Associate Principal- Austin Peay

Job Title Associate Principal

Department Goodwill Excell Center (GECM)

Team Leader Executive Director of Academics

FLSA Status Salaried/Exempt - 12 months

Mission Contribution

The Excel Center provides adults with a second chance to earn a high school diploma while supporting their personal and professional goals. Our team is mission-driven, student-centered, and dedicated to transforming lives through education.

Position Summary

The Assistant School Director in Training (ASDT) is a leadership development position designed to prepare a high-potential educational leader for the role of School Director at The Excel Center. During a six-month training and transition period, the ASDT will work directly alongside the School Director, receiving coaching, mentoring, and hands-on leadership experience in all aspects of school operations, instructional leadership, staff supervision, student achievement, community engagement, and organizational management. Upon successful completion of the training period and demonstrated readiness, the incumbent may transition into the School Director position.

Function:

The Assistant School Director in Training supports the School Director in leading the daily academic, operational, and cultural functions of The Excel Center. This role is designed as a six-month leadership development position for an emerging school leader who will shadow the School Director, gain hands-on experience in school administration, support staff and student success initiatives, and progressively assume leadership responsibilities in preparation for transitioning into the School Director role.

Essential Responsibilities

Leadership Development & School Director Shadowing
• Participate in a structured six-month leadership residency under the guidance of the School Director.
• Shadow the School Director in all aspects of school leadership.
• Attend and conduct leadership team meetings, network meetings, and community events.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of The Excel Center model, mission, policies, and performance expectations.

Instructional Improvement and Leadership
• Support lead teachers in implementing effective, student-centered instructional practices
• Conduct classroom observations to ensure curriculum alignment is maintained and provide feedback to school and Excel Corporate Leadership
• Analyze student achievement data to guide instructional adjustments and strategies needed
• Identify learning gaps and implement targeted interventions and incentives to support growth
• Facilitate a min of 3 professional development and/or instructional coaching sessions with school staff.

Staff Supervision & Development
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention of staff.
• Assist with employee evaluations and coaching conversations.
• Develop leadership capacity among staff members.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and instructional excellence

Student Success & School Culture
• Support a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment.
• Monitor school retention and lead student improvement initiatives to support increased graduation rates, and postsecondary outcomes.
• Partner with Life Coaches to remove barriers to student success and provide partnerships to support student needs identified.

School Operations
• Assist in monitoring district and network compliance, master schedule buildout, increase enrollment with a target of 350 year 1, facilities oversight, and school safety.
• Participate in budget monitoring and resource allocation discussions.
• Assist in opening and closing of school

Community Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
• Represent The Excel Center at community events and stakeholder meetings.
• Support student recruitment and community outreach initiatives.
• Facilitate school tours and collaborations with community stakeholders
• Strengthen relationships with school principals/counselors to enhance over age for grade awareness and transition to GECM

Leadership Residency Milestones
• Months 1-2: Observation & Learning
• Months 3-4: Shared Leadership
• Months 5-6: Leadership Transition

Job Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Administration, or related field required
• Minimum of three years of successful educational leadership experience in a school setting.
• Master's Degree in related field, Tennessee Teaching License, or successful completion of a School Administration/School Leadership Training Program preferred.

Skills & Competencies
• Strong instructional, organizational, coaching, and leadership skills
• Effective and polished communication skills.
• Proven ability to take initiative and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong skills in data-informed analysis and decision-making.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in cross-functional collaboration.
• Dedicated to advancing equity and supporting the success of diverse learners.

I have read this job description and understand what is required of me.

Team Member Name (PRINT) Date

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Goodwill Excel Center Midsouth is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.