Principal, University High School of Science and Engineering, Grades 9-12

Description

POSITION : Principal, University High School of Science and Engineering (Grades 9-12)


REPORTS TO : Superintendent of Schools/Executive Director of Instruction


POSITION SUMMARY : Hartford Public Schools seeks a visionary educational leader who combines strategic vision with hands-on experience to guide our University High School of Science and Engineering (UHSSE), a grades 9-12 magnet school. We're looking for a principal who demonstrates:

• A genuine passion for educating young people and helping students discover and exceed their own potential
• Deep commitment to closing achievement gaps through equity-focused practices
• Proven ability to create learning environments where all students thrive
• Extensive experience in urban education settings
• Understanding of the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of adolescents
• A track record of providing strong instructional leadership centered on student learning

The ideal candidate will bring innovative thinking and practical experience to our school community, partnering with families, faculty, and staff to cultivate an environment where students develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed for future success. This leader will build a culture of respect, joy, and belonging that creates the conditions for both student and staff success.


Additionally, we seek candidates with:

• Comprehensive understanding of magnet school practices, laws, and legal settlements specific to Hartford's student enrollment requirements
• A demonstrated track record of academic success with diverse student populations
• Knowledge of athletics and co-curricular programming at the high school level
• Experience applying math and science curricular connections to project-based learning and real-world problem-solving
• Demonstrated experience managing higher education partnerships, including coordinating dual enrollment or early college programs, navigating articulation agreements, and fostering relationships with university faculty, advisors, and administrators

A critical dimension of this role is stewarding and strengthening our longstanding partnership with the University of Hartford. The principal will serve as the primary liaison between UHSSE and the University, ensuring that dual enrollment opportunities are accessible, well-coordinated, and aligned with both high school graduation requirements and college readiness goals. This includes overseeing course articulation agreements, collaborating with university departments, and supporting students as they navigate the exciting - and sometimes complex - experience of earning college credits while in high school.


University High School of Science and Engineering is a STEM-focused Early College High School located on the University of Hartford campus. As a close-knit "Kettle" of Hawks - a nod to our school mascot and the term for a group of hawks in flight - our students benefit from a unique opportunity to experience college life while still in high school. Many of our students earn enough credits to enter college as sophomores or juniors.


To learn more about our school community, visit .

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES OF IDEAL CANDIDATE :

• Extensive instructional experience in urban/multi-cultural settings and cultural responsiveness
• Skills in monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness across diverse student populations
• Knowledge of and experience with the opportunities and challenges of magnet schools
• Specific knowledge of magnet school enrollment policies, procedures, and legal requirements
• Skill in navigating institutional cultures across both K-12 and higher education environments
• Experience managing dual enrollment or early college program logistics, including scheduling, course registration, and credit transfer processes
• Experience integrating project-base methodologies and connecting theoretical concepts to real-world applications and problem-solving
• Strong and collaborative leadership with an honest, transparent, and inclusive style that supports high student outcomes and educational excellence
• Understanding of adolescent development and age-appropriate programming for grades 9-12
• Knowledge of athletic program administration
• Demonstrated knowledge and effective use of technology in instruction, management, and communication
• Record of success leading and motivating adults (as a director, chair, coach, or administrator) and students
• Knowledge of pedagogy for development of curriculum and assessment that supports student learning
• Persistent use of data and researched-based focus on student achievement
• Demonstrated equitable leadership practices that impact instruction, culture, and climate
• Knowledge of all federal and state mandates and regulations (IDEA, 504, Title IX, MTSS, etc.)
• Demonstrated skill in diverse staff recruitment, development, supervision, evaluation, and retention
• Ability to develop the professional capacity and practice of school personnel to promote student achievement
• Outstanding and visible communication skills with the ability to foster strong relationships with all members of the school community (students, teachers, families, staff, university) and community at large to advance the school's mission and vision
• Demonstrated experience building partnerships and resources for a school and a willingness to work with various community partners
• Unwavering commitment to high academic achievement, social-emotional, and whole child development of all students
• Experience with multiple approaches to address behaviors and instructional practices that empower students, such as restorative practices, student centered learning, etc.
• Knowledge of financial management and ability to manage school operations and resources to promote each student's academic success and well-being
• Ability to inspire excellence in others and hold staff accountable for student growth, academic results, performance, and culturally responsive practices
• Five (5) years of successful teaching experience
• One (1) year of successful experience as an assistant principal
• One (1) year of successful experience as a building principal, preferred

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS : Connecticut certification in Intermediate Administration and Supervision (092) is required.


