2024-25 Principal Fellow (K-8)

Mission

Vega Collegiate Academy is more than a school. Vega Collegiate Academy is a mission. Our mission is to be a high-quality public school that prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and character to go on to college and to have a successful, happy life. We fulfill this mission by being focused on the needs of our students, by building a real community that shares core values and supports each other, and by using every minute of the day to help our students achieve academically and personally.  We fulfill our mission through our organizational beliefs.

Job Description

The Principal Fellow is designed to develop leaders looking to build their capacity and apply to be on the executive leadership team by learning side by side with the Elementary and Middle Academy Principals. The Fellow  is responsible for learning to oversee instruction, curriculum, assessment, school leadership and professional development. This includes staff and student culture as well as the mentality of “whatever it takes” for student success. The Principal reports directly to the Executive Director. 

The job is a one year fellowship working to be proficient in the following areas through shadowing and the gradual release of responsibilities. The fellow is also responsible for stepping in to lead if/when the Principal is not available. Fellows who successfully complete the will be given priority consideration when applying for Vega Collegiate Academy or the future expansion of schools. 

Job Responsibilities

Instructional and School Leadership

• Provide exemplary leadership to all members of the school community to achieve outstanding performance in the school’s mission of preparing each student for college
• Work to dramatically improve student achievement by leading the educational program
• Effectively manage faculty and staff
• Develop and communicate the school’s systems, culture, and vision, and create a plan to achieve that vision
• Oversee curriculum development and assessment
• Implement effective internal and external assessment systems and use data to inform decisions
• Ensure strong consistency within the school program and curricular alignment with state and other rigorous standards
• Select and share effective curricular and instructional practices from and with other schools
• Serve as point person for all students and families

Evaluation and Feedback 

• Oversee faculty and staff of the both academies, including recruitment, selection, evaluation, supervision, retention, and dismissal
• Manage teaching staff, including professional development, staff observations, curriculum development, staff communication, and scheduling and program decisions
• Lead faculty to ensure that all staff are providing  well-managed and rigorous daily lessons, reasonable and effective daily homework, and regular and productive after school tutoring
• Foster commitment among faculty and staff to the development and fulfillment of the school’s mission and objectives
• Hold teachers accountable for meeting high standards for student academic and strong student culture
• Work with staff on all curricular, instructional, assessment, and professional development issues and activities to ensure data drives classroom instruction
• Work with staff to foster consistency among staff in enforcing the Student and Family Handbook and other school-wide discipline policies
• Facilitate positive faculty dynamics
• Work with various leadership members to ensure 504 accommodations, IEP modifications, and counseling needs are met

Family Support

• Maintain communication and relations with the families of the Elementary Academy, ensuring they are kept involved with and held accountable for their children’s academic and behavioral performance
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student performance and academic achievement
• Work with staff to correspond regularly with families regarding school policies, trips, events, and milestones
• Work with staff to plan, coordinate, and support family meetings and special events
• Respond to family concerns promptly and effectively

Student Support/School Culture

• Collaborate with school staff to maximize the ability of the school to support students’ academic and socio-emotional development
• Provide leadership to all staff and students in establishing a positive, structured, achievement-oriented, and fun school culture
• Oversee students’ academic and behavioral program, including disciplinary decisions, enforcement of the Student and Family Handbook, scheduling and class decisions, educational program, and assessment and accountability
• Ensure that traditions and rituals that support the school’s college mission are being created and maintained, grade by grade, year to year
• Foster consistency in academic and behavioral expectations in and out of class
• Ensure effective exam preparation to ensure student success
• Work with appropriate staff to ensure the smooth administration and effectiveness of the after school enrichment programs

Organizational Leadership

• Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of school
• Help oversee school-wide strategic planning and problem solving
• Work with Executive Director and Director of Operations to lead the school’s administrative program

Job Qualifications

• Unwaveringly high expectations for all students with the belief that every child should have access to a college education. 
• Strong attention to detail. 
• Ability to use technology seamlessly.
• Ability to work effectively under stressful working conditions. 
• Initiative and strong work ethic. 
• Bachelor’s degree required. 
• 5 years teaching and working in classrooms, preferably in urban schools and/or communities
• Experience as a Dean, Coach, Assistant Principal or equivalent leadership role required
• Experience at a high-performing charter school highly preferred but not required
  
  

Salary and Benefits

Vega Collegiate Academy offers a competitive salary and comprehensive health benefits package.   The salary range for this role is $70,000 - $95,000.

Start Date

Vega Collegiate Academy staff will begin training and orientation on July 15, 2024. 

Commitment to Diversity

As an equal opportunity employer, Vega Collegiate Academy hires without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other protected category.