Deadline: July 31, 2026
District/Organization: Vandercook Lake Public Schools
Position/Type: Elementary Principal – Assistant, full time
Salary: $55,395- $65,259
Dean of Students, Elementary
Townsend Elementary School, Vandercook Lake, Jackson, Michigan
$55,395-$65,259
M-F, 8am-4pm, additional 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after teacher contracted days
MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education or related field required.
Must possess a minimum of five years of experience as a teacher leader and/or administrative role
JOB RESPONSIBILITES:
- Embrace the mission, philosophy, and culture of the school.
- Demonstrate visible, active leadership in the daily life of the school, including during the daily routines of
arrival, dismissal, lunch, and break times as well as at major district and school functions and events such as
those that occur beyond the school day.
- Demonstrate alignment with the school’s core purpose, values, and strategic priorities.
- Lead the school in the absence of the principal.
- Work collaboratively as a part of the school administration team to support students, parents, and faculty.
- Enact and continually improve a thoughtful and thorough student discipline program
- Develop and implement innovative approaches to discipline, to include restorative practices.
- Develop and communicate clear disciplinary procedures and policies to students, families, and the school
community
- Lead the disciplinary process including the community standards committee by discussing violations of
norms with students, planning interventions for students and the community, and leading restorative efforts
- Implement disciplinary interventions including opportunities for restoration, suspension, and expulsion
- Coordinate discipline meetings with students and families involved
- Compile, analyze, and use data to guide decisions
- Build relationships with students
- Identify priorities and allocate resources to support the emotional and mental health of students.
- Oversee the student experience and foster a school climate that enhances community and student growth.
- Be present and visible in the school community by frequently connecting with students in common areas,
cafeteria, co-curricular spaces, hallways, and other spaces students gather.
- Nurture and coach student leaders.
- Coordinates selection and election of student leaders.
- Provide proactive and responsive one-on-one and group-based student support.
- Coordinate with the student support team to address student needs and offer leadership when considering
the intersection of academic, behavioral, social, and emotional supports.
- Commitment to student-centered learning and student-centered leadership.
- Foster a caring, positive, and engaging learning environment.
- Encourage student enthusiasm for, and sense of community in the school by generating student support for
school activities and developing class programs.
- Develop programs that support students’ developing identities, build resilience, and instill confidence
- Establish and support respectful relationships with faculty and staff.
- In conjunction with school administration, interview and evaluate applicants for teaching and support staff
positions
- Serve as a conduit between students and faculty by providing important feedback to staff about the student
experience and mediating conversations between students and adults.
- Serve as a point person along with support staff and the principal in supporting students facing significant
challenges
- Identify proactive approaches to keep our community strong
- Communicate frequently with both faculty and parents about students’ experiences.
- Provide input on small-scale modifications or adjustments to the daily schedule
- Collaborate with the principal on the student and staff handbooks
- Assist in developing and maintaining an MTSS process for the school
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal
ESSENTIAL SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- Timeliness and follow-through in terms of action steps across multiple projects
- Excellent planning and time management skills with an emphasis on organizational and collaborative skills
- Ability to effectively manage a team and work well independently
- Demonstrate integrity and flexibility while nurturing a dynamic student community
- Warm and friendly, yet also firm with student accountability for school rules
- Positive attitude, flexible approach, and a passion for learning.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, and experience with public speaking.
- Effective facilitator in large groups, small groups, and in one-on-one situations.
- Maintain high professional standards for integrity, tactfulness, discretion, fairness, and confidentiality
- Positive attitude, flexible approach, and a passion for learning.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, and experience with public speaking.
- Effective facilitator in large groups, small groups, and in one-on-one situations.
- Maintain high professional standards for integrity, tactfulness, discretion, fairness, and confidentiality
Interested individuals should email resume, letter of intent, and 3 references/recommendation letters to:
Melissa Bradfield, Superintendent
Vandercook Lake Public Schools
1000 E. Golf Ave
Jackson, MI 49203
Email: [email protected]
E-mail: [email protected]
