Principal

Description

REPORTS TO: Pastor or authorized agent

JOB SUMMARY: The principal fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by serving as the spiritual, educational, and managerial leader of the school. The principal is charged with the implementation of the philosophy, mission, objectives, and the overall management of the school. The principal is responsible for the professional effectiveness of the staff, the educational progress of the students, as well as the relationship within the entire school community.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acts as a witness to the Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Develops a school climate reflecting Catholic identity
• Supports and adheres to the teachings of the Catholic Church, the Religious Standards for Catholic School Employees, and policies and procedures of the Archdiocese
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters
• Communicates effectively with students, parents, and other professionals
• Identifies and effects needed change for school improvement
• Ensures the implementation of a comprehensive curriculum through the use of a variety of pedagogical strategies
• Supervises instruction and evaluates the overall effectiveness of the academic program
• Ensures that the religious instruction of students meets the guidelines set forth by the Archdiocese
• Promotes Catholic identity within the school through liturgical celebrations, faith development, integration of Gospel values, and the practice of Christian service
• Oversees ongoing orientation and staff development in both educational and faith development of faculty and staff
• Maintains the accreditation of the school according to TCCB ED standards
• Oversees the certification of religion teachers according to diocesan policy
• Responsible for the annual school budget and supervises all expenditures
• Oversees development goals and activities and seeks resources and support beyond the school
• Works effectively with the board to establish goals for school effectiveness
• Hires, supervises, evaluates, and terminates all faculty and staff according to diocesan guidelines
• Fosters collaboration between parish(es), pastor(s), and the school
• Maintains current and accurate records according to diocesan and school policy
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits
• Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students and staff

IMPORTANT JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides for an orderly school environment and promotes student self-discipline
• Develops faculty and student/parent handbooks in accordance with diocesan guidelines
• Completes and submits all official forms required by the Archdiocesan Catholic Schools Office, TCCED, and other public agencies
• Implements and reviews long-range strategic planning
• Promotes healthy staff morale and professionalism
• Participates in professional development, including Archdiocesan principal meetings and in-services
• Establishes and implements technology goals for the school

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with a commitment to ongoing formation in catechetical and spiritual leadership development.
2. Master’s degree
3. 18 credit hours in educational administration and supervision courses or a valid, appropriate state certificate for a principal or the successful completion of an appropriate state certification examination.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church
• Knowledge of instructional methods/strategies and curriculum differentiation
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development, learning, and behavior
• Knowledge of the content and the methods of religious education
• Knowledge of effective assessment methods
• Able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form
• Able to work well with others in the school community
• Able to work independently and self-motivate
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format
• Skill in job appropriate technology
• Skill in critical thinking and planning
• Skill in managing conflicts effectively
• Skill in organizational management and delegation of responsibilities
• Skill in using group process skills effectively with various school communities

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Required to work some nights and weekends
• Required to manage high to moderate levels of stress
• Required to work a minimum a full school day
• Required to work in standard office and school conditions

MENTAL/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Required to lift or carry supplies, textbooks, furniture, and equipment
• Required to maintain composure and avoid inappropriate displays of anger
• Required to sit, stand, bend, stoop, reach, grab, pull, hear, see, and speak on a daily basis
• Required to perform repetitive physical tasks such as computer keyboarding, writing, and reading
• Required to monitor students in a variety of locations including those with noise, activity, and inclement

EVAULATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Pastor or Authorized Agent.