Assistant Principal Mitchell Elementary School (SY26-27)

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community looking for an energetic, skilled, and compassionate Assistant Principal to join our team. To support our mission of helping every child succeed, Needham Public Schools encourages candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Mitchell Elementary School is a vibrant and caring community that serves over 400 students in grades K-5. The Assistant Principal collaborates with the Principal and Special Education Coordinator to support student learning, ensure the health and safety of the school community, and promote a positive school climate while upholding the school's Core Values. Additionally, the Assistant Principal shares responsibilities for supervision and evaluation, management of administrative structures and staffing, scheduling, MCAS administration, and providing leadership within the school.

Essential Functions and Duties of the Position 

The essential functions and duties listed below are intended as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. 

• Promotes a positive climate for learning, sensitively supports all persons, and actively 
• Works to create an inclusive, anti-racist environment. 
• Fosters a school environment that is physically and emotionally safe for all members. 
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective and respectful communication with students and parents. 
• Supervises and evaluates teaching staff and other building employees in accordance with the school district's evaluation plan, and makes recommendations regarding goals, areas needing improvement, and continued employment.
• Fosters opportunities for teacher and student leadership. 
• Assists in a variety of staff development activities. 
• Maintains communication with the students, parents, staff, and the community. 
• Acts as the principal in the principal's absence when instructed to do so. 
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal, Superintendent, and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent. 

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Candidates should have evidence of instructional leadership potential that includes the following: 

• Knowledge of child development and of developmentally appropriate methods for communication, interaction, and intervention with students and families. 
• Knowledge of culturally responsive teaching practices and the ability to develop a culturally proficient environment for students, staff, families, and guests. 
• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy. 
• Understanding of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles. 
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed. 
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. 
• Ability to organize multiple tasks and projects and conflicting time constraints. 
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation and ongoing professional reflection with regard to leadership, performance and professional growth. 
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain a high degree of diplomacy in responding to and resolving issues in a highly professional manner. 

Qualifications: 

• Applicants have demonstrated evidence of leadership and have worked with students, staff, and parents to create a positive and successful school environment.
• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education license as an Elementary Principal/Assistant Principal 
• Diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Start Date 

July 1, 2026

Selection Process & Timeline 

• The closing date for applications is Friday, May 8, 2026
• Candidates selected for initial interview will be contacted by Wednesday, May 13, 2026 with interviews beginning the third week in May. 
• The hiring process includes reviewing documents, selecting candidates, initial interviews, selection of finalists, second interview day with various groups in Needham, writing samples, a site visit of current employment, and final interview with the Superintendent. 
• Documents, references, and transcripts must be uploaded through the online application portal. 

Compensation and Benefits: 

Please review the Unit B contract and this page to learn more about employee compensation and benefits. 

Per diem rates is determined by education and experience, ranging from Masters (step 1) $524.39 to Doctorate (Step 10) $745.79 (This range is based on a 1.0 FTE).

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website.

All positions are subject to the approval of the 2026-2027 Needham Public School budget by the Town of Needham.