Assistant Principal for Teaching & Learning - Portsmouth Middle School

PORTSMOUTH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 29 Middle Road Portsmouth, Rhode Island 02871 JOB TITLE: Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning - Portsmouth Middle School CLASSIFICATION: Administrative - FLSA Exempt REPORTS TO: Principal SUPERVISES: Teaching staff and paraprofessionals, other professional staff, all non-professional school staff, and other resource and service personnel while functioning in the assigned school. POSITION SUMMARY: The Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning is a 212-day position, with additional days as needed at the discretion of the Superintendent. This leadership role is centered on instructional excellence and the continuous improvement of teaching and learning across the middle school. The Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning will work closely with the Principal to support all aspects of school operations, with a strong focus on building a collaborative, student-centered, data-driven learning environment. Key responsibilities include supporting professional learning communities, guiding curriculum development, supervising and evaluating staff, and implementing instructional practices aligned with the district’s strategic plan. The Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning plays a vital role in fostering a culture of high expectations, equity, and continuous growth for both students and staff. This includes coaching teachers in academic interventions and social and emotional learning practices, contributing to Response to Intervention (RtI) systems, and supporting Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Restorative Practices, and Safety Care. Additional responsibilities include participation in leadership, data, and school improvement teams; collaboration with district committees; recruitment and onboarding of staff; facilitation of professional development; and serving as a visible, supportive, and inspiring presence in the school community. The Assistant Principal will serve as a role model and partner in ensuring academic success and well-being for all students. EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIRED: 1. Master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, with coursework in educational administration, supervision, and curriculum development. 2. Valid Rhode Island Department of Education certification in a K–12 field, or in K–6 or 7–12 with a middle school endorsement. 3. Valid RIDE certification as a school principal or assistant principal is required. 4. A minimum of five years of successful middle or high school teaching experience, preferably in a core content area, with demonstrated teacher leadership roles such as mentoring, curriculum development, or leading professional learning communities. 5. Training—or a demonstrated willingness to complete training—in Safety Care, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Restorative Practices, and/or Social Emotional Learning (SEL). 6. Other qualifications as deemed appropriate and acceptable by the School Committee. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1. Support the creation of an optimal learning environment and foster professional learning communities within the school. 2. Assist in developing and implementing a comprehensive program for evaluating and improving instruction to maximize student learning outcomes. 3. Ensure that the school’s educational philosophy aligns with best practices and supports the district’s strategic plan. 4. Assist in the recruitment, selection, and assignment of staff in alignment with district policies and procedures. 5. Support the evaluation and supervision of staff, including the development and implementation of intensive assistance plans as needed. 6. Collaborate with teachers, grade-level liaisons, instructional coaches, and building/district leaders to oversee and support curriculum development at the middle school level. 7. Serve as an active member of the building leadership team, data team, school improvement team, and other designated teams. 8. Participate in relevant district-level committees to contribute to broader educational initiatives. 9. Engage in school-based committees as recommended by the principal to support continuous improvement. 10. Communicate effectively with students, families, teachers, building leaders, and support staff to promote academic success for all learners. 11. Provide coaching and support to teachers in advancing their goals related to social and emotional learning. 12. Maintain a clear vision and purpose, holding high expectations centered on student achievement. 13. Plan and facilitate whole-staff professional development sessions as needed. 14. Model professionalism, integrity, and visibility, serving as a supportive and approachable leader. 15. Inspire, motivate, and empower staff to strive for excellence in all aspects of their work. 16. In collaboration with the Deputy Superintendent, support curriculum selection, professional development, and supervision at the building level. 17. Attend all state testing trainings, train faculty/staff, and conduct the administration of the state testing system at the middle school. 18. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Principal or Superintendent. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands 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 enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to hear and speak at sufficient levels to include making presentations and exchanging information in person and on the telephone, communicate so others will be able to clearly understand conversation, dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and manipulate paper, see to read, prepare documents and reports, and to observe students, be able to meet multiple demands from several people and meet deadlines with severe time constraints, sit or stand for extended periods of time, in both indoor and outdoor environments, and possible running in order to maintain a safe learning environment, stamina to work irregular or extended hours to include a full day and then attending meetings or supervising evening events, work at a desk, conference table, small student classroom table, or in meetings in various configurations, kneel, bend at the waist, and reach overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally, lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling moderately heavy objects. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in this environment may be loud, depending upon the activity in the particular part of the day and location. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: The work year shall consist of 212 days; i.e., the 184 days that school is in session plus twenty-eight (28) additional days as determined by the Principal subject to the review and approval of the Superintendent. Administrative contract with salary and benefits defined by the Portsmouth School Committee EVALUATION: Performance will be evaluated annually by the Middle School Principal in accordance with the provisions and procedures established in the District Administrators Evaluation Guidelines. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS STANDARDS: Demonstrated proficiency with PC-based computer applications, Google Suite, Microsoft Office applications, email, Web applications, and industry-specific technology.