Principal Fellow

About the role

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Receive feedback formally and informally throughout the Fellowship during their time in schools, professional development, and in cross-regional Fellow cohort gatherings.
• Work with their Host Principal and the Senior Director of School Support to plan how they will master the skills and competencies needed to lead a high-performing school, including Instructional Leadership, Teacher Development, School Culture, and Family Engagement.
• Attend monthly, cross-regional professional development workshops and cohort-specific professional development workshops.
• Gain exposure to situations they may face as a school leader and be challenged to manage the complexity of scenarios that occur at a school.
• Be fully immersed within a school to demonstrate a leadership presence and readiness to lead.

Qualifications

• Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools;
• Passionate commitment to expand knowledge, skills, and opportunities for students both in and out of school;
• Dedication to building culturally responsive learning partnerships with students, teachers, and families;
• Demonstrates tenacity, personal responsibility, a founder’s mentality, and a commitment to continual professional growth;
• Strong people management skills, including the ability to effectively navigate difficult conversations and hold staff, scholars, and families accountable in a supportive manner;
• Ability to develop and maintain a strong staff culture that is clearly focused on realizing our Uncommon mission;
• Strong data analysis skills;
• Ability to provide high-leverage feedback via classroom observations;
• Ability to strategically manage and prioritize time and tasks effectively to fully meet the needs of their school, with a lens toward systems thinking;
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment;
• Flexible, able to work autonomously and take direction as needed;
• Familiarity and success with–or commitment to–implementing Uncommon’s core tenets of instructional leadership (e.g., See It-Name It-Do It framework, Leverage Leadership principles).

Requirements

• At least 3 years of teaching experience with evidence of outstanding student growth and achievement;
• At least 1 year of experience coaching, leading, and/or managing teachers (e.g., Assistant Principal, Dean of Curriculum, Instructional Leader, grade level chair, content/department chair);
• Experience teaching core subjects (e.g., Math, ELA, Science, History) is preferred.

Skills

• Familiarity and success with–or commitment to–implementing Uncommon’s core tenets of instructional leadership (e.g., See It-Name It-Do It framework, Leverage Leadership principles).

Benefits

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA).
• New Jersey Pension program.
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.).
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits.