Assistant Principal: Middle School

The Middle School Assistant Principal supports the Principal in fostering a safe, inclusive, and academically rigorous environment that promotes the success and well-being of all students. This role involves leadership in instructional supervision, student support services, staff development, community engagement, and operational management. The Assistant Principal is expected to model professionalism, provide a visible and supportive presence in the school and school community and contribute to the continuous improvement of the school community.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• engage in continuous dialogue with the Principal on school goals, objectives, and pertinent matters.
• develop annual professional goals with the Principal, presenting these before the start of each school year
• provide regular informal updates on progress and consult on significant issues affecting the school community
• conduct evaluations of instructional staff in alignment with New York State Education Department (NYSED) regulations, district policy, and relevant contracts
• observe and provide feedback to teachers, collaborating with instructional leaders to support high-quality teaching practices.
• support teacher performance in co-curricular activities, duty assignments, and administrative responsibilities
• evaluate non-instructional staff performance, fostering positive relationships among staff, students, and the wider school community
• promote and facilitate professional development for all staff, including sharing information on workshops and encouraging professional growth aligned with school goals
• participate in the selection, recommendation, and onboarding of staff members
• interview and assess candidates for co-curricular and extracurricular roles, prioritizing applicants who align with the school's mission and values
• support decisions regarding tenure recommendations or other personnel matters through well-documented, evidence-based evaluation
• actively engage parents and the broader community, maintaining open channels of communication
• contribute to school communications and participate in school events such as PTA meetings and Open House
• meet with parents and community representatives to address student concerns, share insights and collaborate on solutions
• respond courteously and effectively to inquiries, complaints, and feedback, coordinating with the Principal as needed
• foster a supportive environment that encourages positive student behavior and academic growth
• work with the Principal to set and communicate behavioral expectations and develop intervention strategies when needed
• use and value restorative approaches and practices to difficult situations between students and students and staff
• provide support for students with specific learning needs by collaborating with staff and participating in the referral process
• recommend staff for extra-pay positions related to these programs based on qualifications and enthusiasm
• support sound fiscal management, assisting in overseeing budgets for student activities and school programs
• audit student activity fund reports and manage co-curricular and extracurricular program budgets in collaboration with the Principal
• ensure the maintenance of school facilities, coordinating with custodial staff to address building needs and enhancing campus security as necessary.
• implement and oversee safety protocols, including regular fire, bus, and emergency drills, in compliance with district and state regulations.
• provide clear communication and instructions for all drills and emergency situations
• work with the Principal and support staff to respond to incidents involving student or staff injuries or emergencies.
• promote a positive school culture that values student and staff well-being, inclusion, and respect
• serve as a resource and support for both staff and students, addressing concerns, listening actively, and fostering morale through effective communication and team-building
• encourage student voice and participation in school functions, providing avenues for students to express ideas and concerns.
• stay informed on educational best practices and developments in school administration by participating in professional organizations, attending relevant workshops, and reviewing current literature.
• ensure compliance with the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), New York's Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) requirements and other relevant legal standards.
• coordinating the administration of state and local assessments, facilitating preparations and communication
• fulfill additional responsibilities as assigned by the Principal, including assuming the Principal's responsibilities in his/her absence

Additional Roles and Responsibilities:

• assists the Principal in overseeing the instructional and non-instructional staff at the middle school, ensuring a supportive and effective learning environment for all students
• attend to responsibilities that are inherent to the position that include, but are not limited to:

  • hiring, onboarding, scheduling and providing direct supervision of support staff

  • supporting academic programming and assessment, helping to develop a master schedule that meets the diverse needs of students and aligns with staff strengths

  • overseeing a variety of curricula activities, eg. field trips and extracurricular programs that reflect student interests and support their holistic development

  • coordinate security measures and staffing for after-hours events, ensuring safe environments for all school-sponsored activities

  • work with parents and guardians to navigate the shift from childhood to adolescence, involving more proactive family engagement and support resources for mental health and social development

• advocate for a welcoming school culture that respects and supports diverse backgrounds and needs, promoting inclusive practices

Minimum Training and Experience:

• evidence of educational leadership, including leading teams, initiatives or programs with proven effectiveness
• minimum of 5 years of successful classroom teaching experience
• commitment to providing equitable educational opportunities and outcomes for all students
• extensive knowledge of New York State learning standards and best instructional practices
• experience analyzing academic and behavioral data to inform decision-making
• knowledge of and experience supporting Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners

Qualifications and Requirements:

• valid New York State School District Leader (SDL) or School District Administrator (SDA) certification
• master’s degree required; doctorate preferred
• prior administrative experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• strong interpersonal, communication and leadership skills
• embraces innovation
• ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• ability to build and sustain productive relationships across varied roles and constituencies
• experience supervising and evaluating staff effectively
• proficiency with instructional technology and data systems
• ability to develop, implement, and monitor strategic plans
• experience leading instructional initiatives and supporting high-quality teaching practices
• strong organizational, project management and problem-solving skills

Reports to: The Middle School Principal

Supervises: Teaching and Support Staff

Length of Year: Full-time (11 months)

Salary: Commensurate with the Northport Association of School Administration (NASA) contract