Principal, Summit Academy

Position Title: Principal, Summit Academy
Location: Summit Academy, 21 Mattoon Amherst , Massachusetts
Reports To: Superintendent
Work Year: Full-Time, Full-Year (12-Month Position, Committee Action) 

Position Overview:

Summit Academy is a Public Day School in Massachusetts dedicated to serving students with specialized educational needs. The Principal of Summit Academy provides instructional leadership, operational oversight, and a strong vision for fostering an inclusive, student-centered learning environment. This is a full-time, full-year position responsible for ensuring high-quality education, compliance with state and federal regulations, and a collaborative school culture that supports students, staff, and families. 

Key Responsibilities:

Instructional Leadership & Student Support

• Provide leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum and instructional practices tailored to the needs of students with specialized learning requirements.
• Ensure that educational programs comply with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and align with state and federal special education regulations.
• Promote a culture of high expectations, inclusion, and evidence-based instructional strategies.
• Use data-driven decision-making to improve student outcomes and guide instructional improvements.

Operational & Administrative Oversight

• Oversee daily school operations, ensuring a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.
• Develop and manage the school’s budget in collaboration with district leadership, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Supervise the hiring, training, and evaluation of faculty and staff, fostering professional growth and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regulations and district policies.

Staff Leadership & Professional Development

• Provide leadership and support to teachers, therapists, and support staff to ensure effective instruction and student services.
• Facilitate ongoing professional development opportunities for staff in areas such as trauma-informed practices, behavioral interventions, and inclusive instructional strategies.
• Encourage collaboration among educators, support staff, and specialists to enhance student success.

Family & Community Engagement

• Establish strong communication channels with families, fostering trust and collaboration to support student learning and development.
• Work with community organizations, agencies, and district leaders to enhance resources and services for students.
• Lead school-wide initiatives that promote a positive school culture and student well-being. 

Qualifications

Required:

• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Licensure as a Principal/Administrator.
• Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in special education, including leadership or administrative roles.
• Knowledge of special education laws, IEP processes, and best practices for students with diverse learning needs.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred:

• Experience leading a specialized program or public day school setting.
• Background in behavioral intervention strategies and trauma-informed educational practices.
• Experience in staff supervision, budget management, and school operations. 

Compensation & Benefits

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and in accordance with the district’s policies and procedures. 

Join Our Team at Amherst Regional Public Schools!

At Amherst Regional Public Schools, we are committed to building a strong, dynamic, and inclusive team. As part of this commitment, we have partnered with MindWire™ and adopted The Predictive Index® (PI) Behavioral & Cognitive Assessments to help us understand candidates' natural strengths, work styles, and potential.

Why Work With Us?

We use science-backed insights to support:
 Better hiring decisions
 Stronger team collaboration
 Enhanced training and professional growth
 Improved workplace communication
 Leadership development based on employees’ strengths and motivations

What to Expect in the Hiring Process

As part of our selection process, you’ll be asked to complete:
 Predictive Index® Behavioral Assessment – A short (7-10 minute) survey that reveals your natural strengths and work style.
 Predictive Index® Cognitive Assessment (if applicable) – A 12-minute timed assessment measuring your ability to learn and adapt. This is not an IQ test, and there are no “good” or “bad” scores.

Our Commitment to You

These assessments are just one part of our hiring and development process—they are never the sole deciding factor. If hired, you will have access to your results if requested, the opportunity to ask questions, and support in understanding how they relate to your career growth. If you are not hired, your assessment results remain confidential and are typically not shared beyond the hiring process. Employers use The Predictive Index® assessments only to evaluate candidates for a specific role and do not retain or share results for future use without consent.

At Amherst Regional Public Schools, we believe in hiring the best people and helping them succeed. We’ve found these insights to be remarkably accurate, positive, and valuable in identifying natural strengths. We’re excited to provide you with this unique perspective to support your success and career development. If you're passionate about education and professional growth, we encourage you to apply!

 Apply today and become part of a team that values you!