Position Type:
Academic Administrators/Principal

Date Posted:
4/7/2020

Location:
Principal Pool

PRINCIPAL

OPPORTUNITY
The Providence Public School District is committed to ensuring that there are exceptional principals leading each of our schools. Our core belief is that every student has the ability to achieve at high levels and to succeed in college, career and life. The foundational work of our principals is to nurture a supportive school learning community with high expectations among all students and staff, grounded in our core belief.
This role is an exciting opportunity to serve as a school leader among a diverse and dynamic district team committed to the audacious task of transforming public education in Providence. The district is in the process of a game-changing transformation led by newly appointed State Turnaround Superintendent, in coordination with the Rhode Island Department of Education and with the support of the larger Providence community.
The Principal is responsible for administering and leading the total school program in alignment with the District Turnaround Plan, which focuses on student-centered learning, equity, achievement, building a positive school climate that supports the whole student. The Principal will leverage research and data to drive initiatives and instruction, and build a high-performing staff and leadership team to achieve the school's and the district's vision and goals. The Principal will collaborate with parents, community members as well as other internal/external stakeholders to implement educational programs, systems reform, tools and other resources to accelerate student achievement.

EXPECTATIONS OF PPSD STAFF MEMBERS:

• Acts with sense of purpose grounded in the strong belief that all students can learn to high levels and thrive when given the opportunity.Respects and values the diversity of our entire district community—students, families, educators, and staff.Committed to fostering positive, supportive and equitable learning and working environments for all students and staff.Participates in and seeks out professional growth opportunities and engages with colleagues to continuously improve work practices and culture.Sets a positive example by acting with honesty, empathy, and integrity.

EXPECTATIONS OF THE PRINCIPAL (DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES)
Achievement and Results Oriented

• Sets high performance goals for themselves and others despite instability and obstacles to successCreates a collective sense of urgency, exhibits a commitment to equity and takes immediate actions to ensure early successes and close achievement gapsAligns school resources and prioritizes activities to achieve maximum results based on vision and goalsRelentlessly focuses school activities on student achievementEffectively manages time, proactively plans and develops effective processes to achieve desired results.

Transformational Change Management

• Identifies problems, analyzes root cause, effectively develops effective plans and takes action to improve outcomes, achieve goals and objectives without direction.Analyzes complex qualitative and quantitative data, formulates and executes on action plans despite ambiguity, obstacles or resistance.Quickly recognizes patterns and trends related to school performance.

• Demonstrates confidence to lead, builds buy-in from diverse stakeholders and overcomes resistance to advance school improvement.Develops right balance of strategic and tactical plans to achieve immediate success while maintaining long-term vision.

School Culture and Climate

• Establishes a culture of trust, collaboration, learning and achievement with internal and external stakeholders.Creates a positive, safe and welcoming environment for all stakeholders.Communicates effectively with stakeholders, embraces diverse viewpoints, resolves conflict in a direct but constructive manner and strives to gain ownership from others to advance the vision.Identifies and engages stakeholders (e.g. parents, community) to drive consensus, build trust and facilitate change.Inspires excellence, motivates and influences others to take action and demand change.

Manages and Develops High-Performing Teams

• Establishes and monitors high standards for excellence with students, teachers, staff and other stakeholders.Exhibits effective recruitment, interview and selection skills that leads to quality hiring decisions and provides quality onboarding for new employees.Retains high performers, develops or strategically exits low performersEffectively builds capacity, strategically assigns and organizes adult teams to mirror vision and produce maximum results.Regularly and accurately reflects on strengths and growth areas, individually and as a team; seeks feedback and professional development to improve.Effectively delegates to others and engages team in decision-making.Uses student and observation data to communicate successes and needed improvements, consistently providing coaching, feedback and other developmental supports to school personnel.

Instructional Expertise

• Regularly conducts classroom observations, understands pedagogy and provides high quality feedback that leads to improved teaching and learning.Recognizes cause and effect between instructional activities and results.Uses data to differentiate and prioritize interventions and supports; assists teachers in using data to inform instruction.Ensures teachers teach and students master on grade level, standards-based instruction by aligning curriculum, assessments and instructional strategies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES:

• Strong critical thinking skills, including the ability to select, develop, and/or implement useful resources to drive improved educational outcomes.Familiarity with research-based best practices that create and sustain improved student outcomes.Proven experience leading in urban district schools to accelerate student academic and learning performance.Experience with effective instruction for English Learners and Special Education Students.Demonstrates understanding of educational leadership theories and practices, such as may have been gained through academic coaching, or as a certified administrator.Strong knowledge of curriculum, instruction, organizational patterns, school operations, and student services.Success with professional development design and delivery to help teachers raise test scores using data.Demonstrated competence in staff recruitment, training, and supervision, and in conducting rigorous evaluations of educator and school staff performance.Demonstrated creative-thinking and problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to act effectively under stress.Knowledge of social emotional wellness programs.Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in educational administration/leadership.Minimum five (5) years of combined teaching and school administrative experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
In addition to meeting the education, training, and experience standards:

• Must be confidentialMust possess and consistently model excellent interpersonal and customer service skills and the ability to maintain composure in a fast-paced and demanding environment.Multilingualism preferred.

SALARY RANGE
$111,177-$125,110
Contingent upon funding and School

RIDE CERTIFICATION REQUIRED
Rhode Island Building Level Administrator PK-12