Anticipated Principal - Middle Level

Principal (Middle Level)

The Middle-Level Principal serves as the instructional and operational leader of the building, focusing on the unique developmental needs of early adolescents. The Principal ensures high-quality teaching, fosters a supportive school culture, and monitors student achievement and growth. Responsibilities include compliance with Ohio law, graduation readiness, and OPES evaluation standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Educational Leadership or related field.
• Valid State of Ohio Principal License (Grades 4–9).
• Valid State of Ohio Teaching License.
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful classroom teaching experience.
• Credentialed in Ohio Principal Evaluation System (OPES).
• Knowledge of Ohio Teacher Evaluation System (OTES) sufficient to evaluate teachers effectively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3–5 years of administrative experience in a middle-level setting.
• Demonstrated experience leading or implementing a STEAM-centric curriculum or Project-Based Learning (PBL) frameworks.
• Expertise in adolescent development, PBIS, and restorative practices.
• Experience leading Teacher-Based Teams (TBTs) and collaborative professional development.
• Knowledge of Science of Reading implementation, RTI/MTSS frameworks, and early literacy interventions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Instructional Leadership:

• Develop, communicate, and implement a middle-level instructional vision aligned with district priorities and adolescent learning principles.
• Lead Teacher-Based Teams (TBTs) in analyzing student data, planning instruction, and transitioning students from "learning to read" to "reading to learn."
• Conduct classroom observations and walkthroughs; provide actionable feedback aligned to OTES standards for teacher evaluation.
• Support exploratory electives, project-based learning, and deeper learning initiatives appropriate for middle-level students.
• Promote integration of technology and real-world learning experiences to enhance engagement and critical thinking.

School Climate and Culture:

• Establish a safe, inclusive, and "warm but demanding" school culture that addresses adolescent social-emotional needs.
• Implement and monitor schoolwide PBIS and restorative practices.
• Manage student behavior and discipline in alignment with district policy, due process, and equity considerations.
• Oversee student supervision during arrival, dismissal, transitions, and extracurricular activities.
• Encourage student leadership and voice through clubs, service learning, and school governance opportunities.

School Improvement and Accountability:

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of the School Improvement Plan to ensure academic growth, attendance, and behavioral expectations are met.
• Establish systems to monitor student achievement, interventions, and progress toward grade-level proficiency.
• Analyze data to identify gaps, drive instructional improvement, and support continuous learning for staff and students.

Personnel Leadership and Development:

• Evaluate certified staff using OTES and support administrative growth through OPES.
• Evaluate classified staff in collaboration with district administration.
• Coach teachers and instructional teams in age-appropriate pedagogy, student engagement, and assessment strategies.
• Plan and facilitate professional development aligned with curriculum, RTI/MTSS practices, and district initiatives.
• Foster a professional culture emphasizing collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Administration, Fiscal, and Facilities Management:

• Develop master schedules that accommodate core courses, exploratory electives, and intervention blocks.
• Manage the building budget and allocate resources effectively to support teaching and learning priorities.
• Ensure safe, well-maintained facilities and compliance with safety regulations and emergency preparedness plans.
• Coordinate transportation, custodial, and operational services to support school operations.

Student Support and Family Engagement:

• Collaborate with counselors and support staff to ensure students receive academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support.
• Partner with families to promote student success, engagement, and postsecondary readiness.
• Maintain strong community relationships to support student learning and enrichment opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Middle-level pedagogy, Ohio educational law, Science of Reading, PBIS, RTI/MTSS frameworks, and adolescent development.

Skilled in:

• Instructional leadership, data-driven decision making, professional coaching, and collaborative team building.

Ability to:

• Lead and support teachers using OTES; participate in OPES for self-evaluation; foster a positive school culture; ensure building-wide safety; and implement effective school improvement initiatives.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

Physical Demands – While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others. The employee is required to sit or stand and move around for extended periods of time. While performing the duties of this job the employee must be able to push, pull, lift and carry over 25 pounds on occasion.

Working Conditions – The employee in this position may experience occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissue. The employee may also be required to interact with unruly children.

Driving Requirement – This position may require driving to various school sites or events.