Elementary School Principal (PED-issued Leve 3-B K-12 Admininstrative License Requred)

Summary of position:   The Elementary School Principal serves as the site-based instructional and operational leader for the elementary program (grades K–5). The Principal is responsible for the implementation and continuous improvement of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), leadership of Multi-Layered System of Supports (MLSS) Layers 1 and 2, supervision and evaluation of elementary faculty and staff, student discipline for grades K–5, and the overall culture, climate, and daily functioning of the elementary campus. The Principal reports to the Head of School and functions as a member of the school’s executive leadership team.

Role Scope and Authority:  The Elementary School Principal exercises site-based leadership authority over the elementary instructional program, school climate, and daily operations for grades K–5. This role is responsible for instructional supervision, staff evaluation, student discipline, and implementation of schoolwide systems at the elementary level.

The Elementary School Principal provides oversight of instructional, intervention, and support systems and holds staff accountable for performance and compliance. Program coordination and facilitation responsibilities may be delegated to instructional leaders, including the Elementary Program Coordinator, while accountability for outcomes remains with the Principal. The Elementary School Principal reports to the Head of School and serves as a member of the school’s executive leadership team.

FLSA Status: Exempt (executive)

School Personnel Act Classification:    Administrative

Immediate supervisor:   Head of School

Compensation:  Salaried, $110,000 - $120,000 depending on experience

Hours: Full Time Elementary School Principal must be present on campus during core school hours, with schedule flexibility aligned to compliance, supervision, and leadership responsibilities.   Required on-campus dates are all teacher work days plus additional days before and after the school year, as established by the Head of School prior to the commencement of each year.  Duties may extend beyond required on-campus hours and days. 

Standards of Performance Review:   NMIS Elementary School Principal Evaluation

Receives Paid Personal Leave under NMIS Policy:  Yes

Certification/Educational Qualifications:

• Current New Mexico PED-issued Level 3-B preK-12 Administrative License
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, or ability to demonstrate working proficiency in Spanish within one year of appointment
• Current trainings in accordance with NMIS Employee Handbook and Governing Council Policy
• Current background check in compliance with school policy
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in elementary instruction, bilingual education, and inquiry-based learning
• Demonstrated expertise in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP)
• Familiarity with New Mexico academic standards, assessment systems, and instructional data
• Familiarity and working knowledge of the school's student information system (SIS) and NOVA reporting.

Physical/Mental Qualifications

• Ability to effectively use relevant technology to support instruction and communication
• Ability to interpret instructional and assessment data in multilingual learning environments
• Ability to lead in dynamic, high-interaction school settings

Job Duties

Essential functions:  The Elementary School Principal is responsible for the following, with or without reasonable accommodations.

1. General Systems Leadership
1. Be physically present on campus and at school functions as required to fulfill leadership, supervision, and operational responsibilities.
2. Abide by all NMIS policies, procedures, Employee Handbook provisions, and all applicable sections of New Mexico Statute (NMSA) and Administrative Code (NMAC).
3. Maintain strict confidentiality of student, family, and employee information in accordance with state and federal law.
4. Model professional conduct, ethical decision-making, and collegial leadership in all interactions.
5. Ensure that elementary faculty and staff adhere to NMIS policies, professional standards, and instructional expectations.
6. Design, maintain, and continuously improve systems and procedures that support effective elementary instruction, student support, and school operations.
7. Ensure effective functioning of the Pedagogical Leadership Team (PLT), with facilitation led by the Elementary and Middle School Program Coordinators, and hold coordinators accountable for meeting structure, focus, and outcomes.
8. Serve as a member of the school’s executive leadership team and contribute to schoolwide planning and decision-making.
9. Ensure budgetary responsibility for the elementary program and appropriate use of allocated resources.
2. Instructional Leadership
1. Serve as the primary instructional leader for grades K–5.
2. Ensure full implementation of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) with fidelity to IB standards and practices.
3. Monitor curriculum alignment, instructional quality, and assessment practices.
4. Lead data-informed instructional improvement cycles.
5. Ensure compliance with the school’s Language Policy and Bilingual Multicultural Education Program (BMEP) requirements.
6. Provide oversight of the Bilingual Multicultural Education Program (BMEP) to ensure fidelity of implementation and compliance, with day-to-day coordination carried out by the Elementary Program Coordinator.
7. Completion and implementation of the school’s K-8 Literacy Plan.
3. Professional Learning and Staff Development
1. Lead the design and implementation of site-based professional learning aligned to school priorities, IB standards, and instructional data.
2. Ensure that professional development supports effective bilingual instruction and inquiry-based teaching practices.
3. Coordinate grade-level, team, and individual professional learning opportunities in collaboration with instructional staff.
4. Monitor the impact of professional development through classroom observations, feedback, and instructional outcomes.
5. Collaborate with the Head of School, Middle School Principal and Student Support Director to ensure alignment between site-based professional learning and schoolwide initiatives.
6. Design and oversee the effective implementation of a schoolwide K-8 peer mentorship program for classroom teachers and specialist teachers.
4. MLSS Implementation
1. Lead implementation of MLSS Layers 1 and 2 for elementary students.
2. Ensure fidelity of core instruction and targeted classroom interventions.
3. Ensure progress monitoring and timely communication with families.
4. Collaborate with the Student Support  Director (MLSS Coordinator) to escalate students to MLSS Layer 3 when appropriate.
5. Faculty Recruitment, Evaluation and Supervision
1. Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate elementary faculty and staff.
2. Ensure appropriate licensure and training compliance prior to recommending hires.
3. Develop and monitor professional growth plans as needed.
4. Conduct classroom observations and provide instructional feedback in both English and Spanish, as appropriate, to ensure fidelity of bilingual and inquiry-based instruction
5. Recommend rehire, non-rehire, and disciplinary actions to the Head of School
6. Student Discipline and School Culture
1. Ensure that elementary staff issue appropriate student disciplinary actions in accordance with the Student Discipline Matrix.  
2. Investigate student misconduct and implement discipline in accordance with the Student Discipline Matrix.  Serve as the primary administrative disciplinarian for students in grades K–5 for levels 2-4 on the Student Discipline Matrix.
3. Communicate discipline decisions with families in a timely and professional manner.
4. Establish and maintain a safe, orderly, inclusive, and supportive school environment.
5. Promote teacher job satisfaction in the K-5 faculty.  
7. Site Operations and Scheduling
1. Develop and maintain the elementary master schedule that effectively works with the middle school master schedule. 
2. Oversee field trips, assemblies, and campus events for grades K-5 ensuring compliance with school policy.  
3. Maintain high visibility throughout the school day to support students and staff.
8. Family and Community Engagement
1. Serve as the primary administrative contact for K–5 families.
2. Build strong partnerships with families and the school community.
3. Represent NMIS at recruitment, outreach, and community events as assigned.

Additional functions:  The Elementary School Principal is expected to do the following additional functions to adequately complete the duties of the position.

1. Provide input on school policy drafts and revisions as requested by the Head of School.
2. Participate in professional development and leadership meetings as directed.
3. Serve as co-chair of the  School Equity and Advisory Committee (SEAC) with the Middle School Principal, as assigned. 
4. Perform other reasonable duties as assigned by the Head of School.

Salary : $110,000 - $120,000