Principal, Middle School

Primary Purpose:

Direct and manage overall campus operations. Responsible for leadership of the campus instructional program ensuring high standards of instruction and student achievement, compliance with district policies, application of instructional programs, and effective operation of all campus activities.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification

• Master’s degree from accredited university
• Texas principal or other appropriate Texas certificate
• Certified Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) appraiser

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Working knowledge of curriculum and instruction
• Ability to evaluate instructional program and teaching effectiveness
• Ability to manage budget and personnel
• Ability to implement policy and procedures
• Ability to interpret data
• Excellent organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills

Experience

• At least two years experience as a classroom teacher
• Instructional leadership experience preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Management

1. Monitor instructional processes to ensure that program activities are related to outcomes and use findings to take corrective actions where necessary.
2. Provide instructional resources and materials needed to accomplish instructional goals.
3. Establish clear expectations for staff performance with regard to instructional strategies, classroom management, and communication with the public.
4. Foster collegiality and team building among staff members. Encourage their active involvement in decision-making process.
5. Solicit regular input from campus-level committee about planning, operation, supervision, and evaluation of campus education program. Include students and community representatives when appropriate.
6. Lead ongoing cycles of data analysis and progress monitoring to ensure instructional adjustments are responsive to student needs and improve academic outcomes.

School or Organization Improvement

1. Build a common vision for school improvement with staff. Direct planning activities and implement programs to ensure attainment of school’s mission.
2. Establish campus performance objectives for Academic Excellence Indicators/state accountability using the campus planning process and involving site-based decision making committee. Demonstrate campus progress using results to promote school improvement. Align campus goals and actions to the state accountability system, ensuring a focus on continuous improvement in student performance and outcomes.
3. Provide opportunities for interactive communication with superintendent, staff, students, parents, and community.

Student Management

1. Act as campus behavioral coordinator in accordance with state laws and regulations.
2. Work with faculty and students to develop a student discipline management system that results in positive student behavior and enhances the school climate. Promote a positive school culture through proactive behavior supports, consistent expectations, and restorative approaches when appropriate.
3. Ensure that school rules are uniformly applied and that student discipline is appropriate and equitable in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
4. Conduct conferences about student and school issues with parents, students, and teachers.

Management of Fiscal, Administrative, and Facilities Functions

1. Comply with district policies, state and federal laws, and regulations affecting schools. Ensure compliance with all applicable programs and services, including those supporting special education, emergent bilingual students, and Section 504.
2. Develop and administer campus budgets based on documented program needs and estimated enrollment ensuring that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.
3. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required including accurate and timely reports of maximum attendance to requisition textbooks.
4. Manage use of school facilities. Oversee maintenance of facilities to ensure a clean, orderly, and safe campus.
5. Direct and manage extracurricular and intramural programs including management of multiple activity funds.

Personnel Management

1. Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal. Approve all personnel assigned to campus.
2. Observe employee performance, record observations, and conduct evaluation conferences with staff.
3. Coach staff and help them identify and develop appropriate professional growth opportunities as well as accomplish improvement goals. Provide ongoing, job-embedded feedback and support to staff to strengthen instructional practices and improve student outcomes.
4. Work with campus-level planning and decision-making committees to plan professional development activities.

School or Community Relations

1. Articulate the school’s mission to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
2. Demonstrate awareness of school and community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs using appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement. Maintain a visible presence on campus and actively engage with students, staff, and families to build strong relationships and trust.

Other

1. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and firing of staff assigned to campus including assistant principal(s), teachers, counselor(s), librarian(s), instructional aides, administrative assistants, and other office support staff.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Frequent sitting and standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing,/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional physical restraint of students to control behavior
• Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather), exposure to noise; occasional districtwide and statewide travel
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.