Job Description

To build more high performing schools, we need leaders to commit themselves to the most urgent and exciting work of our time! Running outstanding schools requires leaders who can inspire students, put excellence ahead of easy, and project urgency about providing our scholars with college access. Our leaders make decisions, conduct difficult conversations, and build highly collaborative teams, all while shaping a vibrant school culture. These individuals nurture learning communities that are simultaneously academically rigorous and joyful. They know that their job is the most important one in the world. Self-reflective and humble, they are open to feedback and committed to continuously improving.

Uncommon Schools is seeking a School Principal to co-lead alongside a Director of Operations. The School Principal is a full-time employee, hired, supported, and evaluated by the Regional Superintendent of Intruction. At Uncommon, our School Principals are deeply committed to and lead their schools in instructional leadership; teacher coaching and evaluation; school culture, and family engagement:

Instructional Leadership

• Provide exemplary leadership to all school community members to achieve outstanding performance in preparing each student for college;
• Demonstrate a relentless commitment to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of school;
• Develop and communicate strategic school systems, culture, and vision, and build a plan to achieve that vision;
• Implement effective assessment systems and use data to inform decisions;
• Lead all aspects of curriculum development and assessment and ensure consistency within the school program and alignment with state and other rigorous standards.

Teacher Coaching & Evaluation

• Conduct daily teacher observations and provide real-time feedback to move the needle on student achievement;
• Oversee faculty and staff, including recruitment, evaluation, retention, and dismissal and hold primary responsibility for professional development, staff observations, curriculum development, staff communication, and program decisions;
• Lead faculty to ensure that all staff are providing well-managed and rigorous daily lessons, reasonable and effective daily homework, and regular and productive after-school tutoring;
• Foster commitment among staff to the development and fulfillment of the school’s mission and objectives;
• Hold teachers accountable for meeting a high bar for student performance including requirements for special education accommodations and IEP modifications in partnership with the Special Education Coordinator.

School Culture

• Build a joyful and rigorous school culture;
• Foster consistency in academic and behavioral expectations;
• Collaborate with school staff to support students’ academic and socio-emotional development;
• Ensure that traditions and rituals that support the school’s college mission are built and maintained, grade by grade, year to year;
• Support staff to ensure the smooth administration and effectiveness of after school enrichment programs.

Family Engagement

• Communicate regularly with families, ensuring they are kept involved with and held accountable for their children’s performance, and correspond about school policies, trips, and events;
• Respond to family concerns promptly and effectively.

Qualifications

• Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools and investment in our vision as an anti-racist organization;
• Passionate dedication to improve the minds, characters, and lives of students both in and out of school;
• Strong record of driving outstanding student and teacher growth and achievement;
• Strong data analysis skills;
• Interest in and passion for supporting teacher growth;
• Ability to provide high leverage feedback via classroom observations;
• Grit, personal responsibility, and a commitment to continual professional growth;
• Strong communications skills with multiple stakeholders including teachers, students, families, and colleagues;
• Strong organizational skills, careful attention to detail and follow-through.
• Required experience:
  • At least 3 years of teaching experience with evidence of outstanding student growth and achievement;
  • At least 1 year of experience as an instructional leader, Assistant Principal, Dean or equivalent leadership role at a high-performing urban public school;
  • A Bachelor's degree;
  • Experience at a high-performing charter school is highly preferred.

Additional Information

Our people are what makes us Uncommon. We believe our compensation philosophy and benefits should reflect our values—equity, transparency, and clarity—to enhance our ability to attract and retain talent and reward their expertise. Our staff receive best-in-class training, coaching, and support to develop and operate mission-driven schools that provide a high-quality education to our students and families.

Compensation for this position: Candidates who meet all job description requirements will likely receive an offer of $113,000. The starting pay will depend on various factors including but not limited to relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. To receive an offer greater than $113,000, candidates will need experience beyond the job description requirements, including time spent in a directly equivalent role.

Other Benefits:

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time and school breaks (spring, winter, and summer)
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development
• Choice of 3 comprehensive health insurance plans
• Pre-tax flexible spending and health saving accounts
• Financial planning & wellness
  • New Jersey Pension program
  • 529 college savings program
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness application assistance
  • Financial planning tools and assistance
• Dependent Care FSA, back up childcare and daycare discounts
• Paid leave of absence
  • Fully paid parental leave
  • Fully paid medical leave
  • Additional paid Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.