Level

Job Location

Position Type

Education Level

About Girard College:

Girard College is a full-scholarship boarding school that fosters intellectual curiosity, social development and emotional growth in academically focused students from underserved communities. We ensure every student the opportunity and the means to achieve excellence and preparation for advanced education through purposeful academic and residential programs.

Description:

The Principal for Grades 1-8 at Girard College, you will be at the helm of fostering an educational environment that promotes academic excellence, character development, and the holistic growth of our students. This pivotal role demands a dynamic and compassionate leader who can effectively manage, inspire, and guide both students and staff, ensuring that our core values of responsibility, integrity, and compassion are deeply embedded in every aspect of school life. We seek a leader who is not only skilled and experienced but also deeply passionate about making a difference in the lives of our students and upholding the proud traditions of Girard College.

This position begins on July 1.

Duties & Responsibilities:

School Leadership and Administration:

• Collaborate with the Vice President of Student Experience to develop and implement the school's vision, goals, and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with the VP of Student Experience to identify program needs, manage the academic budget and maintain a robust inventory of curriculum, resources, materials and supplies.
• Lead the day-to-day administration of the school, including staff attendance, managing student discipline, resolving conflicts, and addressing caregiver concerns.
• Create and maintain a positive and inclusive school culture that promotes student engagement, motivation, and success.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the elementary and middle school programs, representing Girard College at events and in communications.
• With the VP of Student Experience, recruit, hire, and retain high-quality teachers and support staff.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant policies, regulations, and accreditation standards.

Instructional Leadership:

• Leading the implementation of an academically challenging curriculum so that all students can achieve at high levels including ensuring all necessary curriculum, materials and supplies are secured and available.
• Oversee the writing and revision of a defined scope and sequence for all EMS course offerings and design of new course requirements, according to academic needs and subject to the approval of the Vice President of Student Experience.
• Provide instructional leadership and support to teachers in grades 1-8, including observing classroom instruction, providing feedback, and facilitating professional development.
• Collaborate with teachers to develop and implement instructional strategies that promote student learning and achievement.
• Ensure testing protocols are implemented for all standardized testing.
• Analyze student data to identify trends, strengths, and areas for improvement, and develop action plans to address student needs.
• Ensuring the appropriate use of instructional technology and its integration within the academic curriculum
• Oversee the implementation of summer academic enrichment and/or remediation programming.

Teacher Development and Support:

• Coach and model strategies learned through experience and professional development and helping improve teaching practices while building strong and collaborative relationships with faculty and staff.
• Support new teachers through the induction process, providing guidance, resources, and professional development opportunities.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations (2 per year) and provide constructive feedback and professional development opportunities to support staff growth.
• Prepare and facilitate high quality professional development and collaborative planning sessions that ensure high quality, data informed instruction in all content areas.
• Lead teachers in interpreting and using student achievement data to inform instructional practices and instructional improvements.

Student Support and Discipline:

• Oversee and implement the Girard College MTSS program with fidelity to support students in their success in academics, behavior and social emotional learning.
• Partner with the Student Success Team & the Director of Post Secondary to grow wellness and college and career placement programs.
• Lead student discipline, PBIS and restorative practices, ensuring a safe and respectful learning environment for all students as aligned in the MTSS system and the school code of conduct.
• Implement and enforce school policies and procedures related to student conduct, attendance, and academic performance including data entry in the student management system (Infinite Campus).
• Prepare and disseminate discipline reporting and sharing of code of conduct violations and consequences.
• Serve as a Member of the Scholarship Review Board, Student Experience Team and Admissions Committee
• Prepare paperwork aligned with the Scholarship Review process and participate in hearings as needed.
• Work closely with students, families, and staff to address individual student needs and promote positive behavior and social-emotional development.

School and Community Engagement:

• Work with the EMS Assistant Principal & SE Leaders to facilitate weekly community meetings that promote high standards of academic excellence and behavior based on Girard College’s core values and academic standards.
• Build positive relationships with students, families, alumni, and community stakeholders to foster a sense of belonging and partnership in the school community.
• Plan and coordinate school events, programs, and initiatives to promote student involvement, school spirit, and community engagement.
• Partner with the residential to support the implementation of a robust after school program that includes physical activities, creative arts, community service, and academic activities.
• Represent the school at meetings, events, and conferences with external partners and organizations.
• Engage external partners to enhance the student experience and opportunities for students to showcase their knowledge and achievements.

• Master's degree in Education or related field required (Educational Leadership/Administration preferred); doctorate preferred.
• Valid administrative certification.
• Valid teaching certification.
• Bold and proven K-12 educational leader and classroom teacher with 4 years’ experience supervising teachers (Combination of public and private school experience preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of successful teaching experience in grades 1-8.
• Strong understanding of PA standards, curriculum development, assessment, instructional best practices, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports (PBIS) and Career Readiness Standards.
• Ability to analyze data and use it to drive instructional decision-making.
• Successful implementation of technology for instruction and assessment
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Work with a unionized faculty.

Attributes:

• Passion for Education: A deep commitment to the education and development of young children and adolescents.
• Integrity: Exemplary ethical standards and a commitment to fostering a culture of honesty and respect.
• Visionary Leadership: Ability to articulate the vision for the school’s future and motivate and inspire others to work towards that vision.
• Empathy: A genuine care for students, staff, and the community, with a focus on creating a supportive and nurturing environment.
• Commitment: To equity, diversity, and inclusion in education, ongoing professional growth and development and upholding Girard’s core values.