Principal, Elementary School

To successfully lead our elementary school, candidates must meet specific requirements and possess preferred qualifications that demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities for this vital role.

At Fitzgerald Public Schools, our mission is to inspire, empower and prepare today’s learner to become tomorrow’s leader. Our vision is to educate our future leaders to beFocused,Progressive andSuccessful. Our strategic plan includes: providing a guaranteed and viable curriculum; a multi-tiered system of support; considerations for the whole school, whole child and whole community; engaging all families; data-based decision making; communication and collective responsibility.

From our humble beginnings in 1920, Fitzgerald Public Schools is a community of 2,200 students with 350 staff members. We are proud of our early childhood center for grades PreK-K, our two elementary schools, one for lower elementary grades 1-3 and one for upper elementary grades 4-5, our middle school serving grades 6-8 with one of the planetariums in the county, our high school for grades 9-12 with a state of the art automotive service center, and our virtual academy.

We have an award winning athletic program, marching band and our own food service, transportation, custodial and maintenance teams. Through our partnership with a local provider, we also offer school age child care.

Fitzgerald Public Schools has a competitive salary and benefits package along with opportunities for advancement and leadership. We are small enough to enable us to know each other personally and large enough to maintain high standards that demonstrate our expertise in education. With the passing of our recent bond, we have buildings, classrooms, cafeterias and offices in the process of being transformed for the future.

• Must hold a Michigan School Administrator Certificate, or the ability to obtain per MDE guidelines.
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate.
• Masters Degree in Educational Administration or Curriculum & Instruction or related field.
• Satisfactorily pass a criminal background check as defined by the State of Michigan.
• Five years of certified teaching experience including three years at the elementary level within the public school setting.
• Deep understanding of the developmental needs and learning styles of 1st, 2nd and 3rd-grade students, particularly those experiencing poverty.
• Demonstrated experience with MTSS, Restorative Practices, IEP and Behavior Support Plans as well as working with At-Risk students.
• Expertise in implementing evidence-based literacy and math interventions for struggling learners.
• Prior experience as an administrator of a school building is preferred.
• Familiarity with various assessment tools and strategies to monitor student progress and inform instructional adjustments for upper elementary grades.
• Experience in integrating technology effectively into the 1st,2nd and 3rd-grade curriculum to enhance engagement and learning.
• Knowledge of best practices in promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning skills in upper elementary students.

• Demonstrated ability to articulate and implement a clear vision for academic excellence and social-emotional growth within a high-poverty school context.
• Proven track record of improving student achievement and fostering a positive school culture in a challenging environment.
• Experience in leading and supporting professional development initiatives focused on culturally responsive teaching, trauma-informed practices, and differentiated instruction.
• Ability to empower and develop staff, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented professional learning community.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead change and innovation effectively, adapting to evolving educational landscapes and student needs.
• B…