Job Title: Principal – Middle School
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt/Contracted
Reports To: Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
Pay Grade/Days: 107/226
Dept./School: Assigned School
Date Revised: September 2020
Primary Purpose:
Direct and manage the instructional program and supervise the operations and personnel at the assigned campus, using in-person, distance learning, or virtual learning activities and experience. Provide leadership to ensure high standards of instructional service. Oversee compliance with District policies, success of instructional programs, and operation of all campus activities.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Master’s Degree in educational administration
Valid Texas Principal or Mid-Management certification
Certified Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) appraiser
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Working knowledge of curriculum and instruction
Ability to interpret data and make decisions for teaching and learning to achieve results
Ability to ensure equity and results for all students
Ability to impact, influence, and manage change
Ability to evaluate instructional program and teaching effectiveness
Ability to manage budget and personnel
Ability to coordinate campus functions
Ability to interpret and implement policy and procedures
Knowledge of internet and web-related technology
Ability to communicate with students, teachers, colleagues, and central office administrators using a variety of technology applications and platforms
Knowledge of technology set-up, navigation, and the ability to provide contact resources to students/parents/teachers if technology issues arise
Strong organizational, communication, public relations, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
Ability to implement effective leadership skills to build teacher capacity
Minimum Experience:
Three years’ experience as a classroom teacher
Three years’ experience as assistant principal or instructional leader preferred
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
1. Monitor instructional and managerial processes to ensure that program activities are related to program outcomes and use findings to take corrective actions.
2. Provide instructional resources and materials in support of teaching and learning to accomplish instructional goals.
3. Facilitate the development of and implementation of a rigorous curriculum that aligns with state standards and promotes college and career readiness.
4. Promote instruction that supports the growth of individual students and student groups, supports equity, and works to reduce the achievement gap.
5. Establish clear expectations for staff performance with regard to instructional strategies, classroom management, and communication.
6. Establish and implement a shared vision and culture of high expectations for all stakeholders (students, staff, parents, and community).
7. Foster collegiality and team building among staff members. Encourage their active involvement in decision-making processes.
8. Facilitate a continuum of effective professional development activities that includes appropriate content, process, context, allocation of time, funding, and other needed resources.
9. Solicit regular input from the campus-level committee about the instructional program. Include student and community representatives when appropriate.
10. Build a common vision for school improvement with staff. Direct planning activities and put programs in place with staff to ensure the attainment of the school’s mission.
11. Establish campus performance objectives using the campus planning process and involving the site-based decision making committee. Assure that the Campus Improvement Plan is used and aligned with the District Improvement Plan.
12. Provide opportunities for interactive communication with the superintendent and other central office administrators, staff, students, parents, and the community via email, District-approved website, phone, video conference, or in person.
13. Be available by phone, email, or video conferencing during regular school hours to confer with District personnel, students, and parents.
14. Develop, maintain, and use information systems and records necessary to show campus progress on performance objectives and other forms of student achievement.
15. Work with faculty and students to develop a student discipline management system that results in positive student behavior and enhances the school climate.
16. Ensure that school rules are uniformly applied and that student discipline is appropriate and equitable in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook.
17. Conduct conferences about student and school issues with parents, students, and teachers.
18. Comply with District policies, state and federal laws, and regulations affecting schools.
19. Develop and manage campus budgets based on documented program needs, estimated enrollment, personnel, and other fiscal needs. Maintain fiscal control, and accurately report fiscal information.
20. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required including accurate and timely reports of maximum attendance to requisition textbooks.
21. Manage use of school facilities. Oversee maintenance of facilities to ensure a clean, orderly, and safe campus. Direct and manage extracurricular programs, including management of activity funds.
22. Interview, select, orient, train, and supervise staff. Approve all personnel assigned to campus.
23. Observe employee performance, record observations, and conduct evaluation conferences with staff.
24. Assign and coach staff and help them develop appropriate professional growth opportunities as well as opportunities to accomplish improvement.
25. Work with campus-level planning and decision-making committees to plan professional development activities.
26. Articulate the school’s mission and solicit support in realizing the mission.
27. Demonstrate awareness of school and community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs. Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.
28. Recognize excellence and achievement in students and staff.
29. Work with parents and staff to ensure the effective and quick resolution of conflicts.
30. Identify, analyze, and apply effective research findings to promote school improvement.
31. Make recommendations to the superintendent as necessary on termination, suspension, or non-renewal of employees assigned to campus.
32. Provide ethical leadership by advocating for children and ensuring student access to effective educators, programs, and services.
33. Demonstrate professional, ethical, and responsible behavior, while serving as a role model for all students, staff, and community stakeholders.
34. Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervise and evaluate the performance of staff assigned to campus including assistant principal(s), teacher(s), counselor(s), librarian(s), aides, clerical, support staff, and others.
Working Conditions:
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Maintain emotional control under stress. Ability to think clearly in stressful situations and a high stress tolerance required; high physical stamina necessary; and an extended amount of walking necessary. Occasional districtwide and statewide travel; frequent prolonged and irregular hours. Use of computers and related equipment required. Use of personal computer, phone systems, and video/instructional equipment both on campus and off-site may be required.
Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.
Non Discrimination Statement
The Waco Independent School District is an equal opportunity educational provider and employer does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, natural origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or genetic information in educational programs or activities that it operates or in employment matters. The District is required by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as Board policy not to discriminate in such a manner.
For information or complaints regarding compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title IX, please email
[email protected] or contact Waco ISD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and/or Waco ISD Coordinator of Student Management at 254-755-9410 and/or Waco ISD Director of Athletics at 254-745-2250. For information or complaints regarding compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title VI and Title VII, as amended, contact Waco ISD Assistant of Human Resources at 254-755-9410. For information or complaints regarding compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Section 504 or the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, contact Waco ISD Director of Special Education at 254-755-9431 or P.O. Box 27, Waco, TX 76703.
