Principal

Smoky Mountain Children's Home, a faith-based non-profit organization, is seeking a Principal to serve the Alpha Education Learning Center at the Sevierville, Tennessee Campus. In this role, you will be in a position to make a positive difference in the lives of at-risk youth. You will join a team of dedicated individuals who oversee all aspects of welfare for an assigned caseload of at-risk youth. 

At Smoky Mountain Children's Home, our mission is critical and our quality of care is only as good as our people. That is why we are committed to excellence in building a talented and diverse team of passionate people who will leave a legacy in the lives of youth for whom they are responsible. Read on and learn more about this exciting opportunity to join our team of child welfare advocates.

Summary

The school Principal is the driving force behind transforming the lives of at-risk youth, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and support systems needed to overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential. This role requires a unique blend of educational expertise, administrative skills, and a deep commitment to supporting the needs of at-risk students. The Principal oversees all aspects of the school's operations, from curriculum development and staff management to fostering a nurturing, inclusive environment conducive to the specialized needs (including special education needs) of the student population. The principal manages the overall academic milieu using evidence-based resources from a trauma-informed approach.

Functions and Responsibilities 

• Provides strategic vision and leadership for the school, promoting a culture of excellence and inclusion in alignment with the overall vision for the residential program and SMCH. 
• Trains and supervises all AELC staff with the trauma-informed evidence-based model of care in collaboration with the Residential Director.
• Provides direct monitoring of teachers/students to ensure students are provided with regular prompts, adequate supervision, tutoring support, teacher engagement, and other types of support for an at-risk special education setting. 
• Conducts direct classroom monitoring. 
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the school, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations and painting student-to-teacher ratio reports. 
• Oversees the documentation of student progress (i.e. credits, transcripts, intervention notes, report cards, IEPs, and other educational records).
• Monitors and assesses the effectiveness of instructional practices and programs, making necessary adjustments for improvement.
• Works with the Sevier County School Liaison to access community and educational resources outside of AELC that may be utilized to help AELC students achieve success. 
• Coordinates educational meetings to discuss student performance and placement. For example, 21/20 meetings, CFTM meetings to review educational progress, interventions, open house, parent/professional-teacher meetings, etc.
• Maintains all required forms and student records including attendance, grading, enrollment, behavioral, and special education records. 
•  Directly supervises educational employees and conducts supervisory-related services such as approving time-off and managing time cards. 
• Provides one-on-one supervision meetings for teachers per protocol and documentation standards.
• Conducts regular education team meetings for staff and participates in teacher development by identifying prudent training. 
• Conducts stand-up instruction and monitors stand-up instruction as needed.
• Makes regular efforts to support the growth and development of the school milieu to be predisposed as an innovative academic entity toward educating at-risk young people. 
• Oversees all State Department of Education and DCS inspections and maintains licensing standards in collaboration with the AELC Special Education Director and Residential Director. 
• Attends in-service workshops and professional conferences as required or as needed to maintain professional teacher certification in TN. 
• Adequately supports the year-round school calendar at SMCH making responsible accommodations for all youth in care, providing adequate planning to support an active and educational summer program and programming during other public school breaks.
• Coordinates the involvement of parents and guardians in school meetings. Schedules/coordinates at least one open house in the fall and one open house in the spring/summer. Coordinates at least one team/teacher conference per 9-week grading period. 
• Oversees all interventions and monitors necessary communication related to interventions. 

Qualifications 

• Must have at minimum a regionally accredited bachelor's degree. 
• Must be a certified teacher in the state of Tennessee in Secondary Education.
• Must have taught in public schools and/or private schools for a combined period of at least 5 years. 
• Must possess a thorough understanding of individualized learning plans, assistive technologies, and evidence-based instructional methodologies that support students.
• Must be able to collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of teachers, counselors, therapists, and community stakeholders, collaborating to provide a holistic, wrap-around approach to student success. 
• Must be an inspirational leader, capable of empowering staff, engaging families, and instilling a culture of care, empathy, and high expectations for a driven and innovative educational setting. 
• Must be coachable and willing to work as a team with supportive leadership qualities. 
• Must be able to pass a drug test and extensive background checks.
• Must be physically capable of performing all job duties, including but not limited to sitting, standing, climbing stairs, and lifting up to 20lbs. 
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. 

Reporting Chain 

The Principal reports directly to the Residential Director.

Physical Requirements

• Climbing stairs - 5%
• Walking - 10%
• Standing - 10%
• Sitting - 75%
• Indoor - 90%
• Outdoor - 10%
• Lifting up to 20lbs.

Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience.

Why Smoky Mountain Children's Home?

For more than 100 years, Smoky Mountain Children's Home has been meeting the needs of at-risk youth. We provide exceptional care for at-risk children and teens through our Residential, Foster Care, and Adoption programs. Through family counseling, individual therapy, educational opportunities and structured group living, the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home provides a continuum of care tailored to each resident's need. Creating a safe and supportive environment allows residents to discover their talents and build on their strengths. This is accomplished by the excellent care of a trained staff and provides each resident the opportunity to overcome the circumstances of their past while exploring a world of opportunity for their future.

*Degree must be from a school accredited by an agency recognized by the Secretary of Education of the U.S. Department of Education or equivalent program from an international university.

*Smoky Mountain Children's Home does not provide any form of sponsorship to applicants not authorized to work in the US.

Smoky Mountain Children's Home is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.