Position: Early Steps Preschool Principal

Position Type:   Full-time

Department: Preschool

Location: Early Steps Preschool

Reports to: Superintendent

Affiliation: Non-aligned, Exempt

Salary range: As negotiated with the Superintendent

 

General Description:

Under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools, the Early Steps Preschool Principal provides instructional leadership to staff, including curriculum planning, review and implementation; professional development; the implementation of all school committee policies, and the development of administrative systems and procedures that maximize the effectiveness of the school. The district is searching for a collaborative leader who would like to be part of a team both at the school and district levels.

 

Essential Functions: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

 

Responsibilities:
Instructional Leadership:

• Promote the learning and growth of all students and the success of all staff by cultivating a shared vision that makes powerful teaching and learning the central focus of schooling
• Ensure that all teachers design effective and rigorous standards-based units of instruction consisting of well-structured lessons with measurable outcomes
• Ensure that instructional practices in all settings reflect high expectations regarding content and quality of effort and work, engage all students, and are personalized to accommodate diverse learning styles, needs, interests, and levels of readiness
• Ensure that all teachers use a variety of formal and informal methods and assessments to measure student learning, growth, and understanding and make necessary adjustments to their practice when students are not learning
• Provide effective and timely supervision and evaluation in alignment with state regulations and contract provisions
• Use multiple sources of evidence related to student learning, including state, district, and school assessment results and growth data, to inform school and district goals and improve organizational performance, educator effectiveness, and student learning
• Participate in system-wide curriculum development and work with faculty to improve and revise curricula on a continuing basis
• Maintain a professional understanding of the current research that affects the improvement of teaching and learning
• Oversight and monitoring of state data collection for Indicator 7

Management and Operations:

• Promote the learning and growth of all students and the success of all staff by ensuring a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment, using resources to implement appropriate curriculum, staffing, and scheduling
• Implement a cohesive approach to recruitment, hiring, induction, development, and career growth that promotes high-quality and effective practice
• Use systems to ensure optimal use of time for teaching, learning, and collaboration
• Understand and comply with state and federal laws and mandates, school committee policies, collective bargaining agreements, and ethical guidelines
• Develop a budget that supports the district’s vision, mission, and goals
• Allocate and manage expenditures consistent with district/school-level goals and available resources

 

Family and Community Engagement:

• Facilitate the transition of children and families from Early Intervention (EI) through the evaluation process, including regular communication with EI and participation in Transition Planning Conferences as the representative of the Watertown Public Schools
• Promote the learning and growth of all students and the success of all staff through effective partnerships with families, community organizations, and other stakeholders that support the mission of the school and district
• Collaborate with families to support student learning and development both at home and at school
• Engage in regular, two-way, culturally proficient communication with families about student learning and performance
• Address family concerns in an equitable, effective and efficient manner
• Communicates consistently and regularly with the wider school community regarding school activities and initiatives.

Professional Culture:

• Promote and maintain high standards for staff, students, and community members in relation to the mission, vision, and core values of the school and district
• Provide procedures and protocols that foster a culture of respect and collaboration

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate student management of all students enrolled in preschool and pre-kindergarten programs during the regular school year as well as during the Extended School Year program in the summer
• Develop and administer the general school routine, and coordinate all activities within the school building
• Foster a strong partnership to work cooperatively with all members of the school community to support the district mission and accomplish district and school goals
• Identify factors affecting students’ success, and direct/coordinate the efforts of teachers and families with support services and special education personnel
• Utilize a positive proactive approach to maintain a standard of student behavior designed to foster trust, respect, and minimize school and classroom interruptions
• Serve as a co-chairperson on the School Advisory Council to develop and implement the school improvement plan
• Serve as an advisor to the Parent Advisory Council
• Supervise and evaluate Early Steps Preschool and Prekindergarten staff
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, state regulations, school committee policies, and district procedures
• Recruit, interview, and recommend staff to the Superintendent of Schools for employment
• Plan and develop the budget process with appropriate staff; prepare budget recommendations and maintain approved budget
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all staff members including administrators, teachers, educational assistants, nurses, and support staff
• Plan and conduct faculty meetings as necessary
• Collaborate with other district administrators in assessing and recommending district programs and services
• Serve as a member of the district leadership team and other district-level committees as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding students, families, personnel, and school matters
• Perform any other reasonable duty assigned/requested by the Superintendent of Schools or designee

 

Qualifications Required:

• MA Elementary Principal/Assistant Principal license or MA Supervisor/Director license
• A Master’s of Education Degree or higher from an accredited college or university is required
• Prior experience teaching at the early childhood and kindergarten level is preferred
• Previous experience serving in some capacity in a school leadership role preferred
• Ability to identify, select, motivate, and evaluate high-quality staff
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability in the areas of curriculum and instruction, staff supervision, special education, and technology
• A strong reputation for building positive, supportive relationships with all students/staff/community members and for treating all with dignity and respect
• A current resume.
• At least three letters of reference written within the last three to five years.

The position offers a highly competitive compensation package. Please apply online at School Spring to complete an application and upload a resume, transcripts, three current letters of reference related to leadership experience, and DESE principal licensure by March 4, 2025.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer
Watertown Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.