Middle School Principal

Mission

MCS will prepare its students to achieve high academic levels in the four core academic subject areas and music, to communicate effectively in verbal, mathematical and musical languages, and to apply critical thinking processes and ethical standards to learning, living and problem solving.

Manhattan Charter School (MCS) is a high performing charter school in New York City, committed to providing every child with the tools and support necessary for success. We are located on the Lower East Side. MCS prides itself on delivering rigorous academic instruction and fostering a culture of high expectations.

Position Summary:

The Middle School Principal will serve as the instructional and operational leader of the school, ensuring all students excel academically, socially, and emotionally within a rigorous and supportive environment. The principal will focus on preparing students for high school success by fostering academic excellence, strong character development, and a commitment to the school's mission and values.

Key Responsibilities:

Instructional Leadership

* Lead the development and implementation of high-quality curriculum and instructional practices aligned with middle school standards and high school readiness.

* Use student achievement data to inform decisions, drive interventions, and support differentiated instruction.

* Coach teachers on effective pedagogy, classroom management, and curriculum delivery to maximize student outcomes.

* Cultivate a culture of high expectations for students and staff, with a focus on preparing students for high school and beyond.

Operational Leadership

* Oversee daily school operations, including scheduling, testing, and compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

* Develop and manage the school's budget, allocating resources to support strategic priorities.

* Ensure a safe, organized, and well-maintained learning environment conducive to middle school students' needs.

Student and Family Engagement

* Foster a positive school culture that emphasizes social-emotional development, student leadership, and restorative practices.

* Build strong partnerships with families to ensure they are engaged in their children's academic and personal development.

* Address student behavior with proactive, trauma-informed, and restorative approaches that promote accountability and growth.

Team Leadership

* Recruit, hire, and retain talented and dedicated staff aligned with the school's mission and values.

* Develop and implement a professional development plan that supports staff growth and improves instructional quality.

* Conduct regular evaluations of staff performance, providing actionable feedback and growth opportunities.

* Lead the middle school team in fostering collaboration and a commitment to student achievement.

Compliance and Accountability

* Ensure the school meets all charter authorizer requirements, including compliance with academic and operational metrics.

* Prepare for and lead site visits, audits, and evaluations by the authorizer and other stakeholders.

* Stay informed of changes in education policy, particularly as they pertain to middle school standards and accountability.

Qualifications:

* Master's degree in Education, School Administration, or a related field.

* State certification as a School Building Leader (SBL) or equivalent (as required).

* Minimum of 5 years of experience in education, including teaching and leadership roles, preferably at the middle school level.

* Proven success in improving student achievement and teacher effectiveness in a middle school setting.

* Strong knowledge of middle school curriculum, adolescent development, and data-driven decision-making.

* Experience in a charter school or urban school setting preferred.

Skills and Attributes:

* Passion for empowering middle school students to excel academically and develop into responsible, resilient individuals.

* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage students, families, and staff effectively.

* Strong organizational and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

* Cultural competence and a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

* Visionary leadership with the courage to make decisions aligned with the school's mission and goals.

Core Values Alignment:

* Demonstrates curiosity, opportunity, and courage in all leadership practices, reflecting the values of the charter school network.

Compensation:
Salary is 100,