Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal

The Pawtucket School Department is seeking an assistant principal to lead initiatives to positively impact student achievement. 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 as described in the school mission statement.

Under the direction of the school principal, serves as an instructional leader. Partners with the principal to provide leadership that appropriately involves staff, parents, students, and the community in the identification and accomplishment of the school's 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; works with principal to develop the leadership of others; assists the principal to bond 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.

Attends school activities to support students, staff and families. 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.

Assists principal to involve 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; encourage 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. Analyzes classroom management data and provides staff with strategies for classroom management. Creates and maintains a procedure to monitor and improve chronic absenteeism and truancy rates. Demonstrates proficiency with data management systems and possesses the ability to analyze student achievement data; demonstrates an understanding of Response to Intervention (RTI) as it relates to student success including familiarity with Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS).

Fosters constructive suggestions from students, staff, parents, and the community for improving the school's 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 plan to improve teaching and administrative performance. Demonstrates awareness of and subject to appropriate laws of the State of Rhode Island, and the regulations of the district and the Rhode Island Department of Education.

Education/Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be: 1. Education: A Master's Degree in School Administration or related field; AND 2. Experience: completion of an approved principal training program, or comparable program of study; AND 3. Experience: Minimum five (5) years teaching experience; AND 4. Satisfactory evaluations in the last five (5) years.

Knowledge of: modern instructional techniques and curricular concepts; instructional technology; the vertical structure of the course of study of the District and the importance of articulation in these areas; the District's philosophy of the role of comprehensive education; 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 adolescents and the social and individual challenges inherent at that age; human resources development; school law; conflict resolution; public relations; principles of effective management, staff supervision and administration.

Skill 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 Building Administrator Certification required.