NJ Certified Assistant Principal 2026-2027

About the role

Achievers Early College Prep Charter School (AECP) is New Jersey's first public charter school for students in middle school and high school. Students can access a program that allows them to earn up to 60 college credits, NOCTI credentials, and workplace training. The school aims to ensure students gain content mastery, skills, and experiences essential for the current market and the world beyond.

Achievers Fit

• Demonstrates alignment and commitment to Achievers Early College Prep's mission, core beliefs, and educational philosophy
• Adaptable in a growing environment; flexible and solutions-oriented
• Evidence of self-motivation, taking initiatives, and willingness to be a team player
• Experience in schools that rely heavily on intervention, literacy, and content knowledge to increase student achievement
• Driven to deliver rigorous instruction by emphasizing student engagement with complex texts, critical thinking, and comprehensive literary analysis
• Quantifiable track record of outstanding academic results
• Culturally aware, culturally sensitive, and asset-based thinking

Competencies

• Builds a high-performing 6-12 school and commits to the mission, addressing both big and small challenges to improve student achievement
• Desires to inspire and desire excellence in all aspects of their work
• Engages in difficult conversations and builds an investment and shared school culture of highly effective teams
• Joyful, humble, open to feedback, and nurturing to the needs of those they lead
• Confident and assured with mentorship and support from their evaluator, the School Principal

Instructional Leadership

• Provides exemplary leadership to all school community members to achieve outstanding performance in preparing each student for college
• Develops and communicates strategic school systems, culture, and vision, and builds a plan to achieve that vision
• Supports Data-Driven Instruction (DDI), Leading Professional Development (PD), and Observation & Feedback (OF)
• Implements effective assessment systems and uses data to inform decisions; curriculum development and assessment; ensures consistency within the school program and alignment with state and other rigorous standards

Teacher Coaching & Evaluation (ELA & Humanities)

• Provides school-wide leadership and directs district-related responsibilities
• Conducts daily teacher observations and provides real-time feedback to move the needle on student achievement
• Ensures all staff provide well-managed and rigorous daily lessons, reasonable and effective daily homework, and productive after-school tutoring
• Holds teachers accountable for meeting a high bar for student performance, including requirements for special education accommodations and IEP modifications in partnership with the Special Education Team
• Willing to co-teach or lead at least one class related to ELA and/or Humanities

Cultural Leadership

• Builds a joyful and rigorous school culture
• Fosters consistency in academic and behavioral expectations
• Collaborates with school staff to support students' academic and socio-emotional development
• Safeguards traditions and rituals that support the school's college mission
• Supports staff to ensure the effectiveness of after-school enrichment programs
• Supports staff to ensure a positive, safe, and structured culture of high expectations
• Assists in appraising the performance of all students
• Assists in coordinating, delivering, and supervising special education and student services
• Assists in supervising students in the cafeteria(s), halls, bus areas, and other locations where students congregate
• Makes disciplinary judgments for students; assigns detentions or other appropriate disciplinary measures
• Keeps accurate records of student disciplinary action and reports the same to the principal
• Communicates regularly with families, keeping them involved with and held accountable for their children's performance and corresponding about school policies, trips, and events
• Responds to family concerns promptly and effectively

Essential Qualifications

• Relentless dedication to improve the minds, characters, and lives of students
• Strong record of driving outstanding student results
• Flexible and adaptable to rapid changes
• Effective communication skills
• Strong data analysis skills
• Interest in and passion for supporting teacher growth
• Ability to provide high-leverage feedback via classroom observations
• Grit, personal responsibility, and commitment to continual professional growth
• Strong communications skills with multiple stakeholders including teachers, students, families, and colleagues
• Strong organizational skills, careful attention to detail, and follow-through
• Leadership ability in curriculum and staff development, staff supervision and evaluation, and program evaluation
• 5 years teaching and working in classrooms and coaching teachers, preferably in low-income schools and/or communities
• NJ Principal or Supervisor Certificate, or equivalent
• A Master's degree (required)
• Experience as a Teacher, Instructional Coach, Dean, or equivalent leadership role required

Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
• Proficiency using computers, printers, copy machines, and fax machines
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written skills
• Ability to travel for programming, residency, and development opportunities