Assistant Principal (3rd-5th Grade)

Washington Heights and Inwood (WHIN) Music Community Charter School is in search of an enthusiastic and forward-thinking 3-5 Assistant Principal dedicated to advancing our dynamic school community with a focus on innovative 3-5 programming and robust culture/community building. This pivotal role is tailored for a leader who embodies compassion, kindness, and curiosity, and is committed to weaving these values into the daily fabric of our 3-5 environment.

As the 3-5 Assistant Principal, you will work in close collaboration with the Principal to shape and implement an innovative curriculum that aligns with WHIN's mission and vision, with a special emphasis on early literacy and math foundational skills. Your leadership will extend to collaborating with two other Assistant Principals, Director of Special Programs and Director of Music to promote student growth, and enhancing our educators' abilities to create a positive, engaging, and effective learning environment that supports the whole child.

Your responsibilities will be broad and impactful, including leading efforts to foster a culture of love for learning and inclusivity, coordinating logistics for state testing, and driving professional development initiatives that elevate teaching quality, with a focus on pedagogical approaches that support early literacy and math skills. A significant part of your role will also involve promoting responsive classroom techniques that encourage a supportive and engaging classroom environment, enabling students to thrive both academically and socially-emotionally.

A key aspect of your position will be to encourage a data-driven approach for continuous improvement, provide guidance and mentorship to instructional staff to support their professional growth, and engage actively with families and the wider community to reinforce students' learning and the school's objectives. You will oversee the effective delivery of curriculum and instruction, offer constructive feedback on lesson planning with a lens on 3-5 programming, and supervise special programs that align with our educational goals.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in educational leadership, especially within a 3-5 setting, and have exceptional academic credentials and emotional intelligence. We are seeking individuals with a history of employing progressive educational practices that cater to the comprehensive needs of 3-5 students, encourage curiosity, and equip students with the skills to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Integrity, courage, a collaborative spirit, outstanding communication skills, and a commitment to consensus-building are essential qualities for this role.

Responsibilities
The 3-5 th Grade Assistant Principal will be responsible for:

Curriculum Development and Instructional Leadership

• Forging a partnership with the Principal and other Assistant Principals to devise and implement a curriculum focused on early literacy and math, ensuring alignment with WHIN's mission and vision.
• Leading initiatives to incorporate teaching practices that are responsive to the developmental stages of 3-5 students, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment that supports their holistic development.
• Driving professional development programs focused on enhancing teaching strategies suitable for 3-5 education, including subject-specific pedagogies, social-emotional learning, and strategies to engage and motivate adolescent learners.
• Providing personalized coaching and feedback to instructional staff to improve teaching effectiveness and promote student achievement in the 3-5 context.

Operational Coordination and Collaborative Problem-Solving

• Working in conjunction with the Director of Special Programs and the Operations team to manage New York State testing preparation and logistics, ensuring a smooth and efficient process tailored to the needs of 3-5 students.
• Encouraging a culture of collaboration, innovation, and flexibility within the leadership team and across the school to improve decision-making processes, operational efficiency, and support the continuous improvement of educational outcomes for 3-5 students.

Data-Driven Culture and Continuous Improvement

• Championing a data-driven approach to guide instructional practices, curriculum development, and assess progress toward academic goals specific to 3-5 students. This involves analyzing data to inform decisions and adapt strategies that enhance student learning and development.
• Regularly reviewing and managing the implementation of curriculum and instruction, offering constructive feedback to teachers to elevate the quality of education provided.

Community Engagement and Program Supervision

• Actively engaging with families and the broader community to foster strong partnerships that support the educational and developmental needs of 3-5 students. This includes communicating effectively with families about student progress, school initiatives, and ways to support learning at home.
• Supervising and evaluating the effectiveness of special programs such as tutoring, summer enrichment programs, and family workshops, ensuring they are designed to meet the goals of 3-5 students and contribute positively to the school's educational objectives.
• Participating in the occasional Board of Trustees meetings, offering insights and contributions from a 3-5 perspective to inform the strategic direction and policies of the school.
• Performing other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to the overall success of WHIN's 3-5 program and community.

