Assistant Principal

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of educational philosophy, culturally responsive teaching methods and approaches, and currently researched best practices and strategies for a diverse student population

Knowledge of:

• theory and research in education
• application of methods used in improving academic achievement
• educational assessment practices and techniques
• effective intervention, academic and behavior techniques
• academic curriculum and pedagogical techniques that is effective across diverse populations
• procedures, methods and strategies pertaining to the administration of an elementary/secondary level program operation
• Minnesota State Academic Standards
• school safety procedures
• effective supervision and discipline
• State and Federal laws relating to minors, the Teacher Code-of-Ethics, and local policies and procedures
• instructional technology
• current educational theories and practices
• evidence-based research and best practices in educational interventions

Skills in:

• crisis management, handling emergencies and de-escalation techniques
• effective problem solving
• leadership and exceptional interpersonal skills

Ability to:

• communicate well both orally and in writing;
• plan, organize and coordinate the activities of an educational program
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff and the community
• work with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• lead and supervise staff and students
• remain flexible and develop alternative strategies to achieve established goals
• prioritize and manage multi-task complex issues
• apply leadership skills within a shared decision-making model
• evaluate culturally responsive instruction

Essential Functions

• Providing leadership to staff in determining objectives and identifying long-term and short-range program needs;
• Coordinating and supervising of program activities;
• Overall supervision of the facility;
• Maintaining the safety security and well-being of students and staff;
• Providing feedback, support and assistance to licensed instructional staff regarding Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), Positive Behavioral Support Plans (PBSP), Three-Year Reevaluations, Child Study documentation, and other related areas;
• Mediating staff-staff, staff-student, and student-student issues as needed;
• Developing and monitoring program goals and objectives for the school;
• Facilitating team meetings and updates staff with pertinent information;
• Assigning students in a way as to encourage their optimal growth and make periodic appraisals their progress;
• Adhering to the enforcement of board policy, school guidelines, administrative directives, the master contract, and district standards;
• Developing and preparing reports and paperwork relating to discipline, suspension, injury, and expulsion;
• Participating in staff selection, evaluation, and professional development;
• Maintaining order and structure in the absence of the principal;
• Presenting information about the school to parents, students, and others;
• Facilitating professional meetings, professional learning, and other trainings through the principal;
• Advising, counseling, and assisting instructional and support personnel in problem solving activities pertaining to student performance and behavior to determine appropriate solutions;
• Managing special assignments and initiatives as assigned;
• Communicating and coordinating with member district representatives and parents as needed;
• Attending Team and Individual Educational Planning meetings;
• Assisting in the planning, scheduling and supervision of student activities;
• Assisting in the maintaining of effective community relations in an effort with outside organizations to foster mutual respect for and collaboration on joint ventures;
• Assisting with the operational effectiveness of the program including planning, supervising and directing the business operation of the program in accordance with District policy and procedures;
• Assisting in the planning and implementing of program plans and organizational procedures for the health, safety, discipline, and conduct of students;
• Developing creative ways to deliver a successful curriculum to students;
• Maintaining effective relationships within the District and with member districts;
• Maintaining regular attendance and providing proper notice of leave.