Amherst-Pelham Regional School District

Interim Assistant Principal – Amherst Regional Middle School

Anticipated Start Date: Immediately
Reports To: Principal
Location: Amherst Regional Middle School

Position Type: Interim, SY 2025–2026 (with possibility of extension)

Position Overview

The Amherst-Pelham Regional Public School Districts are seeking a dynamic and student-centered Interim Assistant Principal to join the leadership team at the Amherst-Pelham Regional Middle School (ARMS). This interim role is designed to provide strong instructional and operational support as we continue to stabilize systems, strengthen teaching and learning, and ensure a positive and inclusive school climate for all students.

The ideal candidate is an instructional leader first—deeply knowledgeable about classroom practice and committed to fostering high-quality instruction, supporting teachers, and building relationships rooted in respect and trust. This leader must demonstrate excellence in documentation, organization, time management, and communication, and bring a steady, responsive presence to a fast-paced school environment.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership

• Support and strengthen high-quality instruction through regular classroom observations, feedback cycles, and effective coaching.
• Assist with supervising teaching staff, including performing DESE-aligned evaluations and maintaining accurate, timely documentation.
• Analyze student achievement, attendance, and behavioral data to inform instructional decisions and schoolwide supports.
• Collaborate with teachers, department heads, and the Student Academic Success office to support curriculum implementation and intervention systems.
• Ensure instructional practices align with district priorities, including equity-focused, culturally responsive, and inclusive teaching.

School Climate, Culture, and Relationships

• Establish strong relationships with students, staff, and families, modeling professionalism, consistency, and responsiveness.
• Support the Principal in cultivating a safe, positive, and inclusive school environment where every student feels seen, heard, and respected.
• Address student discipline using clear, restorative, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Collaborate with counselors, support staff, and families to develop interventions, safety plans, and student supports.
• Serve as a visible presence throughout the school day and at key schoolwide events.

Operations, Communication & Parent Engagement

• Support the daily operations of the building, including scheduling, supervision, crisis response, and coverage coordination.
• Communicate effectively with families, caregivers, and community partners, addressing concerns with professionalism, empathy, and follow-through.
• Collaborate with the Principal and Superintendent’s Office on urgent matters, including investigations, safety incidents, or community concerns.
• Demonstrate strong written communication and documentation practices, including logs, timelines, incident reports, and follow-up communications.

Organizational Leadership & Management

• Maintain clear, organized systems for tracking evaluations, disciplinary actions, family communications, and operational tasks.
• Support time-sensitive work such as staffing, coverage, state reporting, and audits.
• Manage competing priorities with strong time-management skills while ensuring follow-through and attention to detail.
• Participate in leadership meetings, professional development, and district-wide initiatives.
• Serve as acting Principal as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Massachusetts Administrator License (Assistant Principal/Principal, PK-8 or 5-12) required.
• Experience working in a diverse middle school environment (preferred).
• Strong background in Instructional Leadership (familiarity with DESE evaluation systems, MTSS frameworks, and data-driven instructional planning) is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, evaluate, and support staff effectively.
• Excellent communication, conflict-resolution, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience navigating complex personnel or school culture situations with diplomacy and clarity.
  
• Commitment to equity, restorative practices, and inclusive school culture.
  

Attributes of a Strong Candidate

We are looking for a leader who:

• Is steady, student-centered, and solutions-oriented.
• Communicates with clarity, empathy, and professionalism.
• Can manage complex situations while maintaining composure and follow-through.
• Builds strong partnerships with staff, students, and families.
• Believes deeply in our core values: Respectful. Professional. Student-Centered.
• Wants to contribute meaningfully to the healing, stabilization, and growth of our district.

Compensation

Salary will be commensurate with experience and aligned with the Amherst-Pelham Administrators Association (APAA) contract where applicable.