Middle School Principal

Instructional Leadership & Student Achievement

Lead a school culture where student learning is the top priority

Maintain high academic standards while ensuring systems of support for all students

Develop and implement instructional practices aligned to state standards and student needs

Use data to drive instructional decisions and improve student outcomes

Address key areas such as attendance, credit recovery, and student engagement through innovative and meaningful systems

Ensure that academic achievement remains central, with extracurricular activities recognized as privileges connected to student success

Build and sustain a positive, inclusive, and engaging school culture

Be highly visible and present throughout the school day and at school events

Celebrate student and staff successes regularly

Promote a culture that values connection, collaboration, and even joy in the workplace

Support staff by maintaining their professional credibility and addressing concerns fairly and consistently

Foster a collaborative environment while empowering staff autonomy and voice

Avoid micromanagement; treat staff as professionals

Build leadership capacity within the staff and support professional growth

Recruit, retain, and develop highly effective staff

Maintain high expectations for staff performance while providing meaningful support

Develop authentic relationships with students and remain grounded in their current needs and experiences

Create structures for student voice, feedback, and leadership opportunities

Ensure fair, consistent enforcement of discipline and school policies

Implement systems that support struggling students while maintaining accountability

Expand recognition systems for both high-achieving and improving students

Staff Communication:

Provide clear, transparent, and timely communication

Follow up consistently on discipline and student-related concerns

Share information proactively and debrief after significant events

Be accessible and responsive

Family & Community Communication:

Build strong, trusting relationships with families

Communicate openly and frequently, even if information is still developing

Create opportunities for dialogue, input, and partnership

Student Communication:

Maintain strong visibility and connection with students

Listen to and act on student feedback

Oversee daily school operations, including safety, scheduling, and resource allocation

Ensure compliance with all district, state, and federal regulations

Manage personnel, budgets, and school resources effectively

Lead continuous school improvement aligned with district goals

Make informed, fair, and sometimes difficult decisions in the best interest of students and the school

Master's degree with certification in educational leadership or administration/supervision

Five (5) years of Highly Effective/Effective teaching experience (required)

Three (3) years of Highly Effective/Effective administrative experience preferred

Valid Michigan School Administrator Certification

Strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills

Demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships with students, staff, and families

Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, including FERPA and student privacy regulations

Ability to analyze and use data to inform decision-making and improve outcomes

Skill in personnel management, supervision, and staff development

Ability to lead with consistency, fairness, and transparency

Capacity to balance accountability with flexibility and sound judgment

Commitment to visibility, approachability, and authentic engagement with stakeholders