The posting
Department: Elementary Education
FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt): Exempt, Non-Aligned
Reports To: Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education
SUMMARY
The ideal candidate for the principal position at Bowen Elementary School is an experienced, caring, and approachable instructional leader with direct classroom experience and a strong understanding of the needs of students, teachers, and families. This leader will be visible and actively engaged in school life, communicate clearly and consistently, welcome feedback, and build trust through collaborative and accountable decision-making. The candidate should demonstrate expertise in special education, a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the ability to support academic excellence while addressing students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
Building on Bowen’s welcoming environment and dedicated staff, the next principal will unite the community around a clear, shared vision while supporting teacher retention and professional growth and fostering a safe, connected school culture.
The principal will serve as both the instructional and operational leader, cultivating a culturally responsive and inclusive school environment to ensure all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The principal will oversee the successful implementation of data-driven strategies and instructional practices to support all students' growth and well-being. Additionally, the principal will encourage innovation and promote a growth-oriented school atmosphere that aligns with Newton Public Schools' vision and mission.
The ideal candidate will show a strong commitment to growth and equity, creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students. The principal will provide academic leadership and drive continuous improvement in student achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math through targeted instructional support and effective data use.
Additionally, the successful candidate will develop and implement instructional strategies that foster a culture of growth, raise students' proficiency levels, and ensure academic progress that meets or exceeds district and state benchmarks.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Licensure or eligibility for licensure as an Elementary Principal/Assistant Principal by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
- Must possess proper licensure at the point of formal appointment by the Superintendent
- Minimum of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university; Advanced degree preferred
- 5+ years of successful classroom teaching experience at the Elementary school level; prior experience as a School Administrator/Principal preferred
- Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of instruction in the elementary school, state curriculum frameworks, and the development of a standards-based classroom environment
- Demonstrates expertise in data-driven instruction and a proven track record of raising student achievement
- Strong instructional leader with experience in curriculum development, assessment, and classroom management
- Effective communicator, able to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Understands the dynamics of elementary school organization and management. Has experience and an educational background in professional development programs for a learning organization and teacher supervision and evaluation
- Able to demonstrate strong knowledge of learning theories and application of them; proven successful experience in improving student achievement
- Willing to learn and collaborate with administrator colleagues and interested in system-wide issues
- Commitment to and experience leading equity initiatives focused on race, disability, class, and gender
JOB FUNCTIONS
- Participates in and maintains an effective and culturally responsive learning environment among the entire school community (faculty, staff, support personnel, students, etc.)
- Leads administrative teams in the school to support culturally responsive teaching and high achievement for all students
- Lead the development of professional learning communities focused on best instructional practices in literacy and numeracy to create continuous improvement and equitable academic and social-emotional outcomes for all students
- Lead the development and execution of school-wide strategies aligned with district goals to achieve continuous improvement in academic and social-emotional outcomes for all students
- Analyze and use student performance data to identify trends, adjust instructional approaches, and monitor progress toward school-wide growth targets
- Implement and sustain tiered systems of support to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of a diverse student population, ensuring equitable access to resources and interventions
- Promote educational equity and close achievement gaps
- Ensures collaborative planning time for teachers to align instructional practices and improve student learning outcomes
- Sets clear expectations for staff and provides ongoing feedback, evaluations, advice, counseling, and support to all staff members regarding their individual and group performance
- Works with central administration to address school challenges related to student learning, family engagement, attendance, operational needs, and other issues that arise
- Initiates, facilitates, designs, and implements programs and scheduling to meet student needs
- Attends school-sponsored activities, functions, and special events to recognize student achievement
- Maintains a clear and open communication process with the internal and external school community
- Keeps the school population informed of policy changes, new programs, opportunities, etc
- Acts as a liaison between the school and the local community, encouraging the community to participate in the educational process as part of the overall school life
- Keeps updated on changes and developments in the profession by attending professional meetings, reading professional journals and other publications, and discussing contemporary issues with colleagues
- Together with central office staff, coordinates and supervises support functions such as maintenance, security, food services, recreational programs, library activities, financial/budgeting, accounting functions, etc
- Consistent, reliable, and punctual attendance is essential
- Implement professional development that equips teachers with strategies to use data effectively in classroom instruction
- Monitor progress towards school-wide growth targets in ELA and Math, making real-time adjustments to meet goals
- Responsible for implementing “other job-related duties” as needed
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to operate computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine, and all other standard office equipment
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
- Sufficient mobility to navigate within a large or small school building
- Regularly required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds
- Reliable transportation is required
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In compliance with state and federal laws, Newton Public Schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.
