WALNUT VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL 

DEFINITION

Under direction of the superintendent or  designee, serves as the education leader and chief administrator; oversees all operations of the school; ensures and coordinates all aspects of an effective instructional program that meets the needs of all learners; ensures and promotes a safe learning environment, ensures a positive school culture; plans, implements, and directs the operational procedures and processes of the site; plans, develops, and implements procedures for evaluating staff and programs; plans, develop, and conducts staff development and staff training programs and activities; plans, coordinates and ensures positive parent and community involvement; and performs related functions as directed.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serve as the instructional leader, collaborating with staff to plan, design and implement curriculum and instruction that meets the needs of each student; Ensure culturally relevant and responsive instruction

• Assess educational and program offerings, and develop short term, mid-term and long-range planning strategies for maintaining an optimal educational program

• Ensure a culture that promotes effective teacher-driven collaboration focused on student learning,  the use of data to drive instruction, teacher dialogue and shared practices/learning to improve classroom instruction, and student results

• Supervise and ensure effective implementation of school counseling and guidance, attendance, special education and other programs designed to ensure high levels of student learning

• Implement and stay current with effective use of technology to enhance instruction and improve administrative and management functions

• Observe, support, supervise, and evaluate the performance of certificated and classified staff

• Create a positive, supportive and  inclusive school culture of excellence that promotes teamwork and collaboration among teachers, staff, students and families

• Maintain high visibility and physical presence in classrooms and throughout the campus

• Ensure a proactive and progressive student discipline system that encourages positive behavior and provides opportunities for learning and remediation of behavior

• Ensure high-quality implementation of schoolwide social emotional learning strategies and programs

• Design a master calendar of programs and activities that reflects the priorities of the school community and aligns with District and site goals and objectives

• Plan, develop, and implement budget planning and expenditure control procedures

• Manage a comprehensive physical facility, identifying needs and recommending additions, modifications, and services

• Demonstrate cultural competence and responsiveness in interactions, decision-making, communication, and processes; ensure 

• Establish and maintain procedures for the resolution of conflict in an effort to maintain a high level of staff morale

• Engage in continuous learning through professional reflection, professional development opportunities and active collaboration with colleagues 

• Communicate effectively with parents and encourage parent involvement

• Facilitate collaborative partnerships with outside agencies, businesses and stakeholders

• Plan, develop, organize, and conduct staff development 

• May be responsible for the management, monitoring, auditing, and evaluating of specially funded programs

• Plan, develop, and provide, as required, management reports pertaining to the educational climate and the functions and activities of the school facility

JOB REQUIREMENTS – QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Ability and/or Skills Required:

Knowledge of:

• Best and current practices in middle school curriculum and instruction

• Effective curriculum development strategies, instructional delivery systems, assessment, professional development, and program evaluation processes

• Principles, techniques, strategies, goals, and objectives of public education at the elementary and secondary level

• Implementation of highly-effective, results-based Professional Learning Communities

• Equity, access and inclusion practices as it relates to students, parents, staff, and other stakeholders

• Use and application of technology and innovation, particularly in classroom instruction

• Current legal mandates, policies, regulations, and operational procedures pertaining to student instruction and discipline

• Employee contracts

• Procedures, methods, and trends of organization and management of an intermediate level school

• Evaluation techniques for determining program activity and personnel effectiveness

• Human relations and conflict resolution strategies and team building principles and techniques. 

Ability to:

• Manage, lead, and direct the functions and activities of a middle school

• Collaborate with faculty/staff in the improvement of instruction and curriculum, as well as in the decision making/goal setting processes

• Demonstrate strong and effective organization and leadership skills

• Lead and implement instructional change

• Systematically analyze problems, determine alternative problem solutions, and make appropriate, timely and effective decisions

• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships

• Engage regularly in collaboration and shared decision-making processes

• Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills while ensuring high levels of accountability for self and staff

• Successfully diffuse difficult situations and navigate conflict through conflict mediation and other strategies while using tact, diplomacy, and good judgement

• Meet demanding timelines and schedules

• Analyze organizational problems, develop alternative solutions, and recommend and make sound and timely decisions

• Create a positive school climate and culture of trust, which facilitates student achievement, high employee morale and parent/community confidence

• Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Communicate effectively in oral and written form

• Understand and carry out oral and written directions with minimal accountability controls

• Establish and maintain effective organizational, public, and community relationships

• Continually reflect and seek feedback to improve practice and performance

 Experience:

Five years of successful teaching experience;  two years of teaching experience at the middle school preferred

Education:

Equivalent to the completion of a Master of Arts or higher degree from an accredited college or university in educational administration, instructional technology, or a closely related field

Certification Requirement:

Possession of a valid California Administrative Credential