Assistant Principal Middle School - SY 2026-2027

Middle School Assistant Principal

The Alternative High School Assistant Principal provides leadership and support to ensure a positive, safe, and effective learning environment for students in an alternative education setting. This role assists in implementing academic and behavioral interventions, supports staff in delivering instruction tailored to diverse student needs, and fosters a culture of accountability and student success.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• School Leadership & Administration
• Oversee daily school operations, ensuring a safe and structured learning environment.
• Collaborate with the principal and staff to develop policies and procedures that support students with unique academic and behavioral needs.
• Supervise and evaluate instructional staff to promote professional growth and instructional effectiveness.
• Assist with the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of staff.

• Student Support & Behavior Management
• Develop and implement behavioral intervention strategies to promote student success.
• Monitor student attendance, discipline, and academic performance, ensuring adherence to district policies and state regulations.
• Work with students, families, and support staff to create individualized plans that address academic and social-emotional needs.
• Facilitate restorative justice practices and conflict resolution strategies to improve student behavior and engagement.
• Oversee alternative discipline programs that provide students with opportunities for reflection and growth.

• Curriculum & Instructional Support
• Support the implementation of differentiated instruction and alternative learning models tailored to diverse student needs.
• Assist teachers in developing instructional strategies that align with Illinois Learning Standards and address the unique needs of alternative education students.
• Monitor student progress and use data to drive instructional decisions and interventions.
• Lead professional development for staff in areas such as trauma-informed practices, behavior management, and social-emotional learning.

• Community & Family Engagement
• Foster strong relationships with parents, guardians, and community organizations to support student success.
• Coordinate with external agencies to provide wraparound services, including mental health support, workforce development programs, and post-secondary planning.
• Serve as a liaison between the school, district, and community partners to enhance educational opportunities for students.

• Compliance & School Safety
• Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations related to alternative education.
• Collaborate with district and school safety teams to maintain a secure and supportive learning environment.
• Lead crisis response and intervention efforts as needed.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, or a related field.
• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a General Administrative or Principal Endorsement.
• Minimum of three (3) years of teaching experience, preferably in an alternative or special education setting.
• Administrative experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong understanding of alternative education models, trauma-informed practices, and restorative justice principles.
• Ability to support at-risk youth and implement interventions that address academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Knowledge of Illinois school laws, student discipline procedures, and special education regulations.
• Proficiency in data analysis to drive instructional and behavioral decisions.
• Ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, families, and community stakeholders.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in a school setting with frequent student interactions.
• Some evening and weekend responsibilities may be required for events, meetings, and student interventions.
• Requires the ability to stand, walk, and respond quickly in disciplinary or emergency situations.