UNION AFFILIATION : Hartford Principals' and Supervisors' Association (HPSA)


SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT : Salary is in accordance with the Hartford Principals' and Supervisors' Association's 2 026-2027 Schedule for twelve-month positions: 9-12 Principal, Salary Range of $149,609 to $175,940.


APPLICATION PROCEDURE: To be considered, all internal and external applicants must fully complete a Hartford Public Schools' online application, which can be accessed through our Applicant Tracking System, Nimble, at . Internal applicants should use a personal email address when applying. Please do not use your hartfordschools.org email. The code word for the internal application is hartford (lowercase "h"). Candidates' application and supporting documents will be reviewed. Candidates who advance will be contacted directly by hiring managers for interviews.

Benefits

We Value Our Staff...And It Shows

Hartford Public Schools is seeking excellent candidates and wants to provide the best experience for you.

We have put together a comprehensive package of benefits and incentives.


Financial Incentives

• Tuition Reimbursement : Up to $3,000 annually
• Residency Differential : 3% of base salary for certified administrators (HPSA members) living in Hartford
• National Board Certification Bonus : $3,500 annually
• Differential for Doctorate in Education : $2,500 annually

Additional Benefits

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
• Board contribution of 50% of the applicable Health Savings Account (HSA) deductible
• 5 Personal days per year; 20 Sick days per year
• Life insurance (2x annual salary)
• Loan forgiveness (State & Federal)
• Professional learning
• Career growth opportunities

Join HPS & REPRESENT

Hartford Public Schools acknowledges that systems of injustice exist in our nation and our community. Our district is committed to addressing systemic barriers to create a culture of equity that benefits all students. We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining a diverse team of culturally competent educators. We strive to have our team reflect the different perspectives of our families and community so that we can work together to overcome obstacles, close the opportunity gaps, and prepare our students for continuous success.


HPS is a diverse community of scholars and staff; racially, socioeconomically, culturally, and more. Among our students, there are 86 languages spoken; 25% of our student population are Multilingual Learners. Over 85% of the population are students of color. At Hartford Public Schools, we work deliberately to recruit and hire staff of various backgrounds and from our local community - 26% of our staff reside in Hartford. Among our teaching staff, 30% identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), compared to approximately 12% statewide.


HPS has career opportunities of all kinds, in all of our schools. Come represent your community, your culture, and what's possible for our beautiful and capable students. When you work here, it's not just about making a living...it's about making a difference. And you don't just earn a paycheck...you earn lifelong respect.


Hartford is The Place to Be

The state of Connecticut is seated on the northeastern seaboard. Hartford is within an hour's drive of the coastline and is centrally located between New York City and Boston. Hartford is one of America's oldest and most historic cities, made up of 17 unique neighborhoods rich in history and diversity. It is commonly known as the "insurance capital" due to its prominence beginning in the 19th century as home to many of the most prestigious insurance companies in the U.S., many of which still call Hartford home today. The city features world-class museums, entertainment, and sports venues and is home to several major companies. An array of restaurants reflecting cuisines from all over the world attract people from far and wide, and more than 200 arts, heritage, and cultural organizations in the Hartford region provide hundreds of events year-round. In addition, several universities and colleges are in Hartford and the surrounding towns, allowing easy access to advanced degree programs.


Want to learn more about opportunities in HPS? Join one of our monthly virtual information sessions .


An Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/V/D


Note: The above description covers the principle duties and responsibilities of the position. The description should not, however, be construed as a complete listing of all duties or as a contract. In all cases, these relationships, functions, and their applications are subject to change by the superintendent of schools.


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