K-8 Assistant Principal - Arkansas Connections Academy

Company Summary

Arkansas Connections Academy (ARCA) is a tuition-free, virtual public charter school serving students in grades K-12 statewide. ARCA is authorized by the Arkansas Charter Authorizing Panel and the State Board of Education and is governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school contracts with Connections Education to provide its educational program and other services. ARCA is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, the Northwest Accreditation Commission, and the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), which are accrediting divisions of Cognia.

Arkansas Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Position Summary

Working remotely from a home office in Arkansas, the K-8 Assistant Principal serves as a key member of the school leadership team and supports the Principal in the overall leadership and operation of a statewide virtual instructional program. The K-8 Assistant Principal provides direct leadership, supervision, coaching, and support to assigned staff while promoting high-quality instruction, student engagement, academic growth, and successful completion of each student's educational program. The K-8 Assistant Principal uses student performance and engagement data to identify areas of need, supports the implementation of school improvement priorities, and collaborates with school leaders, staff, students, and families to ensure consistent expectations and positive student outcomes.

Responsibilities

The K-8 Assistant Principal’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Instructional Leadership & Staff Supervision:
  • Supervise, coach, support, and evaluate assigned instructional staff to promote professionalism, effective instruction, student engagement, and strong service to students and families.
  • Conduct observations, walkthroughs, coaching conversations, and performance monitoring in collaboration with the Principal.
  • Support implementation of curriculum, instructional programs, interventions, technology, and school improvement initiatives.
• Student Achievement & Academic Support:
  • Monitor student achievement, support Tier I instruction, growth, attendance, engagement, and course performance to identify areas of need.
  • Collaborate with teachers, interventionists, Student Success, Special Populations, and school leaders to ensure appropriate academic supports are implemented.
  • Use student performance and assessment data to guide instructional decisions and support school improvement goals.
• Science of Reading & Literacy:
  • Obtain and maintain required Science of Reading Assessor Credentials within established timelines.
  • Maintain knowledge of Arkansas literacy requirements and support implementation of evidence-based literacy practices, assessments, and interventions.
• Student & Family Support:
  • Promote timely, professional communication with students and families and support staff in addressing academic, attendance, engagement, and other student concerns.
  • Address escalated student and family concerns and assist with plans to improve student success and continued engagement.
• Compliance & School Operations:
  • Maintain knowledge of applicable school policies, Arkansas Department of Education requirements, and state and federal regulations, including requirements related to special education, Section 504, English Learners, attendance, assessment, and student records.
  • Assist the Principal in ensuring required reporting, documentation, student records, and compliance procedures are accurate and completed on time.
• Assessment & Accountability:
  • Support school leadership and the Student Accountability team with state and internal assessments, including testing preparation, staff expectations, student participation, and family communication.
  • Monitor assessment participation and utilize results to support instructional planning and student achievement.
• Leadership & Collaboration:
  • Serve as an active member of the school leadership team and contribute to school-wide planning, problem solving, and continuous improvement.
  • Maintain regular communication with the Principal regarding staff performance, student achievement, operational needs, and emerging concerns.
  • Collaborate effectively with school leaders, staff, families, state partners, and organizational stakeholders.
• School Culture & Events:
  • Promote a positive, professional, student-centered school culture and support opportunities that strengthen student, staff, and family engagement.
  • Participate in required testing, school events, professional development, in-service, graduation, field trips, meetings, and other school functions.
• Professional & Operational Expectations:
  • Demonstrate sound judgment, confidentiality, professionalism, responsiveness, and effective problem solving.
  • Maintain an effective remote work environment and travel as required for school-related responsibilities.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by the Principal or Executive Director.

Requirements

• Prior school leadership/administrative and K–12 teaching experience required.
• Valid Arkansas Administrator License/Certificate required.
• Master’s degree or higher in education, educational leadership, or related field.
• Must obtain and maintain required Science of Reading Assessor Credentials.
• Strong knowledge of instruction, student achievement, data analysis, and school improvement.
• Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively coach, supervise, and support staff.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced virtual environment.
• Strong technology proficiency and ability to learn new systems and platforms.
• High degree of professionalism, flexibility, initiative, and confidentiality.
• Ability and willingness to travel for testing, school events, professional development, and other required activities.
• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and email address for two-step authentication.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Arkansas Connections Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal employment laws. Applicants may review their rights under federal law through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Know Your Rights notice.