Assistant Principal (3rd-5th Grade)

Washington Heights and Inwood (WHIN) Music Community Charter School is seeking an enthusiastic and forward-thinking 3-5 Assistant Principal to advance our dynamic school community. This role focuses on innovative 3-5 programming and robust culture/community building, tailored for a leader who embodies compassion, kindness, and curiosity.

About the Role

As the 3-5 Assistant Principal, you will collaborate closely with the Principal to shape and implement an innovative curriculum aligned with WHIN's mission, emphasizing early literacy and math foundational skills. You will work alongside two other Assistant Principals, the Director of Special Programs, and the Director of Music to promote student growth and enhance educators' abilities to create a positive, engaging, and effective learning environment that supports the whole child.

Responsibilities

• Curriculum Development and Instructional Leadership
  • Partner with the Principal and other Assistant Principals to devise and implement a curriculum focused on early literacy and math, ensuring alignment with WHIN's mission and vision.
  • Lead initiatives to incorporate teaching practices responsive to the developmental stages of 3-5 students, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
  • Drive professional development programs focused on enhancing teaching strategies for 3-5 education, including subject-specific pedagogies, social-emotional learning, and strategies to engage and motivate learners.
  • Provide personalized coaching and feedback to instructional staff to improve teaching effectiveness and promote student achievement in the 3-5 context.
• Operational Coordination and Collaborative Problem-Solving
  • Work with the Director of Special Programs and the Operations team to manage New York State testing preparation and logistics, ensuring a smooth process tailored to 3-5 students.
  • Encourage a culture of collaboration, innovation, and flexibility within the leadership team and across the school to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Data-Driven Culture and Continuous Improvement
  • Champion a data-driven approach to guide instructional practices, curriculum development, and assess progress toward academic goals specific to 3-5 students.
  • Regularly review and manage the implementation of curriculum and instruction, offering constructive feedback to teachers to elevate educational quality.
• Community Engagement and Program Supervision
  • Actively engage with families and the broader community to foster strong partnerships that support the educational and developmental needs of 3-5 students.
  • Communicate effectively with families about student progress, school initiatives, and ways to support learning at home.
  • Supervise and evaluate the effectiveness of special programs such as tutoring, summer enrichment programs, and family workshops.
  • Participate in occasional Board of Trustees meetings, offering insights and contributions from a 3-5 perspective.
• Perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to the overall success of WHIN's 3-5 program and community.

Qualifications

• Personal Qualities and Leadership Style
  • Knowledge of supervisory teaching principles, practices, and methods.
  • Ability to organize and conduct effective training programs.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
  • Proficiency in partnering with families in service of their children’s education.
  • Ability to develop positive, strong relationships with the community.
  • Ability to work autonomously as well as take coaching as needed.
  • A sense of humor and kindness toward colleagues.
  • Enthusiasm and excitement for ongoing professional learning.
• Educational and Professional Profile
  • Master’s Degree in education or an education-related field.
  • 3+ years of 3-5 teaching experience in an urban school setting.
  • 2+ years as a school leader (Assistant Principal or similar role) in an urban school setting.
  • Experience working with students, families, and staff from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
  • New York State School Building Leadership (SBL) certification or equivalent from another state.
  • Strong organization and communication skills.
  • Written and spoken Spanish language skills preferred.

Core Competencies

• Mission and Culture Fit

  Deep alignment with WHIN’s mission of integrating music education with a rigorous academic curriculum. Actively promotes the school’s values, champions diversity, and creates an environment where students and staff feel valued.

• Strategic Planning and Operational Management

  Ability to strategically plan and manage school operations, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities. Excels in coordinating state testing logistics, supervising special programs, and improving systems through data-driven decision-making.

• Instructional Leadership

  Skilled in promoting teaching practices responsive to the unique needs of 3-5 students. Fosters a positive school culture supporting social-emotional growth, engagement, and resilience. Provides constructive feedback and leads professional development initiatives.

• Community and Stakeholder Engagement

  Strong communication skills and ability to engage with a diverse community of students, families, faculty, and staff. Builds meaningful relationships, facilitates open communication, and fosters partnerships that support the school’s goals.

Benefits

• Retirement Plans:
  • Tier 1: 1-2 years of service at WHIN = 5% match
  • Tier 2: 2-5 years of service at WHIN = 7.5% match
  • Tier 3: 5+ years of service at WHIN = 10% annual match
• Up to four medical plans through Cigna’s Open Access Plus Network, all including free preventative care.
• Life insurance, short-term disability, optional pet insurance, and Norton Lifelock.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $105,000 - $130,000.