Assistant Principal (Issaquah, WA)

About the role

Gersh Autism is a year-round school program serving individuals aged 5-21 across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. We empower students on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential through personalized education and comprehensive therapeutic services.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Principal in the overall administration and management of the school, ensuring adherence to Gersh Autism’s mission and educational philosophy.
• Supervise instructional programs, evaluate lesson plans, observe classes and encourage the use of a variety of instructional strategies and materials consistent with research on learning and child development.
• Participate in the IEP process.
• Serve as an integral partner in the work of creating a positive school culture that promotes student engagement, behavioral support, and social-emotional learning.
• Collaborate with therapists and educators to ensure cohesive and consistency across the IEP process that drives student placements for annual review meetings and impartial hearings.
• Monitor student progress and provide data-driven recommendations for interventions and curriculum adjustments.
• Affirm compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding special education services.
• Engage in proactive communication with parents, guardians, and external stakeholders to foster strong school-community relationships.
• Handle disciplinary matters with a focus on positive behavioral interventions and restorative practices.
• Participate in school events, professional development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Employee timecards through payroll system.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education, Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• State certification in school administration or educational leadership.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in special education, preferably working with students with autism.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in education, administration, or leadership.
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, communication and interpersonal skills to effectively manage staff, students and families.
• Experience developing and implementing IEPs, behavior intervention plans, and data-driven instruction.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices for supporting students with autism.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills.
• Familiarity with compliance standards in special education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a leadership or administrative role within a special education setting.
• Training in crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies.

Schedule

Onsite at our school located in Issaquah, WA
Monday-Friday
7:45 am- 3:45 pm

Physical requirements

• Must be able to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, may need to implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures.
• Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, be able to lift a child.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday
• Ability to lift (at least 50-65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students, which may include lifting or guiding students of varying sizes
• Ability to physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training)
• Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quickly
• Ability to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment
• Ability to multi-task and shift priorities quickly
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships
• Ability to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations

Benefits for Full Time Employees

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k matching)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development