Sharon Public Schools Cottage Elementary School Principal - 2025-2026

About Cottage Elementary School

Cottage Elementary School is a thriving, close-knit school community that prides itself on a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and strong relationships between students, staff, and families. As a true neighborhood school, Cottage fosters a warm and engaging learning environment where students feel valued, supported, and challenged. Staff members are dedicated, highly skilled, and deeply invested in student success. The next principal will have the opportunity to build on this strong foundation while leading the school into its next phase of growth and excellence.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Building Principal is responsible for providing instructional leadership to a school community that prides itself on educational excellence and equity through the development and implementation of strong and innovative curricular programs, the planning and provision of high quality professional development, and the development and maintenance of a budget that is fiscally responsible and supports the district’s core values, mission and vision.

The selected candidate will lead with integrity, transparency, and vision, working collaboratively with staff, families, and district leadership to create an environment that supports academic excellence, social-emotional learning, and equity for all students.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of three (3) years experience as a principal/assistant principal or similar leadership experience
• A minimum of five (5) years classroom teaching experience preferably at the elementary level
• Master’s degree or higher required
• Massachusetts DESE certification as Principal/Assistant Principal
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent deems appropriate and acceptable

REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools

SALARY: As per individual contract

WORK YEAR: Full-time

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Instructional Leadership

• Creates and maintains a welcoming and inclusive school climate
• Fosters a creative and innovative learning environment in which all students are inspired to excel and staff are committed to continuous improvement
• Supports a culture where data is used to inform student growth and achievement
• Demonstrates and effectively communicates district priorities and values, including a commitment to equity and high expectations for all students
• Promotes the learning and growth of all students and the success of all staff by cultivating a shared vision, developing and maintaining a healthy school climate, and fostering a positive learning environment
• Utilizes research and knowledge of effective practices to inform instructional decisions
• Works collaboratively with the building-based Student Services Administrator and Director of Student Services to ensure that the special education needs of children are met
• Works collaboratively with Superintendent and Director of DEI/METCO to ensure all students experience a welcoming learning environment and all have access to the educational opportunities offered at the school
• Committed to dismantling systemic barriers for equitable access to opportunities for all students, included but not limited to students of color, LGBTQ students, students with special abilities and disabilities, and other traditionally marginalized populations
• Possesses a strong vision for quality, accessible instruction; understands and values the role technology plays in teaching and learning
• Supervises the school’s educational program and works collaboratively with the school council to develop a school improvement plan with clear, measurable goals
• Promotes the social emotional learning of all students
• Leads staff in implementing positive behavioral supports and intervention strategies using an asset based approach
• Supervises and evaluates staff using performance standards; works to ensure excellence in instruction and ongoing improvement
• Promotes and values a culturally responsive learning environment
• Demonstrates success in the area of implementing/maintaining comprehensive student supports aligned to the needs and interests of all students (MTSS)

Management and Operations

• Seeks to recruits and retain a diverse workforce
• Develops, manages and maintains a school budget that is fiscally responsible and that supports the core values, mission and vision of the school system
• Assumes responsibility for the day to day operation of the school building and grounds and for the development and maintenance of comprehensive school emergency plans
• Leverages schedules, calendars, and use of space to enable student-centered learning
• Builds a master schedule that capitalizes on learning time to support core instruction, intervention, and enrichment
• Oversees the implementation of state assessments within the school as appropriate
• Attends School Committee meetings and other district events as directed by the Superintendent

Family and Community Engagement

• Successfully engages with families through the use of varied modes of communication
• Promotes ongoing positive communication with parents and community partners, effectively involving them in the education of children
• Fosters positive and open communication with parents and other members of the school community
• Establishes strategic partnerships with families and builds teacher and staff capacity to sustain meaningful relationships with families in ways that are culturally responsive

Professional Culture

• Nurtures and sustains a collaborative school culture of reflective practice, high expectations, and continuous learning for staff
• Is a contributing member of the district administrative team
• Works collaboratively with other building and district administrators to promote equity and consistency across the district
• Assists with the curricular review process and actively participates in district teams and committees
• Cultivates teacher leadership opportunities that enable educator voice and meaningful contributions to the work of the school
• Effectively plans regular meetings in order to support professional learning, maintain a healthy culture and foster consistency among all staff members
• Delivers actionable feedback about instruction and other professional practices through written observations and ongoing feedback and the evaluation process
• Demonstrates and models a commitment to continuous learning

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Cover letter detailing their leadership philosophy and vision for Cottage Elementary.
• Current resume highlighting relevant experience.
• Three professional reference letters (including at least two from direct supervisors).

For inquiries, contact Marianne Casano at mcasano@sharonschools.net.

Cottage Elementary School is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its hiring practices.