Location: Washington, DC
Application Priority Deadline: April 1, 2015
Application Final Deadline: May 1, 2015
Start Date: July 2015
About Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School
Shining Stars Montessori Academy Public Charter School’s mission is to offer a quality Montessori education infused with culturally inclusive principles to guide children to develop to their fullest potential
Position Summary:
Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS is seeking an experienced Lower and Upper Principal for the 2015-2016 School Year. The Primary/Elementary Principal is responsible for providing leadership to support the instructional program of Shining Stars Academy Public Charter School Public Charter School (SSMA). The Primary /Elementary Principal is responsible for overall development and implementation of curriculum, instruction, assessment, master schedule planning, professional development planning, and cultivates an environment that fosters the success of all students, establishing a climate conductive to learning, coordinating programs, and effective change that are guided by Montessori principles.
Essential Functions & Accountabilities:
Instructional Leadership
Ensures a positive and appropriate learning environment that is stimulating, active, safe, respectful and that incorporates language immersion, community service learning and project based instruction
Monitors, supports and evaluates the activities of the instructional staff to ensure that classroom instruction and student achievement model quality instruction and, are consistent with the School’s mission, core values and academic goals
Coordinates and monitors the School’s Response-to-Intervention and special education program to ensure that students receive appropriate services
Effectively supervise teachers and provide feedback to ensure improvement in teaching and learning strategies
Participates in the decision-making authority in the hiring and firing of teachers
Work closely with the Executive Director on developing and implementing goals and objectives i.e. strategic planning, policies, marketing, community building with presentation. And building relationships with community members.
Management and Operations
Develops and disseminates successful school policies, rules, code of conduct and procedures that support the learning environment and ensures that they are shared across the school community among students, parents, faculty and staff
Design and implement a professional development plan and/or strategy that addresses instructional improvement priorities defined by student achievement and the individual needs of staff members
Ensures classrooms are fully staffed and running smoothly thorough out the day
Provide support and guidance, including problem solving ideas and setting job performance standards in conjunction with timely observation and evaluations of all teachers
Manage substitutes teachers, rosters and designation of classrooms
Collect and analyze student data, demographic, compliance and employment trends, to forecast enrollment and the need for curriculum changes
Ensures an efficient, comprehensive assessment program that tracks student progress and identifies students’ strengths and weaknesses
Review and evaluate new and current programs to determine their efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with state, local, and federal regulations, and recommend any necessary modifications
Ensure the school meets the licensing requirements
Direct staff meetings and or as necessary with individual teacher(s)
Parent, Family and Community Involvement
Established a two way communication tools to communicate with parents
Ensures that instructional staff work effectively and collaboratively with students and their families
Develop and sustain positive relationships with children and their families
Participates in the recruitment/enrollment and open house events in order to promote Shinning Stars Montessori Academy PCS programs
Seek and develop strategic partnership that will provide students access to additional program activities and/or events
Required Competencies & Qualifications:
Maintain confidentiality
A passion for growing independent, confident and intellectually curious children
Ability to motivate, encourage and work with teachers to ensure outstanding performance as well as morale
Demonstrated competence in staff training, supervision, and evaluation
Throughout knowledge of Montessori education, curriculum, instruction, school operations and services
Knowledge in child development
Strong interpersonal skills-and makes connections with people easily
Communicates well orally and in writing- understand and addresses concerns of the audience; uses good judgment in sharing information appropriately
Knowledge of MS Office Suite and Google docs
A love of children and a sense of humor
Education and Experience:
A Bachelor’s degree in education, education administration or a related field required
Master’s degree or higher preferred
AMI or AMS credentials required
Praxis Series and passing scores preferred
5-7 years teaching of working in a Montessori environment
2-5 years management/administration experience in a private, independent, public and/or public charter school
Prior experience as a Lead or Master Guide/Teacher in a Montessori classroom/school
Experience with arts and technology curriculum integration across the content areas
Bilingualism a plus
How to apply
There are two steps to apply for this position:
1. Submit a cover letter and resume in one document to careers@shiningstarspcs.org and include the “Position Title” in the subject line.