26-27 Assistant Principal of Culture

ABOUT CARMEN 

Carmen Schools of Science & Technology is a network of high-performing charter schools in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, serving students in grades 6–12. We believe all students can succeed in college, build meaningful careers, contribute to their communities, and lead fulfilling family lives. We focus on academic excellence, community engagement, and student leadership, with equity at the core of our mission.

Start date: July, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY
The Assistant Principal of Culture (APC) serves as the senior culture leader of either the lower or upper school, ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. Rooted in Carmen's core values of empathy, belief, and growth, the APC leads systems and structures that foster safety, belonging, consistency, and high expectations across classrooms, common spaces, and the broader school community. The APC manages and develops the Dean of Students, owns advisory and restorative practices, leads culture professional development, plans community building events with students, and partners with the Principal and leadership team to ensure that discipline, attendance, and social-emotional systems work in harmony to drive student success. This leader is passionate about building a joyful, orderly school environment that prepares students not only to excel academically—but to lead with character and purpose. The APC is a member of the campus leadership team.

Salary Range: $71,500 - $86,821
Location:  Carmen High School of Science and Technology, Southgate

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in education or related field; master's degree preferred
• Principal's licensure required, or eligibility for such licensure
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction teacher and administrator licenses or eligibility
• Minimum 3-5 years teaching experience with a minimum 1 year in full-time leadership role
• Proven track record of improving student outcomes through data-driven leadership.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and change management skills.
  
• Strong organizational skills and ability to juggle multiple priorities with excellence. 
• Solutions-oriented mindset and ability to adapt as needed. 
• Unwavering belief in the potential of all students and commitment to Carmen's mission

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Culture and Climate Leadership

• Lead the implementation of a school-wide culture vision that aligns to Carmen's mission and core values.
• Collaborate with the other Assistant Principal of Culture to create and oversee systems for behavior management, attendance, and advisory (including SEL), ensuring clarity, consistency and alignment across the school. 
  
• Partner with the Principal to monitor school culture data (attendance, referrals, suspensions, Life Checks, etc.), identify trends, and lead responsive action planning.
• Ensure consistent application of Carmen's Code of Conduct and restorative practices, including classroom interventions, restorative conversations, and community trust circles.
• In partnership with the Dean of Students, manage discipline systems for either the lower or upper school grades. 
• Build a culture of joy, recognition, and belonging through rituals, celebrations, and community events such as grade level assemblies and character trips that honor student growth and leadership.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Principal of Operations to execute the vision for Common Picture systems, including arrival, dismissal, lunch, and hallway transitions.

Leader and Teacher Development

• Manage, coach, and develop the Dean of Students through weekly 1:1s, observation cycles, and performance management aligned to campus goals.
  
• Provide professional development for all staff focused on classroom culture, student relationships, advisory, SEL, and family communication systems.
  
• Develop teacher leaders by identifying and coaching those who demonstrate strong classroom culture and student engagement practices.
  
• Partner with the Assistant Principal of Academics and Principal to design and co-lead weekly staff PD and data meetings that align academic rigor with culture systems.
  
• Support all leaders in building the adult skills necessary for strong student culture — including presence, de-escalation, restorative questioning, and family partnership.
  

Student Support Systems

• Lead the RTI-B process, ensuring data-driven identification and follow-up for students needing Tier 2 or 3 supports.
• Manage the advisory and SEL program implementation (e.g., Life Checks, Wayfinder, restorative circles), ensuring consistency and quality implementation. 
• Collaborate with school social workers and the deans of students to provide wraparound supports that address academic, behavioral, and socio-emotional needs.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with families grounded in trust, partnership, and shared belief in students.
  
• Communicate proactively about attendance, discipline, and culture data in ways that reinforce belonging and accountability.
  
• Partner with Deans to train staff on effective family communication systems, emphasizing relationship-building and shared accountability.
  
• Lead systems for family communication and engagement, ensuring staff follow protocols for proactive outreach, progress updates, and incident follow-up.
• Lead school events and celebrations that strengthen family engagement (e.g., family meetings, recognition assemblies, grade-level meetings, etc.).
• In partnership with the AP of Academics and AP of Operations, own and facilitate student and family conferences to strengthen home-school partnerships and support student growth.
  

Culture & Mission Alignment

• In collaboration with the School Leadership Team, execute all school duties and responsibilities in alignment with the Carmen vision, mission, and goals. 
• Model and cultivate Carmen's values of empathy, belief, and growth in every interaction.
• Foster a reflective, feedback-driven staff culture grounded in equity, excellence, and belonging.
  
• Build trusting relationships with students, families, and staff.
  
• Engage in difficult conversations and to hold adults and students accountable to values-aligned behaviors, norms, and expectations. 
• Follow through on commitments and focus on results. 
• Participate in other school-related activities and duties, as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The position will work predominantly Monday – Friday; however, this position will require work on evenings and weekends as necessary.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Carmen Schools of Science and Technology provides salaries commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent health and worksite benefits, free life insurance, free employee assistance program (EAP), free short-term disability insurance, 403b retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, and generous paid time off.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Carmen complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, gender, disability, genetic information, marital status, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, lay-off, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

Carmen expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Any actions or behaviors that create an uncomfortable work environment and prohibit an employee to perform their expected duties will not be tolerated.