_Principal/Teacher - Nexus Innovation Academy

Job Summary:

The Principal/Teacher serves as the instructional, spiritual, and operational leader of Nexus Innovation Academy while also teaching students as an active member of the instructional team. This individual will oversee the day-to-day operation of the academy while modeling innovative instructional practices that reflect the mission and philosophy of Adventist education. This position requires a visionary educational leader who is comfortable leading change, embracing emerging technologies, building strategic partnerships, and helping develop one of the most innovative Adventist schools in North America.

The successful candidate will champion personalized learning, competency-based education, project-based learning, design thinking, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and authentic research experiences. The Principal/Teacher will cultivate a Christ-centered learning culture where students develop both academically and spiritually while preparing to solve meaningful problems facing their communities and the world.  Applicants must model Christ-like leadership, demonstrate a passion for educational innovation, and possess a commitment to helping every student discover and develop their God-given potential. The selected employee may also be responsible for other school duties as may be assigned.

Skills, Education, and Experience Required:

The applicant must:

• Be a baptized, tithe-paying Seventh-day Adventist church member in regular standing.
• Have legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree in education or a related field (master's degree preferred).
• Hold or be eligible to obtain North American Division Teacher Certification and Florida Conference certification requirements.
• Possess a minimum of three years of successful classroom teaching experience; administrative experience is preferred.
• Demonstrate strong Christian leadership and a commitment to Adventist education.
• Exhibit excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Possess strong technology skills and a willingness to leverage artificial intelligence to personalize learning and improve instructional effectiveness.
• Demonstrate proficiency in competency-based instruction, project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and authentic assessment, or a willingness to develop expertise in these areas.
• Possess the ability to collaborate effectively with students, parents, faculty, university partners, industry professionals, and community stakeholders.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Be self-directed, innovative, flexible, and capable of thriving in a rapidly evolving educational environment.
• Demonstrate a passion for mentoring young people and preparing them for lives of service, leadership, and innovation.

Preferred Qualifications:
Preference will be given to candidates who have experience with:

• Standards-Based Learning
• Competency-Based Education
• Personalized Learning
• Artificial Intelligence in Education
• Design Thinking
• Problem-Based Learning
• STEM+C Education
• Educational Entrepreneurship
• Educational Technology Integration
• School Startup or Innovation Initiatives
• Grant Development and Partnership Building

Job Responsibilities:

The principal/teacher will be expected to:

• Promote and model the philosophy and mission of Seventh-day Adventist education.
• Foster a Christ-centered school culture that encourages spiritual growth, service, character development, and discipleship.
• Integrate biblical principles and a Christian worldview throughout all aspects of the instructional program.
• Lead worships, spiritual emphasis activities, and opportunities for students to serve their communities.
• Teach assigned courses while modeling exemplary instructional practices.
• Lead the implementation of the AE4® Framework.
• Guide the development of personalized, competency-based learning pathways for every student.
• Promote interdisciplinary STEM+C learning experiences.
• Support faculty in implementing project-based learning, design thinking, and AI-enhanced instruction.
• Ensure curriculum aligns with Florida Conference, Southern Union, North American Division, and state standards while advancing the school's innovation mission.
• Monitor student learning using mastery-based assessment practices.
• Provide visionary leadership that advances the mission and strategic direction of Nexus Innovation Academy.
• Supervise daily school operations.
• Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and support faculty and staff.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and positive learning environment.
• Oversee budgeting and responsible stewardship of school resources.
• Develop policies and procedures consistent with Conference and Board expectations.
• Lead accreditation, continuous improvement, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Champion educational innovation throughout the academy.
• Lead implementation of artificial intelligence to enhance personalized learning and operational effectiveness.
• Expand authentic research opportunities for students.
• Foster innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, and design thinking across the curriculum.
• Collaborate with the Florida Conference Institute for Leadership and Innovation to develop new educational programs and initiatives.
• Encourage faculty to experiment with innovative instructional strategies and emerging technologies.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with universities, healthcare organizations, industry leaders, and community organizations.
• Support the development of student internships, research experiences, mentorships, and dual-enrollment opportunities.
• Represent Nexus Innovation Academy at professional conferences, community events, churches, and educational organizations.
• Serve as an ambassador for the Academy and the AE4® Framework.
• Ensure compliance with all Conference, denominational, accreditation, and governmental requirements.
• Maintain accurate school records and reporting systems.
• Oversee student admissions and enrollment management.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness, school safety, and crisis response procedures.
• Serve as secretary to the school board and prepare agendas in collaboration with the board chair.
• Communicate regularly with parents, the school board, and stakeholders regarding school progress and initiatives.
• Pursue continuous professional learning in educational leadership, innovation, artificial intelligence, instructional design, and emerging educational practices.
• Foster a culture of lifelong learning among faculty and students.