JOB TITLE: ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

POSITION LEVEL: DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR

REPORTS TO: PRINCIPAL AND SUPERINTENDENT 

JOB SUMMARY: The Assistant Principal for a middle school plays a critical role in supporting the Principal in the overall administration and leadership of the school. This includes fostering a positive and inclusive school culture, promoting academic excellence, ensuring student well-being and safety, and managing daily operational tasks. The Assistant Principal serves as an instructional leader, a student advocate, and a liaison between staff, students, and families.

Exemplifies thorough knowledge of the Illinois Principal Standards; Board Policy; collective bargaining agreements; principles and methodology of effective teaching and learning strategies; staff accountability; scheduling; elementary, secondary and special education guiding principles, practices, regulations and procedures; ability to establish and maintain standards of behavior and expectations of staff and students; ability to deliver and articulate directives, oral presentations and written reports/documents; and demonstrates the ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with district administration, colleagues, staff, students, parents, and community members.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Master's Degree or higher in educational leadership or its equivalent.
• Must be a graduate of an accredited college or university and possess a valid Illinois Professional License with a Type 75 endorsement.
• At least three (3) years of administrative experience preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of middle school child development and learning needs.
• Strong understanding of curriculum development, instructional best practices, and assessment strategies.
• Knowledge of school district and state policies, procedures, and mandates.
• Familiarity with data analysis for instructional improvement.
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse individuals and groups.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Proficiency in utilizing technology for administrative tasks, data management, and communication.
• Ability to handle student discipline issues with fairness, effectiveness, and a focus on restorative practices.
• Strong team-building and collaborative abilities.
• Demonstrates commitment to student success and well-being.
• High level of integrity, trustworthiness, and diplomacy.
• Enthusiasm for middle school education and a desire to create a positive school climate.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress and in difficult situations.
• Actives and visible presence within the school community.
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates computer literacy and applications.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Serves as a mandated reporter.
• Health examination for new employees, part-time or full-time:

1. Chapter 122 Article 24-5 of the Illinois School Code mandates that School boards shall require of new employees evidence of physical fitness to perform duties assigned and freedom from communicable disease, including tuberculosis.  Such evidence shall consist of a physical examination, a tuberculin test, and, if appropriate, an x-ray.  The cost of such examination shall rest with the employee.
2. Before employment, all non-certified employees must have a physical examination.
3. Must pass a comprehensive drug screening.
4. Must pass a comprehensive criminal background check.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Understands the underlying philosophy for a middle school that matches the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical needs of the students.
• Provides leadership to ensure understanding of and promote the district's strategic objectives and provide in-service programs for teachers and staff.
• Keeps abreast of developments and trends in middle school curriculum and instruction, and provides leadership in determining program direction and improvement to curriculum and instruction at the building level.
• Conducts regular needs assessments and interprets results to staff and community in order to plan for an effective instructional plan.
• Relates to the school community with respect and dignity.
• Motivates employee performance and enhances morale.
• Maintains a commitment to ongoing growth in self and others, supporting and participating in district and site professional growth programs.
• Effectively implement the district's employee evaluation system(s).
• Demonstrates a positive attitude toward the job and remains a flexible and innovative team builder.
• Keeps abreast of district policies, state and federal laws relating to the educational community.
• Collaborates with the Principal to develop, implement, and evaluate the school's instructional program and curriculum, ensuring alignment with district and state standards.
• Supports teachers in developing and implementing effective instructional strategies, classroom management techniques, and data-driven approaches to improve student learning outcomes.
• Facilitates and leads professional development activities for staff, focusing on best practices in middle school pedagogy and curriculum design.
• Analyzes student performance data to identify areas for improvement and guide instructional decisions.
• Assists in the selection, acquisition, and inventory of textbooks, equipment, and instructional materials.
• Oversees student discipline, implementing fair and consistent policies and procedures that promote positive behavior and restorative practices.
• Monitors student attendance and truancy, developing and enforcing intervention strategies.
• Provides counseling and support to students, collaborating with school counselors, teachers, and parents to address individual student needs and promote their social-emotional growth.
• Supervises and supports extracurricular activities, fostering student engagement and development outside of the classroom.
• Maintains a visible and positive presence among students in hallways, common areas, and during school events.
• Assists the Principal in the recruitment, interviewing, and selection of new staff members.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate the performance of assigned certified and non-certified staff, providing constructive feedback and promoting professional growth.
• Assists in developing personnel assignments and duty rosters.
• Supports the Principal in implementing and administering negotiated employee contracts.
• Facilitates effective communication and collaboration among staff.
• Assists the Principal in the daily operation of the school, including master scheduling, managing school facilities, and overseeing safety protocols.
• Ensures the smooth and efficient operation of assigned programs and services.
• Manages a variety of administrative functions, such as maintaining accurate records, preparing reports, and managing assigned budget areas.
• Facilitates communication between personnel, students, and parents to resolve issues and foster a collaborative environment.
• Acts as the Principal in their absence, assuming full responsibility for school operations.
• Oversees and maintains school-wide safety practices and emergency preparedness plans.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with parents, guardians, and community members.
• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders regarding school policies, student progress, and upcoming events.
• Represents the school within community forums to maintain ongoing support for educational goals.
• Participates regularly in school activities, community engagement events, and student programs.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Confidential, 12-month position

EVALUATION: Will be evaluated annually by the Principal or designee. 

SALARY: Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and approved by the Board of Education.