Principal

Reports to: Chief Education Officer

Salary: Competitive Salary and Benefits

Location: Chicago, IL

WE ARE ACERO

The Principal is the school leader.  

With achievement, community and equity in mind, the Principal develops and leads the school’s shared mission and vision.  The Principal is responsible for engaging key constituents – students, staff, parents/caregivers and community – to create a school environment that empowers students to achieve ambitious learning goals, thus preparing them for the finest area high schools, colleges, and lifelong learning. Utilizing the school as a catalyst for building community, the Principal contributes to the network’s goal of supporting the broader success of historically underserved communities Through outstanding, equitable educational experiences.

JOIN OUR TEAM 

• A team of dynamic leaders reimagining what success looks like in urban schools. 
• A team of professional collaborators seeking the most effective instructional methods for equitable student outcomes.
• A team who embodies the values of Acero: achievement, community, equity, resilience and optimism.

• Meet targets for overall school achievement and academic progress for all individual students.
• Monitor and track trends in student performance across all academic areas, including specialized instruction, to ensure performance of school toward meeting Acero’s mission and vision.
• Work directly with staff to continually improve student achievement, including ensuring the right tools and development plans are in place to assist.
• Engage parents/caregivers in providing social support to meet student needs.
• Be the visible leader of the school by overseeing and providing communication to families, students, and Acero personnel, and maintaining a leading presence at school events.

• Drive instruction and support staff improvement towards meeting school goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), as well as overall student and school performance.
• Set the school’s instructional strategic plan and ensure its execution.
• Create and sustain a culture of excellence among school staff to carry through key areas of Acero culture, student discipline, classroom management, assessment, data analysis, instructional planning, instructional delivery, and use of the curriculum to improve teachers’ skill levels.
• Manage school facilities (with the Operations Department) and school-based budget.
• Oversee and evaluate the work of the Assistant Principal and Instructional Coach to ensure consistency with the defined characteristics of those roles, teacher performance, and day-to-day operations.

• Supervise school personnel in all aspects of work, and evaluate according to KPIs and specific performance goals.
• Develop Employee Improvement Plans and oversee the interventions used to implement these plans.
• Review and compile information regularly from staff performance evaluations, conduct observations, as well as individual and group meetings, taking final responsibility for the evaluation of each staff member.
• Design group and individual professional development, in collaboration with the Assistant Principal and Instructional Coach, and set clear expectations for development and improvement.
• Manage selection, retention, development and dismissal (non-renewal) of staff with student success and performance in mind.
• Oversee and manage the front office.
• Oversee and manage student records.
• Believe in our ability to create the future we envision.
• Other duties, responsibilities, and special projects as assigned.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (required), Master’s degree or higher in Education or related field (strongly preferred).
• Minimum three years of teaching experience (required).
• Minimum two years of school leadership or management experience (strongly preferred).
• Proven track record of academic progress of students under his/her leadership.
• Passionate about urban education and demonstrated expertise in building a positive school culture.
• Possess valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) or equivalent (required).
• Possess valid Illinois Type 75 endorsement or equivalent (required).
• Residency in Chicago not required. 
• Must be authorized to work in the United States (required).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The nature of the work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files, and an ability to communicate and exchange information. Physical demands include the ability to stand, bend, reach high and low, stoop, and walk around the classroom 60% of the day. In addition, candidates must be able to lift and/or push and pull 15 to 20 lbs. for short periods of time, and walk up and down stairs several times a day.

Majority of work is performed in a general school environment. Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties. Also requires participation and attendance at organization-sponsored events and meetings.

NOTE: The foregoing list of essential duties and responsibilities is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Acero Schools is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals. Acero Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.

www.aceroschools.org