POSITION TITLE: 6-12 Principal
REPORTS TO: Head of School
POSITION SUMMARY: The principal is the instructional leader of the school, charged with the comprehensive responsibility for all activities involving students and colleagues at the school. The Principal ensures that congruency is maintained between the school’s mission and all activities of the 6-12 boarding school.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:
- Is the educational leader of the School, primarily responsible for its day-to-day operation and for the quality of instruction in the School.
- Annually assesses faculty, administration, residential staff and support staff based on the expectation that the best colleagues possible be employed, cultivated, and retained in every position at Vanguard. Established clear expectations for necessary, measurable professional growth and takes actions necessary to motivate and guide individuals of concern in their growth as professionals.
- Establishes a daily presence in classrooms and is a visible figure in every aspect of Campus life, including co-curricular and residential activities.
- Ensures that all constituencies (parents, students, faculty, residential and staff colleagues) are kept informed about and involved in leadership decisions, to the greatest extent possible.
- Directly facilitates instructional and curricular articulation visitation/conference schedule, and provides coverage personally for teachers in all disciplines when possible/necessary to extend visibility and classroom presence.
- Provides an orderly, healthy and moral environment in which learning can take place. Fosters optimism and displays enthusiasm for instructional innovation and individual teacher growth. Serves as a resource for teachers in matters of instructional improvement, classroom management, learning disabilities, student motivation, etc.
- Expresses and publicly cultivates enthusiasm and support for the school’s direction, vision, curriculum and leadership goals, as articulated by the Head of School; develops his/her own vision for the 6-12 School consistent with the school’s mission.
- Works collaboratively with other members of the administration team, especially in supporting the admissions office, business office, counseling services and the development and vitality of the boarding program.
- Is continuously aware of the educational, physical, social, and psychological needs of the members of the school community, and works with appropriate personnel in developing plans for meeting these needs.
- Models and ensures organizational responsiveness to parent, faculty, student and senior leadership questions and concerns.
- Supports Vanguard’s mission and accomplishes all relevant objectives as defined in the school’s strategic plan.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Actively regularly checks with colleagues at Vanguard to ensure that they feel supported and valued.
- Works towards resolutions of all problems in the school as they arise; keeps the Head of School informed of problems.
- Works collaboratively with the Dean of Residential Life and School Counselor in matters of student conduct. Responsible for ensuring follow-through, effectiveness, and consistency in administration of conduct consequences. Conduct professional parent conferences, providing support for and assuming shared responsibility in the most serious cases. Works to hold all accountable and communicates timely and effectively with faculty/parent/students when issues need addressed.
- Serves as liaison to parents; represents school matters with all Parents.
- Interviews school faculty candidates and makes recommendations to the Head of School regarding hiring, retaining, and assigning faculty.
- Coordinates programs for the orientation of new teachers, for faculty development, and for faculty assessment.
- Conducts meetings with faculty, at least monthly, which will deal both with routine school matters and with the stimulating exchange of ideas on issues of educational/philosophical interest and concern; provides regular opportunities for faculty to engage in discussion and collaboration. Publishes semester meeting schedule in the first two weeks of each term, and provides agendas for all meetings.
- Oversees the coordination of the co-curricular and extra-curricular activity programs of the school; assists in maintaining a comprehensive calendar of school events; work with Admissions Director to coordinate regular newsletter, keeps the entire school community informed of school programs and activities and presents at academic affairs and board meetings quarterly.
- Assists and supports all other aspects of the school’s operations, including (but not limited to) admissions, residential, development, marketing, and special programs.
- Is aware of the school’s fiscal needs and makes responsible budgetary appropriations that strengthen the school’s programs.
- Oversees and directs the activities of the department chairs, athletics, and college counseling.
- Serves as consultant and resource to teachers in matters of classroom management, teaching methods, and general school procedures.
- Serves as an active member in of FCIS, TABS, NAIS and active in LD professional development programs.
- Ensures compliance with legal requirements of government regulations and agencies; maintains the educational standards of those agencies that examine and accredit the school.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Head of School.