GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK

Under the supervision of the Chief Operations Officer, the Principal of Arnett Hills Elementary School will execute the school’s vision that connects International Baccalaureate (IB) standards and practices with District and State standards; establish and maintain the school philosophy; lead and manage the school to achieve daily instructional program excellence; and lead the school improvement planning process, ensuring alignment with the school division’s strategic plan and best practices.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Leading Instructional Excellence

· Articulate a clear instructional vision with a school-wide focus on International Baccalaureate (IB) standards and practices and teaching and learning that is data-driven, standards-aligned, and rooted in the DPS Strategic Plan

· Ensure the effective administration of the IB program and work closely with school and district administrators, teachers, and students to maximize student achievement

· Identify and describe effective instructional practices and how to provide feedback, coaching, and targeted professional development to teachers and assistant principals to improve the quality of IB instruction throughout the school

· Demonstrate knowledge of educational theory and practices, including a focus on standards-based instruction

· Implement consistent school-wide instructional practices that are clear, results-oriented, and research-based

· Create opportunities for ongoing learning and staff development that are informed by data in alignment with the division’s goals

· Provide direction and support in accomplishing instructional, curricular, and/or program requirements

· Review instructional programs and services and assess how they will meet the needs of students/employees/school division

· Implement common assessment practices and systems for record keeping that align with the IB Assessment Policy

· Work collaboratively with other DPS principals in a community of practice that leads toward division-wide and school improvement

· Embrace and model the IB philosophy and IB learner profile

 

Leading Student Accessibility and Support

· Demonstrate a belief in possibility, promise, and potential in every student

· Demonstrate evidence of student achievement down to the classroom level (teacher, specific subgroups, resources needed for special education, EL, etc.)

· Focus on evidence-based growth and results to drive the school towards annual and long-term goals

· Manage the change process, including making tough decisions when necessary to move the school and students forward

· Engage in constant personal learning, including the need to learn and adapt when faced with challenges and successes

· Assure the proper evaluation of student progress and the effectiveness of the program to determine what practices or objectives to maintain or modify

· Collaboratively develop and implement a school improvement plan in support of increased student success

· Utilize a variety of data sources to make informed decisions for enhancing student/employee/program performance

 

Leading Staff, Family and Community Engagement

· Engage school community members effectively to ensure all stakeholders are included in school improvement efforts

· Listen to and communicate with school stakeholders - building successful interpersonal relationships with faculty, staff members, family and community members, and students

· Communicate with parents, employees, and the community to establish and maintain professional relationships

· Cultivate and facilitate leadership development in staff members through the provision of leadership opportunities

 

Leading Operations, Strategic Resource Allocation, and Systematic Alignment

· Provide a vision, mission, and purpose for the school that connects IB standards and practices with District and State standards and curricula

· Demonstrate knowledge and use of the IB standards and practices and District policies, procedures, employee contracts, and legal requirements

· Demonstrate an understanding of the Title I process

· Execute results-focused school operations and resource management that ensure minimal disruptions to teaching and learning and promote the success of all students and staff

· Develop and maintain a purposeful school culture that supports a safe and effective learning environment

· Align human resources to school needs, setting high expectations and effectively manage all school employees to meet school goals

· Communicate a clear vision of excellence and pursue that excellence in a manner that provides consistency with the goals of the school division

· Coordinate and supervise all extracurricular programs to maintain high standards of student conduct and enforce discipline

· Coordinate the daily operations to maintain the safety of the school and responsibly and efficiently manage fiscal and/or other resources

· Advise the administration on activities in the school for the submission of required reports and respond to the administration’s written and oral requests for information

· Maintain the school philosophy and educational program in consistency with community characteristics and school division goals and practices and implement and enforce School Board policies and regulations

· Practice ethical standards appropriate to the profession to ethically resolve issues and promote a climate of collaboration and collegiality

· Prepare the school budget and monitor the expenditure of funds, provide for adequate inventories of school property and for the security of and accountability for that property, and assume responsibility for the safety, security, and appearance of the school

· Select instruct, support, and evaluate to retain quality instructional and support personnel

· Select, orient, assign, supervise, and evaluate staff to attain the objectives of the educational program

· Use problem-solving techniques in identifying, analyzing, and resolving problem

· Perform other duties as assigned

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

· In-depth knowledge of and familiarity with IB standards and practices

· Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, administration, students, families, and key contacts at other organizations

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate persuasively with faculty, students, and parents alike

· Thorough knowledge of curriculum, assessment and instruction

· Demonstrated knowledge of theories of effective teaching

· Thorough knowledge of the Virginia SOL

· Demonstrated ability to observe and evaluate teaching practice

· Ability to relate easily to teachers and administrators and to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of groups

· Excellent oral and written communication and collaboration skills

· Excellent presentation skills; superior organizational skills

· Ability to observe and assess the transfer of training and learning into practice

· Ability to problem-solve independently

· Proficient in the use of technology

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

· At least three (3) years of successful teaching experience in an IB program preferred

· Successful experience as a school administrator or supervisor is strongly preferred

· Successful experience in curriculum development is strongly preferred

· Successful experience in the areas of human resources and human relations

· Must hold or be eligible for teaching license issued by the Virginia Board of Education with PreK-12 Administration and Supervision (or equivalent) endorsement

 

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND WORK CONTACTS

School administrative work is typically performed in a school setting to include classrooms, cafeteria, and recreational areas. Regular coordination with school bus scheduling requiring outside activity in frequent inclement weather is necessary. Daily liaison activity throughout the school building and grounds is necessary. Attendance of school-related activities throughout the state is necessary on occasion. Daily contact is made with students, teachers, educational support personnel, and school and division administrators. Regular contact is made with parents and the community. These contacts may be non-cooperative. Occasional contact with School Board members and state administrators is necessary. Occasional light lifting up to 40 pounds and other physical activities are required, including but not limited to walking, standing, bending, and stooping.

 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

12 months (260 days); at least 8 hours per day

 

EVALUATION

Performance evaluation will be conducted annually by the Chief Operations Officer on the effectiveness by which the employee has carried out the above responsibilities.

 

This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. It is neither intended to be, nor should it be construed as, an all-inclusive list of the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. Administration reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties as necessary.