What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Principal (TK-8th) 2026-2027 SY - Carmichael position at California Montessori Project?
Job Title: Assistant Principal
Work Calendar: 12 Month Salary - 200
About Us: California Montessori Project (CMP) is a successful public charter school network based in the greater Sacramento area with an exceptional TK-8 Montessori program that is tuition-free and open to all students. The network serves over 3,000 students on seven campuses. CMP is authorized through, and maintains strong relationships with four school districts: Elk Grove Unified School District, Sacramento City Unified School District, San Juan Unified School District and Buckeye Union School District.
CMP teachers are supported in pursuing dual-certification, holding a Montessori certification from an AMS-accredited training center and a California state credential. The CMP Leadership Team, including the Governing Board, Directors, Principals, and Assistant Principals, provide stability and focused guidance to the organization. CMP’s commitment to equity and student success is anchored in the frameworks of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), which build sustainable systems and promote whole-child development.
CMP Mission: The Mission of the California Montessori Project is to provide a quality, tuition-free, TK-8, Montessori education that challenges our students to reach their full potential.
Summary/Objective:
The Assistant Principal of Student and School Services serves as a campus instructional and student support leader responsible for overseeing student behavior systems, MTSS/PBIS implementation, classified staff supervision, campus culture, and student support structures. The Assistant Principal of Student and School Services supports the Principal in maintaining a safe, inclusive, student-centered educational environment while developing leadership capacity related to instructional leadership, school systems, staff supervision, and campus management. This role serves as a key leadership pathway toward future principalship by providing direct experience in staff supervision, student systems management, operational coordination, and campus leadership.
Essential Functions
Student Support Systems & School Culture
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Lead implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), PBIS, restorative practices, and student intervention systems.
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Oversee student behavior systems, discipline processes, and student accountability structures.
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Support development of a safe, inclusive, student-centered campus culture.
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Coordinate student support processes including SSTs, 504 plans, attendance interventions, and individualized student support systems.
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Monitor student behavior, attendance, wellness, and intervention data to support proactive student support planning.
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Support implementation of social-emotional learning and restorative practices across the campus.
Classified Staff Leadership & Supervision
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Supervise, support, evaluate, and develop classified campus staff, including Instructional Assistants and student support personnel.
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Support onboarding, training, coaching, scheduling, and performance management of classified staff.
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Collaborate with Human Resources and campus leadership regarding classified staffing needs, employee relations concerns, and personnel support.
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Support implementation of organizational expectations, procedures, and campus operational systems related to classified staff.
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Promote professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement among classified teams.
Campus Leadership & Instructional Support
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Support the Principal in implementation of campus academic goals, instructional initiatives, and organizational priorities.
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Provide instructional coaching and classroom support as assigned.
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Assist with classroom observations, instructional feedback, and campus instructional improvement efforts.
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Support implementation of school-wide initiatives, professional development, and campus leadership systems.
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Serve as acting administrator in the absence of the Principal as assigned.
School Safety, Behavior & Student Services
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Support implementation of campus safety procedures, emergency response systems, and crisis management protocols.
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Coordinate student discipline processes, investigations, behavior support systems, and crisis response efforts.
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Support campus supervision systems and student safety procedures.
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Participate in threat assessments, student safety planning, and crisis response processes as needed.
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Support implementation of campus wellness systems and student support procedures.
Family & Community Engagement
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Build positive relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners.
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Communicate effectively with families regarding student behavior, support systems, attendance, and campus expectations.
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Support family engagement activities, student events, and campus culture initiatives.
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Foster a positive and collaborative campus environment that promotes student success and belonging.
Leadership Development & Organizational Collaboration
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Participate actively in campus and organizational leadership development opportunities.
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Collaborate with the Principal, Site Operations Coordinator, and Network leadership teams to support effective campus systems and implementation.
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Support cross-functional coordination related to student systems, campus culture, and school operations.
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Develop leadership capacity related to instructional leadership, organizational systems, personnel supervision, and campus management.
Core Competencies
Student Support & School Culture Leadership:
-Leads MTSS, PBIS, restorative practices, student behavior systems, attendance interventions, and social-emotional supports. Fosters a safe, inclusive, and positive school climate.
Staff Leadership & Talent Development:
-Supervises, coaches, develops, and evaluates classified staff. Builds accountability, professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement among team members.
Operational & Systems Leadership:
-Manages campus systems, student services processes, safety procedures, crisis response, and organizational operations. Uses data to monitor effectiveness and drive decision-making.
Instructional & Administrative Leadership:
-Supports instructional improvement through classroom observations, coaching, feedback, and implementation of school-wide initiatives. Demonstrates readiness for broader school administration responsibilities.
Communication, Collaboration & Community Engagement:
-Builds strong relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners. Demonstrates effective communication, conflict resolution, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.
Supervisory Responsibilities ( if applicable) :
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Directly supervises
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Instructional assistants
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Other classified staff as necessary
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Work Environment:
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Classroom Environment: This role often works in classrooms where conditions can vary. This may include exposure to noise, varying levels of student engagement, and the need to adapt to changing circumstances.
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Emotional Demands: Working with students can be emotionally demanding but also incredibly rewarding. Must remain patient, compassionate, and composed, even in challenging situations.
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Collaboration: Regular interaction and collaboration with teachers, teaching assistants, therapists, and other professionals to support students effectively.
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Professional Development: Ongoing learning and development to stay updated with best practices, behavior management techniques, and educational technology.
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May occasionally travel to the administrative office, meetings, or professional conferences.
Physical Demands
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The role of an Assistant Principal involves various physical demands due to the nature of working with students. These demands may include:
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Mobility: Moving around the classroom, assisting students with mobility challenges, and transitioning between activities.
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Lifting: Occasionally lifting and arranging classroom materials.
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Sitting and Standing: Engaging with students, teachers, and activities while both sitting and standing for extended periods.
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Adapting to Student Needs: Quickly responding to unexpected situations, such as helping a student who is experiencing a behavioral challenge.
Safety Measures
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Safety Protocols: Following established safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of all students.
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Proper Techniques: Utilizing appropriate techniques for assisting students with physical
disabilities or behavioral challenges to prevent injury to both students and staff.
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Health Considerations: Adhering to health and hygiene standards and being mindful of
any allergies or medical conditions that students may have.
Travel Requirements
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Minimal or None
Required Education and Experience
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Successful candidates must possess a minimum of a Clear California State Teaching Credential along with the ability to demonstrate successful leadership/administrative experience in a public Montessori elementary setting.
Preferred Education and Experience
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Administrative Credential
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Bachelors Degree
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Montessori Experience
Compensation and Benefits
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Time Off: Sick leave, paid holidays, vacation (as applicable by position)
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Retirement: 403(b) and 457 retirement plans through CalSTRS Pension2 according to California state law, California Education code and CMP policy.
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Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance for Full Time Positions: Comprehensive coverage for you and your eligible dependents.
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Childcare Support: Access to free before and after care through Club M for employees with students enrolled at a CMP campus (subject to availability; application fees apply).
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Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Options for health care and dependent care.
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for personal or work-related challenges.
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Mental Health Support: Access to Nivati, a mental health platform offering counseling, coaching, and wellness tools.