ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Student discipline referrals climb, teacher evaluation cycles stall, and school improvement plans drift when instructional leadership is spread too thin. The Assistant Principal steps in as the operational and pedagogical co-lead of a K–12 campus, owning the day-to-day conditions that let teaching and learning function at scale. State administrative certification requirements and compliance obligations under federal programs, including Special Education mandates and Title IX, define the regulatory floor this role must hold. What makes it demanding is the simultaneous accountability to a campus principal, a teaching staff, and a student body whose needs rarely align on the same timeline.

As the Assistant Principal, you translate the campus principal's vision into observable school culture, driving staff performance cycles, student behavior systems, and academic accountability across every grade level and program. You hold dual accountability to the building's operational integrity and its instructional outcomes, working across certified and classified staff, family partnerships, and district compliance requirements within a single campus structure.

Career Impact: Serving as an assistant principal under a state administrative certificate builds a documented leadership record, observation cycles completed, improvement plans authored, and compliance audits passed, which hiring committees weigh most heavily when selecting building principals.

Business Impact: The quality of teacher coaching and data-driven instructional adjustments this role delivers directly shapes whether cohorts of students meet grade-level proficiency benchmarks and whether the school meets state accountability targets.

Growth Opportunity: The breadth of this seat, spanning budget management, Special Education compliance, Title IX oversight, and staff evaluation, accelerates progression toward a principal licensure portfolio and positions candidates competitively for lead campus or network-level roles.

• Lead teacher observation and evaluation cycles, delivering actionable written feedback that documents strengths and measurable growth areas.
• Coach instructional staff through data-driven cycles aligned to Common Core or state standards, targeting identified achievement gaps.
• Supervise student discipline systems, ensuring policies are applied equitably and documented in compliance with district and state requirements.
• Coordinate campus scheduling, staff assignments, and resource allocation in collaboration with department heads and the principal.
• Monitor student attendance data, investigate chronic absenteeism patterns, and implement intervention or truancy follow-up procedures.
• Manage compliance with Special Education laws and 504 requirements, serving as a point of contact for IEP and referral processes.
• Facilitate professional development sessions and Professional Learning Communities focused on closing measurable achievement gaps.
• Partner with families, community agencies, and district offices to support student wraparound services and campus improvement planning.

• Bachelor's degree in education or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 5 or more years of successful certified classroom teaching experience, with evidence of instructional leadership capacity.
• Valid state administrative or mid-management certificate authorizing service as an assistant principal or building administrator.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct formal staff observations, deliver evaluative feedback, and manage performance improvement processes.
• Working knowledge of federal special education law, 504 procedures, and Title IX compliance obligations.
• Proven skill in collecting, disaggregating, and applying student achievement data to inform instructional and programmatic decisions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to facilitate productive conversations across staff, families, and community stakeholders.
• Experience coordinating multi-function building operations including scheduling, budgeting support, and safety compliance.

• Master's degree or higher in educational administration, curriculum and instruction, or a closely related field.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, with experience serving multilingual learner populations.
• Familiarity with state-specific teacher evaluation frameworks such as T-TESS, AWSP Leadership Frameworks, or equivalent appraisal systems.
• Prior experience supporting justice-involved, alternative education, or high-need urban school populations.

• Teacher observation cycle completion rate, tracking whether all assigned staff receive evaluations on schedule.
• Student discipline referral rate per 100 enrolled students, measuring equity and consistency of behavior system implementation.
• Chronic absenteeism percentage across assigned grade levels, reflecting the effectiveness of attendance intervention procedures.
• IEP and 504 compliance audit pass rate, indicating adherence to federal special education requirements.
• Professional development session delivery count per semester, tied to identified instructional gap priorities.
• School improvement plan milestone attainment rate, reflecting progress against campus-level academic performance targets.

• Base Salary Range: $75,000–$105,000 annually, varying by district size and state
• Bonus: Performance stipends available in some districts; not universally standard
• Equity: Not applicable in public/charter education contexts
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; typically includes dependent options
• PTO: Structured academic calendar; summer recess and state-mandated leave provisions
• Common Perks: Tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees, pension or 403(b) participation, professional development funding

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks, including criminal history and, where applicable, child abuse clearances, are a condition of employment for all positions in this role. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities are available upon request throughout the hiring process. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States before the start of employment.

The Assistant Principal shapes curriculum implementation, staff supervision, and day-to-day building management for a multi-magnet secondary campus, supporting equity and continuous academic improvement across co-curricular and instructional programs. Reporting to the Campus Principal and collaborating with instructional leaders, the Assistant Principal builds a culture of growth by connecting staff, families, and the community to shared school improvement goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the overall management of the school, including academic, co-curricular, and support programs in accordance with district policies and procedures.
• Assist with promoting an inclusive and diverse learning culture where every student finds equity, purpose, and continual academic and emotional growth.
• Assist the Campus Principal with identifying needs, implementing appropriate plans, and assessing results to develop a culture of continuous improvement.
• Assist in establishing annual school improvement goals, preparing strategies for achieving those goals, and developing criteria for evaluating accomplishments.
• Assist with managing all building operations, working closely with instructional leaders on curriculum, and assisting with schedule creation, budget development, and staff assignments.
• Provide support to the Campus Principal related to annual school budgets, and expend district funds ethically and in accordance with district and city policies.
• Develop programs and activities that enhance communication and encourage meaningful involvement by staff, students, parents, and the community.
• Ensure all assigned staff receive an annual performance evaluation, and co-supervise certified and non-certified staff in the performance of their duties and in the improvement of their performance.
• Encourage staff to grow professionally and to experiment with new instructional approaches or strategies.
• Participate in the recruitment, selection, and recommendation of certified and non-certified staff, and in advancement, transfer, demotion, discipline, or severance of personnel.
• Assist in developing orientation programs for staff and contribute to the development of district-wide policies.
• Establish and maintain favorable relationships with students, parents, and community groups to foster understanding and solicit support for overall objectives and programs.
• Assist in directing and supervising support services at the individual school level, including maintenance, security, food services, transportation, extracurricular activities, and library activities.
• Lead Title IX work and support the established goals articulated in the district's long-term strategic planning.

Required Qualifications

• Connecticut Intermediate Administration/Supervision Certification (092).
• Valid teaching certificate.
• Sixth year, doctorate, or another planned program in educational leadership, ELL, or special education.
• At least 5 years of successful experience as a classroom teacher.
• Experience in supervising building-level Special Education and English Learners programs and services.
• Knowledge of magnet school program development and implementation.
• Knowledge of inquiry-based teaching and learning, instructional technology, and International Education, Arts, and/or STEM themes and educational programming.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and ability to work with educators, community members, and families from culturally and racially diverse backgrounds.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Embedded within a Texas campus leadership team, the Assistant Principal delivers instructional supervision, data-driven decision-making, and staff coaching to advance student achievement across all school programs. Working closely with the principal and interdisciplinary teams, the Assistant Principal ensures curriculum goals, student discipline, and attendance systems are consistently implemented and equitably applied.

Core Functions

• Participate in the development and evaluation of educational programs, and encourage and support innovative instructional efforts.
• Provide appropriate time, resources, and materials to support staff in accomplishing educational goals.
• Facilitate the use of technology in the teaching and learning process.
• Serve as SRT chairperson and point person for special populations, including Special Education, 504, and ELL, as assigned.
• Attend team and department meetings and participate in plans for struggling students.
• Promote a positive, caring climate for learning and deal sensitively and fairly with persons from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Participate in collaborative processes to develop campus improvement plans with staff, parents, and community members.
• Assist the principal in developing, maintaining, and using appropriate information systems and records necessary for attainment of campus performance objectives.
• Collect, analyze, and disaggregate student data from multiple sources to drive campus decisions.
• Observe employee performance, record observations, and conduct evaluation conferences with staff.
• Assist the principal in interviewing, selecting, and orienting new staff, and coach and develop teachers.
• Serve as principal in the absence of the regular principal, and assist in the administration of the daily organization of the school, including class scheduling, teacher assignments, and extracurricular activities.
• Supervise the reporting and monitoring of student attendance and investigate follow-up actions.
• Implement policies established by federal and state law, the State Board of Education, and the local board, and ensure that school rules are uniformly observed and that student discipline is appropriate and equitable.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's degree.
• Valid Texas mid-management or other appropriate Texas certificate.
• Certified instructional supervisor.
• Certificate for Professional Development and Appraisal System.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate.
• Three years of experience as a classroom teacher.
• Thorough understanding of school administrative operations.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Reporting to the campus principal, the Assistant Principal leads instructional oversight, staff evaluation, and student discipline for a comprehensive Washington State high school, applying AWSP Leadership Frameworks and CEL 5D+ Instructional practices to optimize educational outcomes. Partnering with teacher leader teams and social service agencies, the Assistant Principal contributes to a safe, inclusive environment where high-quality learning opportunities are sustained for every student.

Primary Duties

• Provide leadership and management of the high school, treating all staff and students with respect and dignity.
• Serve as the assistant instructional leader and assistant operational manager of a comprehensive high school facility.
• Plan, conduct, and maintain performance evaluations to ensure that site goals and objectives are achieved and that all staff adhere to site, district, state, and national educational standards.
• Provide staff with meaningful feedback that assists teachers in deepening their knowledge of teaching and learning.
• Plan, develop, organize, and administer support systems that provide optimal educational opportunities for high school students.
• Work closely with staff and teacher leader teams in assessing each school's educational, behavioral, and program needs.
• Provide and maintain a safe environment for students and staff that is free of harassment, intimidation, and bullying.
• Assist in the development of short-term, mid-term, and long-range planning strategies for creating an optimal educational program.
• Supervise, direct, and coordinate the assignment of support personnel, and coordinate student and family assistance programs with social service and youth service agencies.
• Establish effective working relationships with all staff, students, and parents.
• Manage student discipline and attendance, including truancy boards, and update and distribute the student handbook.
• Plan, develop, and implement ASB budget planning and expenditure control procedures, and monitor and audit ASB expenditure proposals.
• Assist with AVID and data collection for district reports.

Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in educational administration or a closely related field.
• Valid Washington State Administrative Certificate.
• Minimum of 5 years of successful teaching experience, with previous experience in an administrative-like role preferred.
• Knowledge of curriculum development, instructional program delivery strategies, and program supervision, assessment, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of principles, techniques, strategies, goals, and objectives of public education, including philosophical, economic, and legal aspects.
• Knowledge of current discipline laws, attendance laws, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and ALE laws.
• Knowledge of AWSP Leadership Frameworks and the CEL 5D+ Instructional Frameworks preferred, along with working knowledge of the Teacher Principal Evaluation Process.
• Knowledge of human relations strategies, conflict resolution strategies, and team building principles and techniques.
• Ability to manage, lead, and direct the functions and activities of a high school facility, set high expectations for staff and students, and make effective instructional practices the top priority.
• Ability to construct, implement, and monitor timelines and meet deadlines on projects and reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public.

Sitting at the intersection of instructional coaching and school culture, the Assistant Principal leads data-driven instruction cycles, teacher development, and Common Core-aligned curriculum implementation within an urban charter school. Operating across instructional, operational, and compliance functions, the Assistant Principal builds strong family and staff relationships that enable measurable gains in college readiness for every scholar.

Duties

• Coach, manage, evaluate, support, and inspire teachers and staff via observations with feedback that accurately captures strengths, growth areas, and measurable progress.
• Set high standards for achievement so that students are on track to be college-ready.
• Ensure that school-wide curriculum, assessments, differentiated instruction, and instructional strategies are aligned to the Common Core State Standards.
• Project and encourage a positive, cooperative atmosphere within the school.
• Oversee systems and supports that ensure a positive school climate in which students can develop a love for learning and a sense of responsibility, self-worth, and good citizenship.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, students, and colleagues at the school site.
• Build a productive, positive staff culture in which staff members grow, learn, collaborate, and thrive while achieving high expectations.
• Lead non-instructional school functions, potentially including testing coordination, compliance reporting, and student activities and enrollment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Graduate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid California teaching credential preferred.
• Administrative credential authorizing service as a principal, or ability to obtain one in California, required at some sites.
• Two or more years of successful school leadership experience.
• Instructional expertise, including knowledge of Common Core-aligned instruction, student-centered classrooms, personalized learning, and instructional technology.
• Deep understanding of urban school environments and school culture.
• Expertise in building a positive and collaborative adult culture.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to build and cultivate relationships with students and adults.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, achievement-oriented environments with autonomy and high levels of personal flexibility.

A key member of the campus leadership team, the Assistant Principal owns disciplinary policy communication, staff recruitment support, and instructional program development to sustain a respectful, high-performing school community. Collaborating across staff, parents, and the broader community, the Assistant Principal enables consistent progress toward school goals by coordinating daily operations and maintaining open communication with all stakeholders.

Accountabilities

• Assist in developing and establishing school goals and objectives and in the planning of the school's instructional program.
• Assist in implementing student orientation and registration activities.
• Provide direction to staff in implementing goals and objectives, and meet with staff to assist in their development.
• Define and disseminate information about school disciplinary policies and procedures to parents, students, staff, and the community.
• Assist in the evaluation of the school program and staff, and initiate needed improvements.
• Communicate and carry out established policies, delegate and accept responsibility for the completion of tasks, and communicate program goals, objectives, and policies to staff and the community.
• Assist in the completion of records and reports, and in the supervision and inventory of supplies, textbooks, equipment, and materials.
• Assist the principal with interviewing, selecting, and orienting new staff, as well as managing the campus in the absence of the principal.
• Promote and maintain open communications, positive student attitudes, and respect for the dignity and worth of staff and students.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, with a master's degree preferred.
• Texas Standard Principal, Mid-management, or Professional Mid-Management Certification preferred.
• Certified Texas Teacher Support and Evaluation System (T-TESS) appraiser.
• Minimum of two years of classroom experience, with a minimum of two years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge of school operations.
• Ability to coordinate campus support operations and skill in planning, organizing, and facilitating instruction.
• Effective human relations and communication skills.
• Sufficient mobility to supervise students in hallways, classrooms, the cafeteria, and on school grounds.

The Assistant Principal at Propel Schools delivers instructional leadership through teacher coaching, data-driven assessment management, and school-wide culture planning that redefines student and community expectations for educational achievement. Based within a mission-driven charter school and reporting to the principal, the Assistant Principal leads professional development, accountability systems, and parent and community relationship management to produce transformational outcomes.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide instructional leadership by coaching, developing, and evaluating teachers through observation, modeling, analyzing data, and co-teaching.
• Support teachers with classroom management and discipline.
• Model core values and set the standard for professional behavior.
• Maintain high visibility during school hours to ensure a positive school culture.
• Plan and lead professional development.
• Manage logistics for school-wide assessments and collect and analyze student achievement data to drive recommendations for instruction.
• Assist the principal in developing and enforcing systems of accountability for staff, and collaborate on budget preparation and monitoring.
• Assist the principal and talent team in teacher recruitment, hiring, and termination.
• Collaborate with the principal to develop, implement, and monitor a school-wide culture plan that includes routines and expectations for students and staff.
• Address parent concerns and communication, and build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders.
• Act on behalf of the principal on school-wide issues and represent a united school leadership team.

Professional Experience

• PA K-12 Principal Certification.
• PA Criminal, Child Abuse, and FBI Fingerprint clearances, and a recent TB test, required before start date.
• Superior grasp of effective instructional and behavioral methods and strategies.
• Strong process, people, and project management skills, with proven ability to train, supervise, and coach professional staff.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively interface with senior leadership, boards, and other stakeholders.
• Intellectual agility, commitment to maintaining rigorous standards, and demonstrated ability to think strategically and execute on multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stress, dynamic, and rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to leverage computer software programs and other technology to support the learning environment.
• Understanding of public education and charter schools desirable.

Reporting to the Regional Superintendent, the Assistant Principal guides instructional leadership, independent study compliance, and curriculum development across community learning centers, workforce sites, and in-custody locations serving justice-involved student populations. Partnering with Five Keys teachers, city partners, and community organizations, the Assistant Principal shapes vocational continuums of care and college and career pathways that produce measurable academic gains for at-risk learners.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the principal to supervise and evaluate teachers, including those working in learning centers, workforce sites, and in-custody locations.
• Oversee and ensure compliance with all independent study and whole-group instruction regulations, including evaluating student progress and maintaining permanent files and work process reports.
• Supervise and appraise the performance of school staff, and provide activities that facilitate their professional growth.
• Ensure Special Education laws and requirements are met and that students are identified and served.
• Participate as part of the Response to Intervention team, and serve as liaison between the school and the community.
• Implement standardized reading and math assessments at assigned locations, and support teachers with GED curriculum and strategies.
• Provide organizational leadership regarding the creation, development, and maintenance of connections for students, including liaising with city and community partners to develop vocational continuums of care.
• Conceptualize the broad goals of the school and plan accordingly to ensure that procedures and schedules are implemented to support the success of the total school program.
• Monitor and facilitate the aggregation of academic gains and other information for students placed in school and skills training for external contracts.
• Plan and implement a program of study following state and school goals and curriculum that meets the individual needs and development of students.
• Assist with the development and implementation of college and career curriculum that aligns with successful matriculation to college.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential records as required by law, administrative regulations, and school policy.

Background & Experience

• Master's degree required.
• Current, valid, verifiable California Commission on Teacher Credentialing certificate or permit for core classes, strongly recommended.
• 3–5 years of classroom teaching experience.
• Experience successfully working with justice-involved populations.
• Knowledge of California state and Common Core standards, general learning theories, and curriculum development.
• Knowledge of how to educate students at risk of not graduating high school, and proficiency in effective methodology and techniques to instill confidence and self-respect in adult students.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office, Google Workspace, and databases.
• Proven track record of success in completing administrative tasks.

Assistant Principal leads teacher supervision, instructional program development, and student achievement data analysis for a Michigan secondary campus, translating current educational research into measurable improvements in classroom and school practice. The school leadership team relies on this work to sustain accurate compliance records, effective budgeting, and consistent communication with students, staff, and families across all operational and academic functions.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Supervise school personnel to monitor performance, support professional growth, and achieve overall curriculum objectives.
• Model, identify, discuss, and provide feedback on effective pedagogical strategies.
• Supervise instruction, including monitoring of lesson plans, and provide actionable feedback.
• Provide professional development opportunities and establish Professional Learning Communities focused on closing the achievement gap.
• Develop programs aligned with the School Improvement Plan and the District Academic Plan.
• Interpret, review, and monitor data systems relative to student assessments, and utilize data to increase student achievement.
• Access the student information system to create, monitor, and review schedules, reports, and student data.
• Communicate relevant policies and procedures regarding student discipline, conduct, and attendance to students, staff, and parents.
• Contact and communicate directly with parents and guardians on a regular basis to ensure awareness of and involvement in student school performance.
• Conduct teacher observations and assist with the performance evaluation process.
• Work and collaborate effectively with teachers and other school-based personnel to develop and implement individual student support plans.
• Assist with the management of the school's operational processes, including budgeting, facility maintenance, grant compliance, and scheduling.
• Maintain accurate data and records to document all activities conducted and services provided.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Valid State of Michigan Teacher Certificate in Secondary or Elementary Education.
• School Administrator Certificate.
• Minimum of five years of successful certified teaching experience with an annual rating of effective or highly effective.
• Proven experience serving in a leadership capacity, such as school improvement chair or lead teacher.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current educational research and ability to translate findings into classroom and school practice.
• Evidence of skills in analyzing and interpreting student achievement data and utilizing that data to increase student achievement.
• Exemplary presentation, organizational, and communication skills, including speaking, listening, and writing.
• Strong technology skills, including competence in using technology to prepare and complete reports and communications.