Kennedy Elementary School Principal
118,648.68 - 138,085.56
Empower the Future: Lead for Transformation in Education
Are you ready to be part of a district that stands at the forefront of transformative education, where every student is empowered to graduate prepared for college, career, and community success?
Are you excited to join a team that is passionately committed to driving better outcomes for students, particularly those from diverse backgrounds?
Do you aspire to be a leader in a thriving urban school district, one that is dedicated to nurturing your professional growth and development?
If your answer is yes, the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) offers an exceptional opportunity. Our district is defined by a clear vision, a collaboratively designed strategic framework, a culture of collaboration, comprehensive district support, and outstanding professional development opportunities.
MMSD invites highly motivated and dynamic individuals to apply for the positions of Principal and Assistant Principal across all levels for the upcoming academic year. As an equal opportunity employer, MMSD actively encourages applications from women and candidates of color.
About MMSD: A Vision for Excellence
MMSD is not just another school district; we are on a mission to redefine education. Our vision is clear and bold: every school will be a thriving school, fostering the growth of every student so they graduate ready for college, career, and community. Building upon our past successes and a strong foundation as the second largest school district in the state of Wisconsin, we are embarking on a Strategic Framework aimed at transformational change.
Our strategy hinges on three central goals:

1. Academic Achievement: Ensure that every student excels academically.
2. Positive School Climates: Create a nurturing environment where all students and adults thrive.
3. Empower African American Youth: Prioritize Black Excellence for African American children and youth.

We are unreservedly committed to anti-racism and Black Excellence, and we are actively working towards effecting a positive change in the lives of our students.
Leadership Matters: Be the Change
Dynamic leaders are the catalysts for our vision, and every school relies on their expertise to make this vision a reality. We understand that achieving our vision necessitates educational leadership of the highest caliber.
As you consider joining our team, you should know that, as a Principal or Assistant Principal in MMSD, your role is pivotal in these key areas:
Equity Leadership:

• Champion anti-racist teaching and learning, leading conversations about equity.
• Transform educator mindsets to center Black Excellence and anti-racist teaching.
• Advocate for historically marginalized stakeholders, actively fostering inclusion and support for BIPOC, LGBTQIA communities, people with disabilities, and multilingual learners.
• Promote equity in access to effective instruction and support.

Human Resource Leadership:

• Leverage staff strengths for advancing school goals.
• Provide actionable feedback to teachers, supporting ongoing professional development.
• Recruit and select outstanding staff that mirror the student demographic.
• Foster a growth mindset culture, empowering and nurturing the professional development and potential of all staff members.

Instructional Leadership:

• Develop and communicate a compelling vision and School Improvement Plan.
• Enhance teachers' capacity to engage in continuous improvement.
• Foster collaborative planning, data analysis, and adjustment of instructional practices.
• Put kids first by embracing the change management process for the Science of Reading and recently adopted high-quality curriculum.

Personal Behavior:

• Exhibit emotional intelligence aligned with our district's vision and values.
• Uphold ethical decision-making.
• Encourage creativity and innovative problem-solving.
• Implement feedback systems for improved school performance.
• Exhibit a growth mindset, consistently seeking and embracing feedback, coaching, and ongoing improvement for personal and professional development.

Intentional and Collaborative School Culture:

• Assess school culture and implement necessary improvements.
• Manage conflict effectively.
• Forge authentic partnerships and communication with parents and families.
• Build capacity in teachers and other stakeholders to lead improvement strategies.

School Management:

• Monitor school operations and ensure a safe learning environment.
• Monitor School Improvement Plan progress.
• Align and monitor the school budget, including resource allocation.
• Engage with policymakers to influence policies impacting the school.

Qualifications for Success: Are You Ready?
Well-prepared candidates will possess the following qualifications and experiences:

• Master's Degree in Educational Administration or a related field.
• Eligibility for certification by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction as Principal PreK-12 (51).
• Three years of successful teaching experience.
• Alignment with MMSD's vision and core values.
• Commitment to excellence with equity, anti-racism, and Black Excellence.
• Demonstrated leadership experience focused on school improvement.
• Expertise in standards-based instruction and assessment, differentiated instruction, and technology.
• Ability to use data for improving student learning and facilitating professional learning.
• Deep understanding of serving all students in an inclusive instructional design..
• Strong relationships with students, staff, parents, and the community.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and organizational skills.
• Cross-cultural competence and a commitment to cultural proficiency.

Desired Qualifications: Taking it to the Next Level
Candidates with the following experiences and qualifications will stand out:

• Leadership experience in an administrative or management role in education.
• Expertise in Special Education.
• Expertise in serving multilingual learners.
• Effective supervision and evaluation of professional staff.
• Knowledge of community resources and the ability to connect students and families.
• Fluency in Spanish and/or Hmong.

Join Us: Your Journey Begins Here
MMSD's candidate pool opens in October and typically remains active through March or April, depending on district vacancies. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with a response outlining next steps provided within 1-2 weeks.
In-person interviews are conducted at least once monthly, and candidates are encouraged to apply early.
Compensation and Benefits: Rewarding Your Dedication
We offer a generous salary schedule, including a merit pay program tied to performance and years of service. A comprehensive benefits package is also included.
Selection Procedure: Be the Change Maker
The final selection is made by the Superintendent of Schools for approval by the Board of Education.
MMSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on religion, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, physical appearance, marital status, disability, arrest or conviction record, membership in the national guard, state defense force, or any reserve component of the military forces of the United States or this state, political belief, sexual orientation, less than honorable discharge, source of income, or student status.