The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students is a multifaceted special education program, designed specifically for students with emotional disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities or other educational challenges. Austin Centers currently serves over a thousand students per year from more than 100 school districts and charter schools on all our campuses. Our Vision: To ignite a brighter tomorrow for every child and youth, regardless of their struggles, by providing unwavering support, world-class education, and a nurturing environment.
The ACES Campus Leader / Assistant Principal
Campus: Tempe, Arizona
Organization
The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students (The ACES) is a K-12 Specialized Day School network serving students with significant behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs across Arizona. Guided by the Austin Centers mission and The ACES Way, the organization is committed to high-quality educational services, strong district partnerships, and the belief that every student can succeed. Our culture is built on trust, student-centered practices, accountability, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of students, families, and employees.
Position Summary
The job of Assistant Principal is done for the purpose of supporting the principal, performing school site activities as may be delegated by Principal, and representing the school with district partners, students, families, and the community.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- To support the campus principal with all campus operations with an emphasis on student safety, classroom management, curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional development, and parent relations
- Model and enforce campus level policies and procedures that create and maintain a successful school environment, climate, and culture.
- Ensure a safe, orderly environment that encourages students to take responsibility for behavior and creates high morale among staff and students.
- Assume responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of students, employees, and visitors.
- Evaluate/provide feedback to instructional staff Complete formal and informal observation for all certified and non-certified staff members.
- Assess the need for, organize and provide professional development in curriculum, instruction, assessment, classroom management, and other important topics.
- Support teachers with building positive relationships with students and parents
- Be the first line of defense when campus issues arise. Investigate and resolve problems.
- Communicate with all stakeholders regarding the situation.
- Oversee the development of curriculum Research, recommend, and implement new curriculum and assessments.
- Attend IEP/parents meetings with teachers when applicable to offer support.
- Attend intake meetings and do campus tours as needed.
- Interview potential new hires, certified and non-certified
- Ensure all students are making appropriate academic and behavioral progress Facilitate intervention where needed.
- Supervise and organize school ceremonies, events, campus activities, school clubs, and community outings.
- Communicate with ACES leadership regularly about the needs, successes, and general operation of the school.
- Attending administrative meetings.
- Other duties as assigned by the campus principal and Chief Operating Officer
Qualifications
- Completion of a master's degree in administrative field, preferred Educational Leadership with emphasis on Principalship.
- Successful completion of state testing required for school administrative license or certification.
- Successful completion of state testing required for teaching certification.
- Holds current/active Principal's certification or willingness to actively pursue that certification and meets the requirements to obtain within 1 to 2 years.
- Teaching experience in special education for a minimum of 3 years preferred.
- Leadership experience in a special education setting is preferred.
- Extensive background, experience, and knowledge of Special Education eligibilities
- Direct work experience with students diagnosed with emotional disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and students with autism preferred.
- Experience and employment in K-12 learning across multiple settings.
- Knowledge of State and Federal Education Law
Desired Qualities
- A desire and capacity to work with children and young adults.
- Leadership abilities and effective communication
- Problem-solving skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Confidence and determination
- Good judgment and critical thinking skills
- Administrative and organizational skills
- Compassion and empathy
- An ability to uphold rules and regulations.
- Flexibility to work in different environments, including but not limited to classrooms, offices, transportation, community outings, parent-teacher-faculty meetings, and official functions as outlined by the campus principal and Chief Operating Officer.
Physical Requirements
Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and occasionally lift, move, and/or support up to 50 pounds (or assist with adult-sized individuals using approved two- or three-person lift procedures).
This position requires the ability to safely respond to student behavioral crises and participate in approved crisis prevention and intervention techniques, including CPI training.
This job description reflects the current expectations of the Principal role and may evolve as The Austin Centers continues to grow and expand or as organizational needs change.
#IND2
Joining our team means that you are part of a passionate team of professionals dedicated to meeting the needs of our exceptional students. Austin Centers is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or identity.
Come help us empower bright futures: transforming lives, one student at a time!
