Principal, Ridge Road Middle School

About the Role

An Assistant Principal for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is a strong instructional leader committed to driving student achievement for all students while closing the achievement gap. A successful assistant principal supports the principal's leadership of students, teachers, other staff members, parents, and the community.

Responsibilities

• Supports the vision, mission, values, beliefs, and goals of the school; implements processes to establish these attributes and how they are embodied in the school community.
• Articulates the school's vision and implements strategies for improvements and changes to result in improved achievement for all students.
• Assists in creating the school improvement plan under the principal's direction, providing structure for vision, values, goals, and changes necessary for improved student achievement.
• Utilizes processes to distribute leadership and decision-making throughout the school.
• Leads discussions about standards for curriculum, instruction, and assessment based on research and best practices to establish and achieve high expectations for students.
• Creates processes and schedules under the principal's direction to protect teachers from disruption of instructional or preparation time.
• Uses shared vision, values, and goals to define the identity and culture of the school.
• Acknowledges failures and celebrates accomplishments to define the school's identity, culture, and performance.
• Develops a sense of efficacy and empowerment among staff, influencing the school's identity, culture, and performance.
• Sets expectations that creative ideas and innovative solutions are valued.
• Supports the principal's strategy to ensure the school is a professional learning community.
• Establishes processes and systems to ensure a high-quality, high-performing staff.
• Evaluates teachers and staff fairly, focusing on improving performance and student achievement.
• Assists in budget processes and systems focused on improved student achievement.
• Designs and utilizes various forms of formal and informal communication to focus on improved student achievement.
• Enforces expectations, structures, rules, and procedures for students and staff.
• Designs structures and processes for parent and community engagement, support, and ownership under the principal's direction.
• Manages protocols and processes to comply with federal, state, and district mandates.
• Develops systems and relationships to leverage staff expertise and influence the school's identity, culture, and performance.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of teaching and learning processes.
• Basic knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, policies, rules, and regulations regarding school administration.
• Basic knowledge of organization and management theory and practice.
• Knowledge of educational theories, research, trends, developments, and techniques that aid in program development and improvement.
• Knowledge of the unique needs and characteristics of a school system.
• Knowledge of curriculum, instruction, organizational patterns, school operations, and pupil services.
• Basic knowledge of sound fiscal practices, including budget preparation and control, and management of school resources.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, evaluation, and training.
• Knowledge of public speaking techniques.
• Demonstrates respect for all students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community leaders using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Possesses leadership skills to respond to challenges presented by the school community.
• High level of cognitive skills, analysis, decisiveness, organization, and internal work standards.

Skills

• Ability to build rapport at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to manage conflicts and differences calmly and respectfully.
• Ability to keep others informed and up to date on decisions or actions affecting them.
• Ability to link future possibilities to current needs.
• Ability to appreciate inter-dependency among functions, teams, leaders, and associates when making plans.
• Ability to create and adapt future strategy to adjust for change.
• Ability to set expectations that creative ideas and innovative solutions are valued.
• Ability to communicate challenges and opportunities when developing new skill sets.
• Ability to proactively address next steps and prepare strategies to overcome obstacles.
• Ability to support the development of tools and processes to identify skills required to meet school needs.
• Ability to conduct environmental scans to identify new required skills.
• Ability to establish clarity on each role in the school as it relates to the school's mission, vision, and improvement plan.
• Ability to identify high-potential achievers and talent based on actual performance.
• Ability to acknowledge and respect different perspectives.
• Ability to inspire trust, self-confidence, and optimism; models high standards of integrity and ethical behavior.
• Ability to model and support self-discipline and responsibility.
• Willingness to take risks necessary to build and implement the system's vision and achieve goals.
• Effective communication skills, including speaking, listening, and writing.
• Ability to enhance student performance, especially in identifying and closing or narrowing achievement gaps.
• Ability to use collaborative skills to lead groups within the school community to realize the vision and accomplish goals.
• Ability to build consensus and commitment among individuals and groups, emphasizing parental involvement.
• Commitment to a "student first" philosophy in all decisions.
• Ability to recognize, honor, and celebrate successes.
• Ability to meet schedules and timelines.
• Ability to respond effectively and promptly to issues and communicate resolutions in a timely manner.
• Ability to work confidentially with discretion.