standards for yourself, your students, and your colleagues. Embrace lifelong learning and adapt to new teaching methods and challenges.
• Access to High Quality Education for All: IPS is deeply committed to providing all students with the opportunities and resources needed to succeed. We do this by “walking the walk” on new policies and practices, cultivating a diverse and welcoming school community, and maintaining a culture of respect and high expectations.

Resilience and Passion:

• Dedication to Students: Put students at the heart of your work. Be passionate about their success and well-being.
• Adaptability: Handle adversity with resilience and flexibility. Be prepared for a dynamic work environment.

Professional Integrity:

• Ethical Conduct: Uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Act responsibly and respectfully toward all individuals, communicate with candor and care.
• Team Player: Be dependable, punctual, and collaborative, contributing positively to our supportive work environment.

JOIN US!

Indianapolis Public Schools is more than a workplace; it’s a community where purpose, impact, and belonging come together to help Prove What’s Possible – in your career and in your school. If you’re ready to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and make a meaningful impact, IPS is the place for you.

SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY:

As a principal in Indianapolis Public Schools, you will lead with vision and integrity to create a thriving school community where students excel, educators are empowered, and families are engaged. You will serve as the instructional and organizational leader, driving the execution of a school-wide improvement plan and fostering a culture of high expectations, equity, and continuous growth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• You will champion student achievement by setting and executing a strategic vision for instructional excellence, narrowing opportunity gaps, and ensuring measurable progress on district and school-level goals.
• You will manage and develop a high-performing team by supervising and evaluating staff, modeling professionalism, and creating structures that support collaboration, trust, and professional learning.
• You will steward resources effectively by aligning financial, physical, and human capital to support instructional priorities and a safe, engaging school environment.
• You will act as the school’s lead communicator and advocate—building strong relationships with families, staff, and community partners to ensure transparency, shared ownership, and responsiveness to stakeholder needs.
• You will maintain compliance with local, state, and federal laws, and ensure alignment with district policies and the school’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP).
• You will uphold the legal and ethical integrity of the school by modeling district standards and fostering a culture where every student has access to an inclusive, rigorous academic experience.
• You will be entrusted with fostering a safe and welcoming school culture that supports student well-being, upholds discipline policies with fairness, and promotes mutual respect throughout the school community.

Ultimately, your leadership will be pivotal in cultivating a school environment where every student is known, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential. The Principal is responsible for the instructional and organizational leadership of one of our K-12 schools. This role serves as the school's advocate and works with all stakeholders to create a common vision for the school that best positions the school for success and engages students and their community. The principal also works with others to develop and execute a school improvement plan and allocates resources to continually improve student achievement. The principal is also committed to building a talented team to create a safe, engaging learning environment.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicable Indiana Administration and Supervision license.
• Master's degree.
• A minimum of three years' teaching experience and experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity*.
• While exceptions may exist, successful candidates typically have served as an assistant principal or in a comparable leadership position prior to being hired as a principal in Indianapolis Public Schools.

FLSA CLASSIFICATION:

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR REMOTE WORK:

Not eligible

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

EEOC STATEMENT:

Indianapolis Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, will not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, homelessness or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Indianapolis Public Schools does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

DISCLAIMER:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This job description is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive list of all essential functions and duties performed by the occupant of this position. Factors such as regular and punctual attendance are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function.