What are the responsibilities and job description for the Elementary Principal position at Pawtucket School Department?
The Pawtucket School Department is seeking an elementary school principal to lead initiatives that positively impact student achievement at the school level. The Superintendent is seeking a dynamic, energetic, optimistic, instructional leader who will work collaboratively with teachers, students and the community to create a school culture of respect, responsibility and results. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: Under the direction of the Superintendent or designee, serves as the instructional leader and chief administrative officer. EXEMPLARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:Exercises vision and provides leadership that appropriately involves staff, parents, students, and the community in the identification and accomplishment of the schools mission; recognizes the individual needs of all staff and students, including those who are at risk because of diverse cultures, backgrounds or abilities; applies effective human relations skills; encourages and develops the leadership of others; analyzes relevant information, makes decisions, delegates responsibility, and provides appropriate support and follow-up; identifies and creatively coordinates the use of available human, material, and financial resources to achieve the schools mission and goals; bonds the school community through shared values and beliefs; initiates and manages constructive change; advances the profession through participation as a member of local, state, and national professional groups. Articulates beliefs persuasively, effectively defends decisions, explains innovations, and behaves in ways that are congruent with these beliefs and decisions; demonstrates skills in nonverbal communication, including impact of personal image, to communicate a positive image of the school; exemplifies the behavior expected of others; keeps communication flowing to and from the school; communicates effectively with the various constituencies within the school community. Involves staff, parents, students and the community in setting goals; identifies-in collaboration with staff, parents and students-the decision-making procedures the school will follow; applies the process of consensus building both as a leader and as a member of the group. Demonstrates knowledge of curriculum, instruction and assessment and their relationship to program goals and objectives; encourages students and staff to participate in co-curriculum activities that enhance and compliment what is learned in the classroom. Regularly assesses the teaching methods and strategies being used and ensures that they are appropriate, varied and effective; applies principles of teaching and learning for both children and adults; articulates effective classroom management and planning processes. Sets high expectations for students, staff, parents, and self; helps teachers understand and apply teaching styles that complement the varied learning styles of students; encourages students and staff alike to set high personal goals and offers encouragement and support in the achievement of those goals; involves others in designing staff development programs that match the goals of the school with the needs of the participants; encourages staff participation in professional development activities; engages in continuing personal and professional development. Uses a variety of techniques and strategies to assess student performance, individual staff and personal performance, progress toward the achievement of curriculum goals, and the effectiveness of the overall instructional program; be proficient with data management systems and possess the ability to analyze student achievement data; demonstrate an understanding of Response to Intervention (RTI) as it relates to student success including familiarity with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Fosters constructive suggestions from students, staff, parents, and the community for improving the schools program; applies effective observation and conferencing skills; inspires teachers at all levels of skill and experience to acquire new competencies and experiences; demonstrates a level of human relations skills which assures that the evaluation process will be helpful rather than destructive; develops professional growth plans to improve teaching and administrative performance. Uses collaborative strategic planning to help identify and accomplish the schools mission, goals and objectives; facilitates the identification, training, and monitoring of the staff to insure effective support in accomplishing the strategic plan of the district; provides a safe, orderly climate for learning; manages the operation and maintenance of the physical plant. Applies understanding of the school district budget and its specific implications for the school; involves staff and representative members of the community in the development of school budget priorities, based upon the mission and strategic plan of the district. Is aware of and subject to appropriate state and federal laws, district policies and the regulations of the Rhode Island Department of Education. EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:Education/Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be: 1. Education: A Masters Degree in School Administration or related field; AND 2. Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of leadership at the school site level as an assistant principal or principal; and successful completion of an approved principal training program, or comparable program of study; AND 3. Experience: Minimum three (3) years teaching experience; AND4. Satisfactory evaluations in the last three (3) years. Knowledge of: Modern instructional techniques and curricular concepts, especially as they are related to the school; instructional technology; effective practices of professional learning communities, and the importance of collaboration and articulation in these areas; the Districts philosophy of the role of the school; principles and practices of school administration, including school finances, teaching methods and techniques, evaluations, and program development, applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, ordinances and policies; an understanding of child development and the social and individual challenges inherent at each stage of development; human resources development; school law; conflict resolution; public relations; principles of effective management, staff supervision and administration. Skilled at: Planning, organizing, assigning and coordinating the activities of a professional and support staff; presenting ideas effectively, verbally and in writing; dealing constructively with conflict and developing consensus; selecting, supervising and evaluating subordinates; dealing effectively with people within the community; team building; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; working with people, staff supervision and administration. Licenses/Certificates: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid State of Rhode Island driver license with a driving record acceptable to the District; Rhode Island School Administrator Certificate must be obtained prior to placement as an administrator. Salary Range: Full year with full benefits.THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS, AND TO PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THEIR SUPERVISOR.
