Middle School Principal

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Length of position: 215 contract days per year in accordance with school calendar

Salary: Depends on education and experience

Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

SUMMARY

The Middle School Principal directs the school’s educational program for deaf students assigned to the Middle School program (grades 6-8) to ensure needed services for deaf and hard of hearing students are met. Provides comprehensive professional leadership to staff and students. Works to provide individualized education plans to meet the needs of all students and ensure compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements. Coordinates all activities of the department including collaboration with other departments and Division Directors in their efforts to improve the quality of education to deaf students at Texas School for the Deaf. Supervises the teachers, teacher aides, behavior staff, and other personnel assigned to the department. The Middle School Principal is a member of the School’s Instructional Leadership Team, which in collaboration with the Director of Instruction oversees the implementation of all instructional, related and support services in TSD’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Leads teachers and staff in developing and supporting a school climate of respect and appreciation for all students, staff and parents and a school culture aligned with the vision, mission and values of the School.
• Ensures management of student behaviors and disciplinary issues are addressed individually in accordance with the School’s policies and procedures and with dignity and respect for all students.
• Develops and maintains positive communications with parents and the community.
• Conducts ARD/IEP process in collaboration with ARD Facilitators, including chairing meetings, training teachers and staff, collaborating with parents/guardians, and complying with federal and state laws/administrative rules and School policies.
• Collaborates with school leadership staff on the development and implementation of the District Improvement Plan and the TSD Strategic Plan.
• Plans and provides professional development for teachers and staff.
• Works with teachers to improve their teaching practice through coaching, professional development, modeling, and collaborative planning.
• Coaches, counsels and disciplines contract and classified staff
• Monitors progress of all students.
• Ensures learning environment and classroom instruction maximizes student learning.
• Keeps abreast of successful instructional methodologies and practices, implements data-driven instructional practices and leads discussions about student performance.
• Recruits, selects, and hires school staff, including teachers and department-based support staff.
• Collaborates with all department heads to coordinate and implement programs and services that meet the needs of the students being served.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Oversees departmental budget

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree.
• Principal certification or higher or current enrollment in certification program that would recommend certification.
• Five years of professional experience as a teacher, lead teacher, assistant principal, or principal or combination thereof.
• Sign Language: At hire, the applicant must have sign language skills equivalent to a Signed Communication Proficiency Interview (SCPI) level of ADVANCED. When applying, the applicant must submit documentation that the applicant believes substantiates that the applicant has achieved the proficiency level required at hire.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficient sign communication skills.
• Principal certification or higher issued by the State Board for Educator Certification.
• Experience with review of assessment data, preparation of ARD paperwork, and demonstrated leadership with department committee.
• Previous experience as a Principal or Assistant Principal.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES/ATTRIBUTES

• Instructional Knowledge— knowledge of content; instructional methodologies, classroom management
• Problem solving—the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Effective Communication—the individual must be able to appropriately communicate with colleagues, students, parents, families, administrators, supervisors, and the public.
• Planning/organizing—the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently, and develops realistic action plans.
• Quality control—the individual demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Dependability—the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.
• Safety and security—the individual actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses equipment and materials properly.
• Interpersonal Skills—the individual maintains confidentiality, remains open to others’ ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things.

SUPERVISOR

Director of Instruction

MILITARY OCCUPATION SPECIALTY (MOS)