Middle School Assistant Principal

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

at Saline Middle School

JOB DESCRIPTION

Saline Middle School is a comprehensive middle-level program serving over 1000 students in grades sixth through eighth within the Saline Area Schools. Situated in a highly engaged and supportive community, SAS boasts a proud tradition of top-tier academic excellence, vibrant extracurriculars, and robust arts and athletics programs. SMS is deeply rooted in best practices for young adolescents. SMS is a dynamic hub of active learning built on a curriculum that is purposeful, challenging, exploratory, integrative, relevant, and diverse. The SMS team is a proud community of educators who genuinely value, respect, and advocate for middle-level students. Collaboration and partnership foster a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. 

The Saline Middle School Assistant Principal should be innovative and forward-thinking, with a strong commitment to supporting the unique development of middle school students. As a vital collaborative partner to the building principal, the assistant principal will champion this commitment by advancing our academic vision and fostering a safe, culturally responsive, and highly equitable learning environment. This multifaceted role requires a dynamic instructional leader dedicated to the continuous improvement of educational programs. The assistant principal will provide leadership and supervision to staff and students in accordance with Board of Education policies, administrative procedures, rules and regulations, and applicable law. 

Saline Area Schools strives to hire individuals who are intrinsically motivated, have a deep desire to grow professionally, believe children deserve to learn in an environment that is the least restrictive, and demonstrate the highest level of cultural competence. SAS strives to employ individuals who possess a strong work ethic, are committed to providing children with boundless opportunities, and understand that equity, inclusion, and social justice are essential to the success of a 21st-century school community.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education / Certification

• Valid Michigan School Administrator Certificate required.
• Valid Secondary Michigan Certification for teaching or counseling (or related) required.  
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field.
• Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership or related field. 

Required Experience 

• 3–5 years of successful classroom teaching experience (middle school experience strongly recommended)
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a school setting (e.g., team lead, department chair,
• instructional coach, MTSS/PBIS lead)
• Experience supporting student behavior and discipline systems
• Experience using student data to inform instruction and interventions
• Evidence of collaboration with staff, families, and multidisciplinary teams
• Experience implementing or supporting school improvement initiatives
• Working knowledge of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports), PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), Section 504 processes
• Experience with equity-focused practices and supporting diverse learners
• Experience engaging families and community partners in meaningful ways
• Experience with technology integration or digital learning systems 

Preferred Experience

• Prior administrative experience (e.g., dean of students, assistant principal intern, administrative designee)
• Experience specifically in a middle school (grades 6–8) setting
• Experience conducting or supporting teacher evaluation and instructional coaching
• Demonstrated success leading: school-wide behavior systems, attendance improvement efforts, and Restorative Practices
• Experience with master scheduling and school operations
• Experience with special education processes and compliance
• Experience in trauma-informed practices (TIP) and social-emotional learning (SEL)

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides leadership and direction to staff with regard to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of educational programs, including curricular and extracurricular activities. 
• Assists in the development and administration of school programs consistent with school district goals and objectives. 
• Promotes a school environment that is safe and conducive to individualized, culturally responsive instruction, curriculum development, student learning, and behavioral interventions. 
• Implements age-appropriate, student behavioral expectations and coordinates related discipline and education. 
• Co-coordinates master schedules and course placement. 
• Co-coordinates state and district assessments. 
• Collaborates in the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of multi-tiered systems of support. 
• Address issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the school community. 
• Support the principal in implementing the school’s academic vision and instructional goals. 
• Assists in implementing instructional programs. 
• Assists in developing and facilitating professional development for staff. 
• Observes, coaches, and evaluates instructional staff according to district policy. 
• Collects and analyzes student academic and behavioral data for improvement.
• Assists in the recruitment and selection of employees, the proper maintenance of employee personnel files, the implementation of collective bargaining agreements, corrective action, and other human resources issues.
• Communicates with parent/guardian stakeholders to ensure a positive and successful partnership. 
• Collaborates with community organizations to support the development of young adolescents. 
• Co-coordinates student behavior management systems including PBIS, restorative practices, and trauma-informed practices. 
• Supports positive student and staff attendance, including adherence to Michigan Compulsory Attendance regulations and support of student attendance improvement plans.
• Assists in ensuring that Board policies and procedures are implemented and followed at the school. 
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and stays abreast of current events in the field of education by attending seminars, workshops, professional meetings, or by conducting research. 
• Organize paraeducator schedules including before and after school duties.
• Assists in supervising students athletics and extracurriculars. 
• Supervises departments as assigned. 
• Supervises and coordinates student arrival and dismissal procedures.
• Promotes student safety at all times.
• Is responsible for leading the operations of the middle school in the absence of the principal.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal, Superintendent, and other Central Office administrators. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Knowledge of current instructional practices, including Research-based teaching methods and differentiation based on student learning needs and styles
• Knowledge of secondary (middle school) curriculum, standards, and instructional frameworks
• Knowledge of data systems, data analysis, and continuous improvement planning
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state education laws (e.g., student rights, 504, special education compliance)
• Ability to use technology systems, student information systems, and educational software applications
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities effectively
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with students, families, and staff
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative, professional relationships
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural competency and equitable practices
• Ability to support a school environment that is inclusive, respectful, and responsive to diverse student needs
• Exemplary time management, punctuality and attendance.  

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS, WORK HAZARDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds such as books and teaching material. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The ability to travel to other buildings is required. The position requires the individual to sometimes work irregular or extended work hours and meet multiple demands from several people. The ability to travel to other buildings is required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly supervises and evaluates assigned certified and non-certified staff, including teachers, paraeducators, and other support personnel. 
• Provides day-to-day supervision and direction to instructional support staff, paraeducators, and non-instructional personnel.  

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• 12-month employee
• A full benefit package as defined by the SASAA Master Agreement

SALARY

Per the SASAA Master Agreement

APPLICATION METHOD
EXTERNAL CANDIDATES: All interested and qualified external applicants must complete an application and upload all necessary documents on the TalentEd Website (please visit our HR web page at: https://saline.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx# to access the SAS Job Openings). All letters of interest, resumes and applications must be received no later than the deadline listed or until the position has been filled.

INTERNAL CANDIDATES: All interested and qualified internal applicants must submit a letter of interest and a current resume via email to Kim Jasper, jasperk@salineschools.org. All letters of interest, resumes and applications must be received no later than the deadline listed or until filled.

NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.

If you have any accessibility concerns regarding the completion of this application, please contact Alli Littlejohn, HR Coordinator, littleja@salineschools.org to set up an appointment for additional support.