A Tennessee public K-8 elementary school principal serves as both the instructional leader and administrative leader and administrative manager of a combined elementary and middle school facility. Operating under the direct supervision of the local Director of Schools (Superintendent), the principal is responsible for directing site operations, supervising diverse instructional staff, and optimizing student development across a wide developmental span.
Minimum QualificationsLicensure-
Education: Master's degree or higher in educational administration or educational leadership.
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Licensure: Valid Tennessee Professional Administrator License.
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Experience: A minimum of 3 years of successful classroom teaching experience.
Core DutiesResponsibilities1. Instructional LeadershipCurriculum Execution
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Academic Standards: Lead the school to meet or exceed state academic benchmarks outlined by the Tennessee Department of Education.
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Cross-Developmental Alignment: Oversee instructional delivery for two distinct cohorts, balancing early-childhood foundational literacy (K-3) with rigorous, content-specific middle school preparation (6-8).
- Data-Driven Decisions: Analyze standardized test results (such as TCAP data) to reform intervention programs and guide professional development.
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Resource Management: Ensure faculty are equipped with textbooks, digital curriculum platforms, and essential learning materials.
2. Staff ManagementEvaluation
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Talent Acquisition: Interview, screen, and recommend certified teachers and classified staff for employment to the district office.
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Performance Evaluations: Conduct formal observations and execute performance reviews using the state-approved Tennessee Educator Acceleration Model (TEAM) framework.
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Classroom Assignment: Allocate certified teachers to appropriate grade levels and schedule student classes to optimize learning environments.
- Professional Development: Plan and execute staff-wide training focused on targeted pedagogical improvements and legal compliance.
3. AdministrativeOperational Oversight
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Daily Routines: Coordinate building operations including student arrival/dismissal, cafeteria lunch cycles, transitions, and recess supervision.
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Budgetary Management: Formulate, submit, and manage the annual school building budget and allocate activity funds.
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Facilities Control: Partner with custodial and maintenance personnel to guarantee clean, safe, and efficient building operations.
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Emergency Safety: Design, practice, and enforce school-wide emergency drill protocols and building security management.
4. Student CultureCommunity Engagement
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Behavioral Interventions: Implement a school-wide discipline policy that supports a constructive learning environment and minimizes classroom disruptions.
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Stakeholder Communication: Hold regular conferences with parents, distribute newsletters, and partner with local parent-teacher support organizations.
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Community Presence: Represent the institution at school athletic events, extracurricular functions, and board of education sessions.
After-School Event ManagementOversight 1. AcademicEnrichment Programs
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RemediationTutoring: Oversee state-funded extended learning programs, including Tennessee Learning Loss Remediation and Student Acceleration bridge camps and after-school tutoring.
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STEMAcademic Clubs: Sponsor competitive and recreational academic teams, such as Robotics, Science Olympiad, Chess Club, and Mathletes.
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ArtsPerformance Showcase: Coordinate seasonal music concerts, school plays, art galleries, and talent shows across all grade levels.
2. CommunityFamily Engagement Events
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Academic Family Nights: Host interactive community literacy nights, math workshops, and science fairs to actively engage parents in student learning.
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School Governance Meetings: Preside over Parent-Teacher Association (PTA/PTO) meetings, Title I family involvement nights, and School Support Organization (SSO) reviews.
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SocialSeasonal Gatherings: Organize community-building events like fall festivals, school dances (for grades 6-8), graduation ceremonies, and student award banquets.
3. OperationalSafety Compliance for Night Events
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Facility Supervision: Manage building schedules, coordinate late-night custodial staffing, and secure facilities after community use.
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Safety Protocols: Implement clear emergency, weather, and dismissal procedures tailored specifically for low-light or high-capacity evening events.
