Middle School Principal - Lincoln Middle

TITLE: Middle School Principal - Lincoln Middle

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Principal is responsible for administering and supervising the overall school program and providing educational leadership for the students and staff members consistent with the educational goals of the community and the Strategic Plan. This individual will recruit, retain and develop high-quality faculty and staff, and support all members of this diverse community in a culturally responsive manner with an emphasis on respect and inclusion. The position reports to the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools and supervises an Assistant Principal, educators and other staff.

The Principal must demonstrate exceptional leadership and administrative skills. In addition, this individual will be skilled at forming and maintaining relationships with a broad range of individuals and across areas of difference in cultural background, linguistic heritage, race, class, socio-economic status and family structure. The principal will be able to balance the urgency of problem solving in the moment with the need to establish enduring systems so the school can run efficiently over the long-term. The principal will be an exceptional people manager who inspires those who work for them, and helps staff identify areas for growth and opportunities to support them in their professional development.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key responsibilities of the Principal include: 

Diversity, Equity, and Belonging Champion

• Promote a school culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Implement policies and practices that support cultural responsiveness and respect for all community members.
• Ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for all students and staff.

  Culture and Community Builder

• Foster a collaborative, reflective, and inspiring school community.
• Build strong partnerships with families, local leaders, and community organizations to support student learning and enrichment.
• Cultivate an environment characterized by high levels of transparency, shared leadership, and mutual respect.

Instructional Leader

• Lead the development and implementation of a vision for instructional excellence.
• Coach and support educators in adopting high-impact instructional practices.
• Ensure alignment of instructional strategies with the school's mission and vision.

Data-Driven and Goals-Based Instructional Strategist

• Analyze and utilize school-level data to personalize instruction and improve educational practices.
• Set measurable goals and hold educators accountable for achieving them.
• Model a growth mindset and openness to innovative approaches.

Talent Manager

• Recruit, select, and retain a diverse and high-quality faculty and staff.
• Develop and implement professional development programs to support staff growth.
• Inspire and motivate staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Operations Expert

• Oversee the development and refinement of all school systems, schedules, structures, and operations.
• Ensure the provision of adequate student services to meet academic, social-emotional, and safety needs.
• Develop and implement a school discipline policy in line with district and state guidelines.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Serve as a collaborative leader within the district, participating in task forces and committees.
• Ensure compliance with district policies, state, and federal regulations.
• Promote effective communication among staff, parents, students, and community members.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• An experienced school leader and educator, with a proven record of success who is well versed in high-impact instructional practices and believes deeply in setting high expectations for all students.
• A proven collaborator and inspirational leader devoted to coaching and developing colleagues while holding them accountable to measurable results.
• A reflective leader who understands the effects of race, class, ethnicity, income, disability, gender identity, and other areas of difference in our society and has personally worked in similar communities to ensure that all students have an opportunity to achieve their personal dreams of college and career success.
• A culturally-responsive leader who is knowledgeable about the academic and social emotional needs of students, especially those of different racial, linguistic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• A strong written and oral communicator who is able to engage students, parents, and faculty in dialogue and speak in a clear and authentic manner about the school's goals.
• A seasoned professional and experienced manager who knows how to recruit, coach, and develop educators and staff at all levels.
• An experienced administrator who is (or can quickly become) familiar with Portland Public Schools (PPS) policies and procedures, the District Strategic Plan, and has a thorough knowledge of pertinent state and federal regulations and laws.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in supervision, educational administration and/or secondary school curriculum (or ability to complete a Master's degree within 3 years).
• Minimum of 5 years in teaching, administration or supervision of which at least 3 years must have been teaching in a secondary classroom (equivalent experience will be considered).
• Completion of an administrative internship program is preferable.
• Experience as an assistant principal is preferable.
• Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered. 

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info)
• Maine State Administrator Certificate 040 (Building Administrator) (more info) 

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Year-round position
• Permanent
• Full time, 1.0 FTE
• Salary based on education and experience (as outlined in PAA contract here)
• Eligible for benefits as outlined here

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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.