Middle School Assistant Principal

Middle School Assistant Principal

Rochester Academy Charter School is searching for our next Middle School Assistant Principal. The ideal candidate is energetic and motivated about supporting middle school students on their path to success. This is a 12 month position, and includes New York State Teachers Retirement (NYSTRS). All leaders have the opportunity to develop their skills, learn on the job, and participate in the shared decision making process.

The Assistant Principal is both the operations manager of the school building and a second instructional leader in support of the Principal. Additionally, the Assistant Principal is responsible for overseeing student discipline and managing the student support team to effectively maintain a healthy and safe learning environment for all students. Issues of building maintenance, transportation, and food service should be monitored by the Assistant Principal and delegated to the proper members of the staff or partner agency so that the Principal can focus on the instructional goals of the school.

If you're ready to join a dedicated school community that has high expectations while providing high levels of support, this may be the place for you! We are excited for fresh voices and welcome diverse viewpoints.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

Student Support

• Leads the Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) process as it relates to student behavior and attendance.
• Leads all or part of the RTI process as it relates to supporting students who struggle academically. Students' academic progress cannot be separated from their behavior, attendance, and social-emotional challenges.
• Sets goals for student discipline, attendance, and social emotional guidance; the assistant principal is responsible for monitoring these goals and sharing progress with stakeholders at regular intervals.
• Reviews MTSS data regularly with teaching staff. Ensures that teachers understand how discipline and attendance affect student achievement.
• Determines students in need of support using data and stakeholder recommendations. Assigns and monitors the progress of supplemental supports both inside and outside of the classroom.

Student Discipline

• Manages the student disciplinary process. This includes reviewing student disciplinary referrals daily and applying restorative and progressive disciplinary strategies.
• Supports student behavior through the collaborative development and review of student behavior plans.
• Conducts, reviews, and trains participants in a fair, non-biased disciplinary investigation process which includes (at minimum) due process for the student facing a disciplinary consequence.
• Leads the Disciplinary Hearing process for major incidents, including collecting all relevant data and representing the school during the process.
• Ensures that the school is safe and culturally responsive.

Instructional Leadership

• Participates in the observation and supervision process by providing weekly walkthrough feedback and conducting up to 25% of formal observations.
• Assists in hiring and retaining teachers and staff who support the schoolwide mission, vision, and strategic plan and demonstrates personal and professional growth.

Operations Support

• Submits requests related to facilities and student safety in a timely manner to fit with the annual budget process.
• Maintains a clean and orderly school environment with safe operating procedures that prioritizes student and staff safety. This includes gaining and maintaining a clear sense of external and internal threats to the school community.
• Leads all mandated safety drills and regularly reviews their effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education or concurrent enrollment in a Certificate of Advanced Study, Ed. D or Ph.D. program for Instructional Leadership
• New York State School Administrator Certification as a School District Leader, School Building Leader or equivalent; or a NYS Certificate of Internship is required for this position.
• Proven experience as a leader, including as a teacher leader
• Understanding of adult learning and the ability to help teachers grow
• Understanding of the Charter School Movement and legal requirements, or a willingness to learn coupled with a belief in school choice
• Understanding of child development for the building to which the leader is assigned

RACS is a public charter school, primarily serving students from the city of Rochester. Over 90% of our students identify as an individual of color. We are a college preparatory school and use data to determine how best to foster student growth. RACS seeks to prepare all graduates for active citizenship.

Ideal candidates share in the beliefs that all students have the right to a high quality education, and that restorative practices apply to all members of the school community. We are seeking leaders who are self-directed, committed and independent. RACS leaders are team players who work collaboratively.

RACS offers full benefits to employees including New York State Teachers' Retirement, health and dental benefits. Enhanced benefits include life insurance and short term disability coverage at no cost to the employee.

We are a Title I school, so candidates are eligible for the TEACH grant and Public Service Loan forgiveness. In addition, RACS will support leaders, teachers and staff with tuition assistance when pursuing a degree relevant to their work.