What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal - Soldiers Memorial Middle School position at Claiborne County Schools?
A Middle School Principal (Grades 5-8) in a Tennessee public school serves as both the chief administrative manager and the primary instructional leader for the building. The principal answers directly to the district Director of Schools (Superintendent) and holds ultimate responsibility for school safety, academic outcomes, and staff performance.
Because the grades 5-8 span bridges late elementary and early adolescence, this specific role places a heavy emphasis on managing complex student transitions, specialized middle-grades curricula, and intense social-emotional development.
Key Job Responsibilities
1. Instructional Leadership & Accountability
- Curriculum Alignment: Direct the implementation of Tennessee Academic Standards across diverse subjects, ensuring specific preparation for TCAP (Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program) testing.
- Data-Driven Improvement: Analyze student growth data TVAAS to identify achievement gaps and implement school-wide academic interventions.
- Teacher Evaluations: Execute rigorous, statutory teacher observations and reviews utilizing the state-mandated Tennessee Educator Acceleration Model (TEAM) rubric.
2. School Operations & Culture
- Master Scheduling: Design a functional master schedule that accommodates unique grade 5-8 needs, including exploratory electives, remedial classes, and core subjects.
- Discipline & Safety: Establish a safe learning environment by enforcing district code-of-conduct policies and handling student disciplinary issues specific to adolescent development.
- Fiscal Management: Manage the building-level budget, allocate physical resources, and coordinate with district facilities personnel.
3. Stakeholder & Community Engagement
- Parental Communication: Address parent concerns and facilitate active family involvement via parent-teacher organizations.
- District Liaison: Collaborate with the district administration to align building goals with the broader school board vision.
Performance Benchmarks
In Tennessee, principals are formally evaluated under the Tennessee Instructional Leadership Standards (TILS). Job performance is measured by a leader's capability to execute the following benchmarks:
- Standard A: Instructional Leadership for Continuous Improvement
- Standard B: Culture for Accountability and High Expectations
- Standard C: Professional Learning and Specialized Workforce Development
- Standard D: Clear and Transparent System Management
Position Requirements
| Requirement Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Master's degree (or higher) in Educational Leadership or Administration. |
| Licensure | Must hold a valid Administrator License in Tennessee. |
| Experience | Minimum of 3 to 5 years of successful K-12 teaching experience |
Standard Job Demands
- Work Year: 12-month contract
- Hours: Standard school-day hours, supplemented heavily by mandated attendance at after-school athletic events, concerts, and district board meetings.
Salary : $47,000 - $67,336