Principal-Middle School

Principal

The Oak Ridge School System seeks applicants for the position of principal for Jefferson Middle School. Jefferson Middle school is in the Oak Ridge community, an educational and scientific center, located within the Knoxville, Tennessee metropolitan area. The school serves approximately 720 students in fifth through eighth grade with a faculty of 75 staff members. We are seeking a dynamic and visionary middle school Principal to lead our school community. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in educational leadership, a passion for high academic achievement, and a commitment to our PLC process and CTE programming. The JMS principal is a twelve-month position with twenty-four (24) paid vacation days and ten (10) paid holidays. Salary ranges for this position are based on the FY'27 MS Principal Salary Schedule - $114,501 - $148,852. Salary will be negotiated within the prescribed range and will take into consideration training and experience. An applicant for this position must hold a minimum of a master's degree and must have a secondary Tennessee principal licensure. Preferred and proven experience as a secondary administrator.

Essential Responsibilities

The duties listed below represent the primary responsibilities of the position. They are not intended to be all-inclusive, and other related duties may be assigned as required.

Instructional Leadership

• Provide leadership in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and continuous school improvement.
• Support a comprehensive middle school educational program that is rigorous, relevant, standards-based, and responsive to the developmental needs of young adolescents.
• Monitor and support high-quality classroom instruction aligned to district and state standards.
• Utilize student achievement data and other relevant metrics to guide instructional decisions and school improvement initiatives.
• Lead the implementation of district initiatives, instructional strategies, and intervention supports.
• Promote a culture of academic excellence and high expectations for all students and staff.

School Culture and Climate

• Foster a safe, supportive, inclusive, and positive school climate focused on student success and well-being.
• Establish and maintain high expectations for student behavior, attendance, and engagement.
• Implement proactive discipline practices and student support systems that promote accountability and positive relationships.
• Recognize and celebrate student achievement, staff accomplishments, and contributions to the school community.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and mutual respect among staff, students, families, and community partners.

Personnel Leadership and Development

• Supervise, support, and evaluate certified and classified staff in accordance with district procedures and state requirements.
• Recruit, interview, recommend, and retain highly qualified personnel.
• Provide ongoing coaching, professional learning, and support for faculty and staff growth.
• Develop and implement professional development aligned to school improvement goals and staff needs.
• Foster shared leadership opportunities and collaborative decision-making structures within the school.

Operations and Management

• Manage school operations, facilities, safety procedures, and daily organizational functions effectively and efficiently.
• Develop and oversee the school budget to maximize resources in support of student achievement and school priorities.
• Design and manage the master schedule to optimize instructional time and support diverse student needs.
• Ensure compliance with district policies, state and federal laws, and Tennessee Department of Education requirements.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness, school safety protocols, and crisis response procedures.

Family and Community Engagement

• Build strong partnerships with parents, families, community organizations, and stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively and consistently with students, staff, families, and the community regarding school programs, expectations, and achievements.
• Maintain a school website and communication platforms that provide accessible and timely information.
• Serve as a visible and active leader within the school and broader Oak Ridge community.

Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with district leadership and other school administrators to support district-wide goals and initiatives.
• Engage in continuous improvement efforts through participation in leadership teams, committees, and professional organizations.
• Use research, data analysis, and stakeholder feedback to support strategic planning and school improvement efforts.
• Promote innovative practices that support student learning and organizational effectiveness.

Other Duties:

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.

Qualifications:

Education

• Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field required.

Licensure

• Valid Tennessee Administrator License.

Experience

• Successful teaching experience required.
• Previous administrative experience preferred, particularly at the middle school level.
• Experience in instructional leadership, school improvement planning, staff supervision, and student discipline preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and middle school best practices.
• Knowledge of Tennessee academic standards, educator evaluation systems, and school operations.
• Ability to analyze and utilize data to improve student achievement and organizational effectiveness.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, families, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to lead diverse teams and foster collaboration.
• Strong conflict resolution and decision-making abilities.
• Commitment to equity, student-centered leadership, and continuous improvement.

Disclaimer:

Nothing in this job description limits management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change as organizational needs and job requirements evolve.

Workdays:

255-day contract – 12-month position

Start Date: 7.1.26

There is no residency requirement with appointment