Principal Fellow

Join to apply for the Principal Fellow role at Uncommon Schools
.

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high‑performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K‑12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks
, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators
, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

To build more high‑performing schools, we need leaders to commit themselves to the most urgent and exciting work of our time. Uncommon Schools Principal Fellows are strategically trained and developed using best‑in‑class practices with the goal of stepping into an Uncommon Principal role upon completion of the Fellowship, in which they will co‑lead a school alongside an Uncommon Director of Operations.

This Principal Fellow and eventual Principal is a full‑time employee, hired, supported, and evaluated by the Regional Superintendent of Instruction and the Senior Director of School Support.

During the Fellowship, Principal Fellows will:

• Receive individualized feedback from the Host Principal, Regional Superintendent of Instruction, and Senior Director of School Support, as well as from professionals during cohort gatherings.
• Be fully immersed in day‑to‑day school operations, working with the Host Principal and Senior Director of School Support to master the skills and competencies needed to lead, including Instructional Leadership, Teacher Development, School Culture, and Family Engagement.
• Participate in monthly, cross‑regional professional development with other Principals and cohort members, focusing on up‑to‑date instructional leadership and people‑management best practices.
• Attend cohort‑specific workshops for “at‑bat” practice and peer support.

• Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools;
• Passionate commitment to expand knowledge, skills, and opportunities for students both in and out of school;
• Dedication to building culturally responsive learning partnerships with students, teachers, and families;
• Demonstrates tenacity, personal responsibility, a founder’s mentality, and a commitment to continual professional growth;
• Strong people‑management skills, including the ability to effectively navigate difficult conversations and hold staff, scholars, and families accountable in a supportive manner;
• Ability to develop and maintain a strong staff culture that is clearly focused on realizing our Uncommon mission;
• Strong data analysis skills;
• Ability to provide high‑leverage feedback via classroom observations;
• Ability to strategically manage and prioritize time and tasks effectively to fully meet the needs of their school, with a lens toward systems thinking;
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment; flexible, able to work autonomously and take direction as needed;
• Familiarity and success with—or commitment to—implementing Uncommon’s core tenets of instructional leadership (e.g., See It‑Name It‑Do It framework, Leverage Leadership principles);
• Required experience:
• At least 3 years of teaching experience with evidence of outstanding student growth and achievement;
• At least 1 year of experience coaching, leading, and/or managing teachers (e.g., Assistant Principal, Dean of Curriculum, Instructional Leader, grade‑level chair, content/department chair);
• Experience teaching core subjects (e.g., Math, ELA, Science, History) is preferred.
• A Bachelor's degree.

Compensation for this role is between $107,000 and $113,500. Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $107,000 – $110,200. Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid…