Middle School Principal

Title: Principal - Middle School

Department/Location: Middle School, St. Louis

Position Type: Full-time, 12-month

Summary

Principia is looking for a Middle School Principal. In this role, you are responsible for the leadership and day-to-day operations of Principia's Middle School including instructional leadership, student discipline and mentoring, communications with parents, and planning and implementing a social program. You identify opportunities for academic development and character education while understanding student learning needs. You ensure the effectiveness of computerized scheduling, grading, and curriculum documentation systems. As a self-starter with a high energy level, you respond quickly and creatively to last-minute changes. You also work closely with other Principals and Senior Leaders at Principia School.

Who We Are

At our award-winning pre-K-12 school in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education-blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia's team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of Alumni & Friends.

At Principia School, our core value is LOVE. Love and its attributes underpin our foundational beliefs as well as our educational approach. We focus on developing the whole child-intellectually, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, preparing students for the next steps in life. We foster a challenging yet supportive environment where character unfolds naturally, and talent is cultivated through boundless opportunities. Character education plays an essential role in every aspect of the student experience, and classroom work is augmented by character trips, leadership development, and real-world, hands-on, project-based learning.

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow's leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

Primary Responsibilities

• Turns to prayer for guidance and inspiration
• Oversees the School's ongoing curriculum development and PS-12 alignment using the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework
• Manages the day-to-day operations of the Middle School, ensuring smooth functioning, including all schedules and planning of events related to Middle School
• Supervises and evaluates teaching staff; develops programs and curriculum with strong faculty involvement
• Provides professional development opportunities to ensure the effective implementation of cutting edge pedagogy and methodology in all Middle School classrooms
• Works with the faculty to develop a more integrated approach to learning through inquiry, project, or experiential-based learning
• Identifies technology needs, including equipment, software, and professional development; supports teachers in their use of technology and during special events and activities
• Works with the faculty to develop and implement a mission-appropriate Christian Science based character education curriculum in line with the school's core value of LOVE
• Works with Head of School and Director of Admission to achieve full sections in each grade by helping to craft and effectively deliver the story of Principia School for recruiting prospective families
• Provides instructional leadership in developing the Middle School's identity and vision

• Works with other level Principals as instructional leaders in Early Childhood, Lower School, and Upper School
• Organizes and leads faculty meetings and evening parent meetings
• Mentors and disciplines students-with an emphasis on character development
• Communicates effectively with teachers and parents; promptly responds to and initiates communications
• Establishes effective relationships and handles situations with poise, understanding, and tact
• Ensures supervision of hallway and lunchroom conduct, assists as necessary
• Meets with students on a regular basis to ensure leadership and character development
• Supervises entry of grades and data for transcript information and implements the grade reporting system
• Participates as a member of the Admissions Committee; coordinates with the Admissions Department to carry out visiting weekend plans; corresponds with students and applicants each term
• Effectively works with administrators at all levels of the school
• Effectively communicates school policies and procedures; excels in dealing with sensitive issues

Core Competencies

• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and professionally with candidates and staff at all levels and build strong relationships
• Leadership: Exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions of others; inspires respect and trust; accepts feedback from others; provides vision and inspiration to peers and direct reports; gives appropriate recognition to others; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; promotes a positive work environment.
• Communication: Provides regular, consistent, and meaningful information. Listens carefully to others and ensures message is understood. Ensures important matters are shared with all appropriate parties. Communicates in a clear and concise manner. Tailors communication style to needs of the recipient.
• Innovative: Presents a problem-solving mindset that helps our team come up with creative solutions to challenging issues, with a mentality of self-improvement and organizational excellence; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas
• Inclusive: Demonstrates awareness and respect for cultural differences, actively seeks to understand diverse perspectives, and supports cross-cultural interactions. Fosters an inclusive environment where individuals of all backgrounds feel valued and respected.
• Ethical: Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity; upholds organizational values
• Planning and Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; manages multiple projects and tasks simultaneously

Minimum Qualifications

• Student of Christian Science
• Supportive of Principia's guiding statements as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/mission
• Bachelor's degree in education; Master's degree in education, education administration, or educational leadership preferred
• Experience and proven success as a school administrator preferred
• Good working knowledge of curriculum, assessment, instructional strategies, and change processes
• Student counseling and program planning experience preferred
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Strong proficiencies and appreciation for computer technologies, especially Google and Microsoft Suite
• Willingness to turn readily to God for guidance

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary range for this position: $115,000 -$120,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes:

• Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded).
• Relocation: Principia provides a relocation reimbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary, when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles
• Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Learn more about all our benefits here, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more.

Equal Opportunity

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia-as an institution with a religious mission-gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.