Resident Principal
About the role
Founded in 2001, LEARN is a network of high-performing college preparatory, tuition-free public elementary and middle schools with the mission of providing children with the academic foundation and ambition to earn a college degree. There are 11 LEARN Schools serving 4,100 students in grades PK-8 across Chicago, Waukegan, North Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
Responsibilities
Advancing a vision and leading a culture consistent with our mission and core values that creates an inclusive, welcoming, achievement-oriented environment for our families, students and staff.
School Culture - In partnership with the School Principal create a school culture and climate that reflects LEARN’s core values and achieves LEARN’s mission. Demonstrate and communicate the organizational vision in daily activities. Collaborate to build a school culture of unrelentingly high expectations where scholars feel connected, empowered, and safe to take academic risks. Build a collaborative team of adults who feel jointly responsible for the attainment of school goals and committed to achieving excellence.
Academic Operations - Manage day-to-day school responsibilities including direct supervision of staff. Recruit, select, coach, evaluate, and retain instructional and support staff; lead school-based professional development Supervise instructional methods, evaluate lesson plans, observe and coach instructional staff and academic support staff. Develop, implement, and manage curriculum/assessment testing according to state regulations and school performance goals. Drive instruction, performance outcomes, and enrichment for students using data and creative strategies. With the School Principal manages the annual school budget including staffing and facilities to achieve ambitious school goals.
Family and Community Engagement - Manage school communications including interactions with parents for problem resolution. Engage parents and community members in school and extracurricular activities to build sustainable relations. Partner with the School Principal to serves as a key external spokesperson for the school, conveying the school's mission and building strong relationships with constituents, including students, teachers, parents, and community members
Qualifications
Three to five years in an Assistant Principal or Principal role in a school with an exemplary track record of leading high performing elementary school(s) serving underserved students.
Three to five years teaching experience with a proven track record of elevating student achievement, preferably in urban schools.
The ability to lead, motivate and collaborate with professionals and a diverse group of stakeholders.
Excellent analytical skills and the ability to create and implement plans of action to get desired results.
Skilled instructional leadership ability, with a proven track record of driving high levels of student academic achievement.
Demonstrated commitment to the charter school movement, with a passion for educating urban, inner city students.
Experienced in implementing educational programs such as the Science of Reading, Common Core Standards, and MAP assessments with successful outcomes.
Exposure to interacting with a diverse group of stakeholders ranging from students and families to donors and board members.
Track record of using data to drive school-wide decision-making.
Bachelor's degree.
Skills
Strong commitment to social and emotional learning.
Ability to hire and retain exemplary staff, then to hire, develop and retain exceptionally talented staff members on an ongoing basis.
Strong written and verbal skills.
Professional demeanor yet highly approachable.
Ability to express self effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Experience in development and implementation procedures.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, adhering to strict timelines.
Detail oriented and highly organized.
Comfortable interacting with internal and external customers.
Ability to defuse situations and get others organized to meet project expectations.
High degree of initiative and independent judgment.
Ability to tactfully and effectively deal with public and staff in a personable and professional manner.
Maintains a high level of energy and a consistent positive attitude.
Ability to be a bold, tireless and engaging change agent and culture-creator; a visionary; a leader who inspires and motivates students and adults.
Exceptional self-motivation, entrepreneurial spirit and team orientation.
Problem-solving skills, with a combination of confidence and humility.
Relentless commitment to preparing every student for college.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for all full time employees, including:
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Wellness Benefits: Online Mental Health Support, free on site COVID testing
Paid vacation, personal days, paid holidays, including 5 days off every 23 days in a school year
Short and long term disability
Paid life insurance
403B Contribution + 4.5% matching as eligible
Chicago Teachers' Pension fund or Teacher Retirement Fund
Ongoing professional development opportunities: Weekly PDs
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Majority of work is performed in a general office environment. Position required availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties. Also required participation and attendance at organization sponsored events and meetings.
Nature of work required an ability to operate standard business office equipment. Requires ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files. Physical demands require the ability to stand, bend, reach high and low, stoop, walk around the classroom and kneel. In addition, walking up and down stairs several times a day will often be necessary.