Description

Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) seeks an innovative and experienced school administrator to fill the Assistant Principal position for The Bridge at ACES and REGIONS. This role serves juvenile justice students in residential and community-based alternative school settings. The REGIONS and Bridge teams have created educational opportunities for our students to gain knowledge in core academic areas (science, math, reading, writing, and social studies) along with project-based learning, career readiness, life skills, culinary, physical education, health and wellness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and community-based projects. The Assistant Principal will enhance our high-level academic and project-based educational environment that aligns with ACES' mission and values.

The Assistant Principal serves as an educational leader, responsible for overseeing all aspects of school culture, continuous improvement, and academic success. The Assistant Principal in collaboration with the principal works to oversee the adherence of policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure that all students are able to learn in a safe environment that meets the vision and mission of ACES while providing rigorous curriculum that meets the needs of diverse learners. 

Achieving academic excellence requires that the school Assistant Principal work collaboratively with the principal to direct and nurture all members of the school community and to communicate effectively with parents. Inherent in the position are the responsibilities for scheduling, curriculum development, extracurricular activities, personnel management, emergency procedures, and collaborating on facility operations. The leader in this position needs to be a reflective analytical practitioner with a growth mindset. 

Qualifications / Experience:

• Commitment to creating a productive educational experience.

• Possess extensive experience working with students involved in juvenile justice.
• Experience with at-risk, trauma complex student backgrounds.
• Proven history in improving teaching and learning.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure the success and achievement of all students by promoting high standards and expectations for all students and staff for academic, social/emotional and behavioral performance.
• Lead in the development of a shared understanding of best practices in curriculum, instruction and assessment. 
• Implement practices to recruit, select, support, and retain highly qualified and competent staff. 
• Manage, evaluate and supervise effective and clear procedures for the operation and functioning of the school consistent with the philosophy, mission, values and goals of the school including instructional programs, extracurricular activities, and discipline systems that ensure a safe and orderly climate.
• Manage organizational systems and resources for a safe, high performing learning environment.
• Lead in a spirit of collaboration with families and stakeholders to respond to diverse needs and interests to promote a positive culture and climate.
• Participate in the development and implementation of school goals.
• Direct, supervise and evaluate professional, paraprofessional and support staff. 
• Assist in developing and designing staff professional learning, encouraging, and directing participation in professional learning opportunities. 
• Participate in activities for self- growth, evaluation, and ongoing professional learning. 
• Interacts in a positive and professional manner with students and colleagues.
• Participates in assigned training and staff development opportunities.
• Represents ACES in a positive manner through personal conduct, attendance, and completion of assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Educational laws, board policies and civil regulations. 
• Supervision that is in keeping with the ACES plan and that promotes best instructional practice through effective feedback and support. 
• Connecticut Teacher Evaluation models 
• Required CSDE reports regarding attendance and discipline matters. 
• Confidentiality regarding records in adherence to data privacy regulations. 
• Principles and practices for special needs populations; PPT, 504 and IEP requirements. 
• Current technology appropriate to instruction of population served. 
• Leading change to improve student and agency outcomes. 
• Department of Children and Families reporting and supports. 

• ACES policies and procedures, inclusive of assigned program specific policies and procedures

Skills in:

• Feedback and coaching to improve student outcomes and personnel performance.
• Preparing and monitoring budget and resources related to the school. 
• Instructional leadership to assist in the development of curriculum and instructional programs. 
• Utilizing data and accountability systems to inform decisions toward continuous improvement and evaluate progress toward goals. 
• Developing, implementing, and sustaining shared vision and mission

Ability to:

• Provide timely communication regarding the needs, successes, and general operation of the school. 
• Collaborate with all stakeholders for the ongoing improvement of the learning community. 
• Build a positive climate and rapport with all stakeholders. 
• Communicate with clarity expectations, procedures, and strategic goals. 
• Present to various stakeholder groups including the community partners and ACES Governing Board. 
• Oversee the safety/crisis management systems of the school, inclusive of drills and communications regarding the plan. Work with area community first response personnel. 
• Engage in the processes to increase enrollment and collaborate with district partners. 

Qualifications

Master’s degree in education or Related Field,

Valid 092 Intermediate Administration Certification, 6^th Year Degree Preferred,

2-5 years’ experience as a Principal, Assistant Principal, or School Leadership Role