EE-4th Grade Principal

Pella Christian Schools is a parent run preschool – 12th grade system serving the students of Christian families on our two Pella campuses – Pella Christian Grade School and Pella Christian High School. Our long tradition of excellence began over 100 years ago . Today Pella Christian provides a Christ-centered, whole child education to over 850 students from 450 families representing over 70 Christian churches in South Central Iowa.

We want to help your student grow—academically, socially and emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually. In partnering with you as parents, as well as your church, we help provide a solid academic and spiritual foundation for your student. At Pella Christian Schools, we develop students’ God-given gifts and equip leaders for lives of service.

Our vision for each student is to cultivate discipleship habits and practices that both forms the learner and transforms God’s world around them. These Biblical characteristics include living our role in God’s story as image reflectors, community builders, God worshipers, justice seekers, earth keepers, order discoverers, beauty creators, creation enjoyers, truth seekers and servant workers.

Pella Christian Grade School and High School are Independently Accredited in the State of Iowa by our accrediting agency, Christian Schools International.

EE-4 Principal Job Description

Reports to: Head of Schools

Oversees: EE-4 Staff

Position Type: Full-time, salaried (220-day contract)

Key Responsibilities

Spiritual Leadership and School Culture

• Model a Christ-like life in attitude, speech, and action, serving as the spiritual leader and role model for students, faculty, staff, and the community.
• Integrate a reformed and biblical worldview into all aspects of the curriculum, school activities, and daily operations.
• Lead and participate in regular prayer, devotionals, and chapel programs that promote spiritual development and character growth for students and staff.
• Foster a positive, nurturing, and safe school climate conducive to learning and reflective of Christian values, emphasizing mutual respect and the application of biblical principles in conflict resolution (e.g., Matthew 18).

Academic and Instructional Leadership

• Supervise, develop, and evaluate the curriculum for Preschool through 4th grade, ensuring academic excellence and alignment with the school's Christian philosophy of education and relevant standards (e.g., CSI, state).
• Observe, evaluate, and mentor teachers to enhance instructional strategies, classroom management, and professional growth, including the integration of faith and learning.
• Oversee the assessment of student learning (academic, social, and spiritual) and utilize data to inform instructional decisions, program development, and student support services.
• Collaborate with faculty to address the diverse needs of students, including those requiring academic support or enrichment.

Personnel Management and Development

• Recruit, interview, recommend for hire, onboard, supervise, and evaluate all lower school faculty and staff.
• Lead professional development activities that focus on best practices in early childhood and elementary education, as well as the unique requirements of Christian schooling.
• Cultivate a collegial and collaborative work environment that encourages high morale and teamwork among the staff.

Administrative and Community Relations

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the lower school, ensuring efficient and safe use of resources and facilities.
• Oversee student discipline in accordance with school policies, ensuring appropriate and equitable consequences that emphasize restoration and spiritual growth.
• Serve as the primary communicator to lower school parents, addressing concerns promptly and maintaining a strong partnership between the home and school in the education of the child.
• Serve on the Leadership Team and work collaboratively on budgeting, admissions/enrollment, philanthropy, the development of school-wide policies and strategic goals, and other projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Spiritual Qualifications

• A mature and genuine personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
• Active and faithful membership in a local, reformed church in agreement with the Pella Christian Statement of Faith.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and philosophy of Christian education.
• In agreement with the Pella Christian Statement of Faith.

Professional Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Educational Leadership or a related field.
• Licensed as an administrator in the state of Iowa or willingness to obtain licensure.
• Experience as an educational leader, either formally through an administrative position or through demonstrated leadership experiences in a school setting.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of the core instructional practices and content related to the instruction of elementary students.

Desired Skills and Attributes

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• A minimum of three years of successful classroom teaching experience in a relevant grade level (PreK-4).
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Proven capacity for strategic planning and problem-solving.
• Able to articulate a vision for faith integration in alignment with PC’s mission.
• A servant leader with a high degree of integrity, humility, and emotional intelligence.