General Definition of Work
An Assistant Principal for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is a strong instructional leader who is committed to driving student achievement for all students while closing the achievement gap. A successful assistant principal must be able to support the principal's leadership of students, teachers, other staff members, parents and the community.
Essential Functions
- Supports the vision, mission, values, beliefs and goals of the school; implements processes to establish these attributes, and the ways they are embodied in the life of the school community
- Articulates the school's vision and implements strategies for improvements and changes that will result in improved achievement for all students
- Under the principal's direction, assists in the creation of the school improvement plan that provides the structure for the vision, values, goals and changes necessary for improved achievement for all students
- Utilizes processes to distribute leadership and decision making throughout the school.
- Leads some practical discussions about standards for curriculum, instruction and assessment based on research and best practices in order to establish and achieve high expectations for students
- Under the direction of the principal, creates processes and schedules which protect teachers from disruption of instructional or preparation time
- Uses shared vision, values and goals to define the identity and culture of the school.
- Acknowledges failures and celebrates accomplishments of the school in order to define the identity, culture and performance of the school
- Develops a sense of efficacy and empowerment among staff which influences the school's identity, culture and performance
- Works at setting the expectations in the school that creative ideas and innovative solutions are valued
- Supports the principal's strategy to ensure that the school is a professional learning community
- Establishes processes and systems in order to ensure a high-quality, high-performing staff
- Evaluates teachers and staff with fairness with the focus on improving performance and, thus, student achievement
- Assists in budget processes and systems which are focused on, and result in, improved student achievement
- Under direction of the principal, designs and utilizes various forms of formal and informal communication so that the focus of the school can be improved student achievement
- Enforces expectations, structures, rules and procedures for students and staff
- Under direction of the principal, designs structures and processes which result in parent and community engagement, support and ownership for the school
- Manages protocols and processes in order to comply with federal, state, and district mandates
- Under direction of the principal, develops systems and relationships to leverage staff expertise and influence in order to influence the school's identity, culture and performance
- Performs related duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Knowledge of teaching and learning processes
- Basic knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, policies, rules and regulations regarding school administration
- Basic knowledge of organization and management theory and practice
- Knowledge of educational theories, research, trends, developments and techniques that aid in the development and improvement of programs and practices
- Knowledge of the unique needs and characteristics of a school system
- Knowledge of curriculum, instruction, organizational patterns, school operations and pupil services
- Basic knowledge of sound fiscal practices, including budget preparation and control and management of school resources
- Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, evaluation and training
- Knowledge of public speaking techniques
- Possesses knowledge of and demonstrates respect for all students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community leaders using tact, patience and courtesy
- Possesses leadership skills required to respond to the challenges presented by the school community
- Possesses high level of cognitive skills, analysis and decisiveness, organization and high internal work standards
- Ability to build rapport at all levels of the organization
- Ability to manage conflicts and differences with management or others in a calm and respectful manner
- Ability to keep others informed and up to date on decisions and/or actions that may affect them and the work that they do
- Ability to link future possibilities to current needs
- Ability to appreciate inter-dependency among functions, teams, leaders, associates when making a plan
- Ability to create and continuously adapt future strategy to adjust for change
- Ability to work at setting the expectations in the school that creative ideas and innovative solutions are valued
- Ability to communicate internally and externally the challenges and opportunities present when developing new skill sets
- Ability to do things before being asked to or being forced to by events and proactively address next steps and prepare strategies to overcome obstacles
- Ability to support the development of tools and processes to identify the skills required to meet school needs and continuously conduct environmental scans identifying new required skills
- Ability to use tools and processes to establish clarity on each role in the school as they relate to the school's mission/vision/Improvement plan
- Ability to identify current high potential achievers and high potential talent based on actual performance
- Ability to acknowledge and respect different perspectives
- Ability to inspire trust. Possesses high levels of self-confidence and optimism. Models high standards of integrity and ethical behavior
- Ability to model and support self-discipline and responsibility
- Ability to demonstrate a willingness to take the risks necessary to build and implement the system's vision and achieve the system's goals
- Ability to demonstrate effective communications skills, including speaking, listening and writing
- Ability to enhance student performance, especially in identifying and closing or narrowing the gaps in student achievement
- Ability to use collaborative skills to lead groups within the school community to realize the vision and accomplish goals
- Ability to build consensus and commitment among individuals and groups with emphasis on parental involvement
- Ability to commit to a "student first" philosophy in all decisions
- Ability to recognize, honor and celebrate successes
- Ability to meet schedules and timelines
- Ability to respond effectively and promptly to issues, and communicate resolutions in a timely manner
- Ability to work confidentially with discretion
- Ability to build rapport at all levels of the organization
- Ability to manage conflicts and differences with management or others in a calm and respectful manner
- Ability to keep others informed and up to date on decisions and/or actions that may affect them and the work that they do
# of Jobs 1.00
Term 12 Month
Additional Job Information
Special Requirements
CMS maintains a pool of potential candidates who have demonstrated their qualifications for principal roles through a rigorous talent pool selection process. In order to be considered for a principal position, applicants must successfully complete requirements associated with the Principal Talent Pool.
CMS Principal Talent Pool: Information for the Principal Talent Pool can be found on our CMS School Executive Website.