Qualifications
Personal Qualities and Leadership Style

• Knowledge of supervisory teaching principles, practices and methods related to teaching
• Ability to organize and conduct effective training programs and to take appropriate measures to assure their successful operation
• Commitment to diversity, equity , inclusion, and anti-racism
• Commitment to and proficiency in partnering with families in service of their children’s education
• Ability to develop a positive, strong relationship with the community
• Ability to work autonomously as well as take coaching as needed
• A sense of humor and kindness towards your colleagues
• Enthusiasm and excitement for your own ongoing professional learning

Educational and Professional Profile

• Masters Degree in education or education-related field
• 3+ years of 3-5 teaching experience in an urban school setting
• 2+ years as a school leader (Assistant Principal or a similar role) in an urban school setting
• Experience working with students, families and staff from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds
• New York State School Building Leadership (SBL) certification or equivalent from another state
• Strong organization and communication skills
• Written and spoken Spanish language skills preferred

Core Competencies
These core competencies represent the fundamental qualities that an individual must possess to perform effectively and align with WHIN’s culture and goals. WHIN uses them as a fundamental tool for assessing candidates throughout the process. They are:

Mission and Culture Fit
A candidate with this competency deeply aligns with the school's mission of integrating music education with a rigorous academic curriculum and understands the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive school culture. They actively promote the school's values, ensuring that all decisions, from curriculum to community engagement, support these ideals. This leader champions diversity, encourages artistic expression, and creates an environment where students and staff feel valued and connected to the school's broader purpose.

Strategic Planning and Operational Management
The ability to strategically plan and manage school operations is key. This competency requires a blend of vision and practicality, ensuring that the school’s strategic priorities are translated into actionable plans. The Assistant Principal should excel in coordinating State testing logistics, supervising special programs, and working collaboratively to improve systems and processes. Effective operational management also involves a commitment to data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.

Instructional Leadership
Instructional leadership is crucial for ensuring the curriculum is effectively implemented and that teaching strategies meet the diverse needs of students. The Assistant Principal should be skilled in promoting teaching and disciplinary practices that are responsive to the unique challenges and needs of 3-5 students. This includes fostering a positive school culture that supports students' social-emotional growth, engagement, and resilience, as well as developing strategies to address the diverse learning styles and interests present in a 3-5 classroom. The Assistant Principal should possess the ability to inspire and guide teachers in adopting innovative pedagogical methods, provide constructive feedback, and lead professional development initiatives that enhance teaching quality and student learning outcomes.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Strong communication skills and the ability to engage with a diverse community of students, families, faculty, and staff are essential. The Assistant Principal must be capable of building meaningful relationships, facilitating open and transparent communication, and engaging families in their children's education. This competency includes the ability to listen actively, communicate effectively across different mediums, and foster partnerships that support the school’s goals and enhance the educational experience for all students.

Compensation
The salary range for this position is $105,000 - $130,000 with a generous benefits package including:

• Retirement Plans
  • Tier 1: 1-2 years of service at WHIN = 5% match
  • Tier 2: 2-5 years of service at WHIN = 7.5% match
  • Tier 3: 5+ years of service at WHIN = 10% annual match
• Up to four medical plans through Cigna’s Open Access Plus Network, all of which include free preventative care
• Life insurance, short-term disability, optional pet insurance and Norton Lifelock

EEO Policy:
WHIN Music Community Charter School is an equal rights and opportunity agency and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, ancestry, marital status, or any other legally protected classification in its activities, educational programs, or employment practices as required by Title VI, IX, and Section 504.

This position description is based upon material provided by WHIN Music Community Charter School, an equal opportunity employer.