Principal in Residence

Job Description

Job Description

Organization: BridgePrep Academy & SMART Management

Position: Principal in Residence

Location: Central Florida - Orlando/ Tampa Areas

Compensation: $75,000 - $95,000

Organization Description

SMART Management is a full-service education management company powering Pre-K–12 charter school networks across Florida. SMART believes every school is a unique learning environment, and the team works alongside school leaders and governing boards to build the systems needed for long-term success. BridgePrep Academy is the largest school network managed by SMART Management and consists of 21 schools. BridgePrep Academy's mission is to provide a challenging academic curriculum that includes an extended Spanish language program. Candidates may learn more about SMART at smartmgnt.com or BridgePrep Academy at bridgeprepacademy.com.

Job Description

The Principal in Residence (PIR) is a full-time, year-long leadership development role designed to prepare high-potential leaders to become future BridgePrep Principals. Reporting to a Vice President of Schools or High Performing Principal, the PIR engages in intensive training, strategic project leadership, school-based coaching, and hands-on practice in every aspect of school leadership.

The PIR learns and executes the systems of effective school management including instruction, data-driven decision-making, talent development, school culture, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement. The role includes rotations across key leadership functions, leadership shadowing, and leading targeted initiatives that directly impact student achievement and school performance.

Upon successful completion the PIR program, the leader is expected to be fully prepared to step into a Principal role as the network launches new campuses or vacancies arise.

Key Activities

Instructional Leadership

• Ensure every classroom delivers rigorous, standards-aligned instruction.
• Lead weekly coaching cycles for teachers and instructional staff.
• Conduct weekly walkthroughs and provide real-time feedback to improve teaching.

• Manage and coach Assistant Principals, Deans of Operations, and Instructional Coaches.

Curriculum Implementation

• Ensure full fidelity to the network’s adopted curriculum, pacing, assessments, and instructional framework.
• Monitor lesson plans, student work, and classroom instruction for alignment and rigor with admin team.
• Support teachers in internalizing curriculum, planning lessons, and using high-quality materials effectively.
• Ensure full ESE and 504 compliance and high-quality inclusion practices.

Data-Driven Decision-Making

• Lead weekly data meetings with admin/teachers to analyze student performance and plan instructional adjustments.
• Implement timely reteach plans and targeted small-group instruction.
• Monitor progress toward academic goals and create intervention plans when students are off track.

Culture & Climate

• Build a warm, structured, safe, and joyful school environment.
• Implement consistent behavioral expectations and a strong discipline system.
• Engage families as partners in student learning through clear communication and regular updates.

Talent Management

• Hire and onboard high-quality teachers and staff.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations and ongoing coaching.
• Maintain a positive, professional staff culture with high engagement and teacher retention.

Mission

Prepare to become a BridgePrep Principal by developing the full competencies required to lead a school that delivers rigorous instruction, ensures strong academic outcomes, builds a positive and structured culture, and operates with excellence. The Principal in Residence will learn, practice, and internalize the systems and leadership skills necessary to ensure every student receives the instruction and support needed to thrive.

Success in Year 1:

• School improves a school letter grade (A schools maintain the A)
• Hit enrollment target on FTE1 in October & FTE2 in February
• 90 % Student Retention
• 85% on Grade Level in Reading Mastery (K-2)
• 85% Teacher Retention
• 100% of graduates accepted to a college or university (High School)
• 100% of juniors and seniors take ACT, SAT, CLE exams

Cultural Fit

• And How Are the Children?: When we make decisions, we first consider the impact on students.
• Big Rocks First: We focus our energy towards the most important work.
• Own It: We embrace our responsibilities.
• Expect More: We believe that all children can and will learn.
• Results Matter: We assess students consistently & review the data.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: VP of Schools or High Performing Mentor Principal

Manages: Admin team and Teachers

Collaborates with: Network Team and Campus Staff

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution (Master’s preferred)
• At least 3+ years of teaching experience
• 3+ years of leadership experience; proven track record of achieving success and leading others

Reference Checks

All final candidates for this position will be asked to arrange three reference checks one of which must be with a former manager.

Background Screening Requirement
This position requires successful completion of a Level 2 background screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, in accordance with House Bill 531 (2025).

Applicants may review additional information about the Clearinghouse and screening process here: