Leads and manages a K–5 school’s instructional program, staff, student outcomes, operations, and academic accountability. Develops educational goals, supports instructional leadership, evaluates and develops staff, analyzes student and teacher data, manages discipline and school climate, recruits educators, and ensures alignment with NYS standards and NYSED/NYCDOE requirements. The Principal collaborates with senior leadership and the school community to advance the organization’s mission and charter goals.
Who We Are
Since its founding in 2010, Challenge Preparatory Charter School (Challenge Prep) has provided students and families with a successful academic program in Far Rockaway, Queens. We currently serve over 1200 scholars from Kindergarten to 12th grade across 3 sites. Our school’s mission is to prepare students from the greater Far Rockaway community to excel academically, to demonstrate mastery of the NY State Learning Standards, and to achieve their career aspirations. Challenge cultivates and supports the intellectual, aesthetic, social, emotional, and ethical development of its students and prepares them to be responsible 21st century citizens. To accomplish its mission, Challenge offers a rigorous instructional program in a safe, supportive, technology-infused and data-enriched and social-emotional learning sequence, authentic field experiences, career counseling, and college coursework. It is understood that we are one organization with multiple sites, and it is expected that all members of the team collaborate to support all of our scholars.
Understanding the Role:
Challenge Prep has an elementary school (K-5), middle school (6-8), and high school (9-12). Each School has a Principal who serves as a central instructional leadership figure within the School and the local community. Each Principal will work closely with, and report directly to, a Senior Director of Teaching and Learning (SDTL). The K-5 Principal will report to the Senior Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning and the 6-8 and 9-12 Principals will report to the Senior Director of Secondary Teaching & Learning. The Principal and the SDTL bear responsibility for the management and oversight of the School's entire instructional program and are ultimately accountable for meeting or exceeding the School’s academic charter goals. The Principal must foster a collaborative leadership culture and a shared decision-making structure among the School’s Assistant Principal(s), other instructional leaders, and staff. The Principal, with the SDTL, will be instrumental in developing a broader educational vision for the School's future direction while continuing to support and advance Challenge Prep's mission in its day-to-day operations. The Principal and the SDTL will be accountable for the achievement results of all of its students and the continual renewal of its charter by its authorizer.
Overall Job Goals and Responsibilities:
- Set and enforce high standards for student achievementEnsure the program meets or exceeds yearly student outcome goals as outlined in NYSED and NYCDOE accountability goals
- Communicate to the School & community the vision that supports Challenge Prep’s goals and values
- Develop and inspire an effective and collaborative team of people jointly responsible for the attainment of Challenge Prep academic goals and committed to achieving excellence
- Develop and implement educational goals and objectives consistent with the mission and values of Challenge Prep
- Foster a school climate that supports both student and staff success and promotes respect and appreciation for all students, staff, and parents that is aligned with the mission and values of the
- School Monitor progress of self, school, student, and instructional staff goals
- Ensure high standards for student behavior, performance, and attendance
- Address any disciplinary issues immediately
- Plan strategically and responsively to ensure academic improvement
- Foster a mutually supportive relationship with the instructional leadership team including Assistant Principals
- Oversee, support, and participate in the strategic analysis of student and teacher data to inform instructional practices and teacher development
- Ensure all direct reports are evaluated
- In collaboration with the School Leadership Team, recruit, develop, and retain a team of outstanding Teachers and Teaching Assistants
- Ensure the use of effective, research-based teaching methodologies and practices by keeping abreast of successful instructional methodologies and practices
- Support all instructional leadership team members in their coaching, professional development, modeling, and collaborative planning to improve the teaching practice of their instructional staff—Teachers and Teaching Assistants
- Ensure the learning environment and learning experiences maximize student learning
- Manage all educational resources for their campus
- Other duties as assigned
The Principal leads, manages, and oversees all functions of the School, including the following duties:
Prove That All Students Can Learn & Succeed
Lead
Drive Results
Provide Instructional Leadership
Manage Operations
Who We Seek
- A love and passion for all scholars
- Ability to lead and manage adults to achieve desired outcomes
- Ability to analyze teacher practice, provide compelling feedback, and translate that into action
- Strong understanding of rigorous, effective instruction
- Ability to analyze data to target instruction and inform decision-making
- Experience designing and implementing curriculum and assessments aligned with NY State Learning Standards
- Experience in compliance data analysis and programming
- Practical knowledge of digital data management and organizational tools for record-keeping
- Communication, resolution, and attention to detail skills
Qualifications
- At least three years of exceptional teaching (required)
- NYS Certification (required)
- Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership (required)
- School Building/District Leadership certification or enrollment in a school building/district leadership program (preferred)
Recruitment Process
Phase I - Interview with the HR Recruiter
Phase II - Interview with the Challenge Leadership Team
Phase III - Reference Check
Final - Hire Recommendation and Offer
Work Year
This is a full-time twelve-month position.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Challenge Charter School is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, particularly in the Far Rockaway area, and committed to educating students. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our relentless work. Challenge Charter School offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Learn more about our mission, team, & the exciting things happening at Challenge by visiting https://challengecharterschools.org
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