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Job Description

School: Free Horizon Montessori

Job Title: Principal

Category: Full-time

Classification: Administrator/School Leadership

Work Year: Desired start date March 31, 2012 : 2012-2013

Free Horizon Montessori, a Jefferson County Public Charter School seeks a Principal who has a demonstrated track-record of elevating student achievement and building community. The Principal is responsible for implementing the Montessori philosophy in all aspects of school leadership, including school culture and discipline, curriculum and instruction, student programming, and building relationships with families.

Free Horizon Montessori Public Schools Overview:
FHM is one of three public Montessori schools in a network 13 charter schools in the Jefferson County School District, Colorado. Since its inception in 2003, FHM has grown from 142 Pre-school 2^nd grade students to 393 primary – 8^th grade students, and is still growing. Our school embraces the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori, which is dedicated to an educational model that is challenging, individualized, and has a solid cornerstone of respect and responsibility for oneself, the environment, and those with whom we share the world.

Responsibilities:
MISSION, VISON, and POLICY INTEGRATION:  The Principal works with the Board of Directors to set Mission, Vision, and Board Policies.  As an operational leader the Principal establishes operational policies and practices that align with the Mission, Vision, & Values of the school, and assures institutional alignment with federal, state, and district laws policies, academic best-practices.

LEADERSHIP:  Provides ongoing support that aligns both the purpose and direction for the school’s continuing improvement with direct alignment to FHM Values, assuring accountability of all departments, systems, and community members. Inspires students, families, staff, and others to believe in and reflect the school’s mission, high expectations and values. Demonstrates a high level of professional maturity, including emotional constancy in stressful situations, the ability to bring out the best in others, a solution seeker, and acts as a positive force to motivate others. Mentors and coaches staff members with challenging but manageable assignments to encourage growth; identify and systematically develops future leaders.

INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP:  Develops systems and practices that focus on student learning and student success; sets measurable standards of accountability aligning professional development of faculty with the School’s Unified Improvement Plan and School’s Strategic Plan. Creates a professional learning community in which teachers regularly collaborate to reflect on and refine curriculum and instruction at the school using achievement data, student work, and their own observations/experiences.

COMMUNITY BUILDING:  Establishes a school culture that is centered on core values that ultimately shows deep care for each student and staff member, and holds each student and staff member to the highest level of accountability. Guides and supports the development of a united, caring community; involving all stakeholders and facilitates meaningful partnerships focused on support of students and school.  Provides ongoing communication and support to parents, teachers, and students ensuring a positive educational climate.

MANAGEMENT:  Human Resource management to ensure an orderly work and quality learning environment that is safe, secure, and holds long-term viability for the school.  Coordinates closely with the Facility and Finance Development Director in the annual budget development process to ensure the school’s budget supports FHM’s mission by adequately providing for instructional needs. 

EXTENDED PROGRAM MANAGEMENT:  Preschool/Child Care, Before/After Care, Summer Camp Programs, etc; develop and manage auxiliary programs.

EXPERIENCE:  Requirements follow State of Colorado guidelines for principal licensure.  Experience in Montessori education required.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:  Master's degree in Education or closely related field as well as Montessori Training

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:  Colorado Principal License or eligibility for such. Director Qualification (Colorado Dept. of Human Services) preferred.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & EQUIPMENT:  Demonstrated conflict management, problem solving, resource allocation, prioritization, data analysis, collaborative decision making, relationship building, group facilitation, writing, and speaking skills.  Demonstrated knowledge and use of State, District and School educational policies, procedures, employee contracts, and legal requirements.  Computer and technology skills which include Human Resources; Financial Systems; and communications technology including software, E-mail, and voice mail are a condition of employment and must be obtained within one year after hire.

EDUCATIONAL DELIVERY:  Support the instructional programs of the School by supervising and evaluating teachers and administrators and by developing and implementing school instructional programs.  Understands the philosophies and practices of Montessori Education, Standards-Based Education and Data-driven Instruction, the processes of Curriculum Development and Effective Models of Instruction, and lead their implementation in the school. 

Manage the development of curriculum and instructional programs that recognize the contributions of diverse groups and foster success for all students regardless of gender, race, or disability.  Lead the community in the development of challenging performance standards for students and the development of varied supervisory and evaluation processes.  Insure the development of a professional development program that recognizes the principles of adult learning and focuses on accountability to student success.  The Principal is ultimately responsible for ensuring overall student success.  This requires the implementation of a system that both progress monitors learning and ensures accountability and focus of student learning.  The Principal must use data to analyze the current state of student learning and serve as a catalyst for and manager of needed change.  Understand and lead the use of technology in instruction.  The majority of the time is spent at the school site.

DECISION MAKING:  Ability to determine staffing levels and associated budget requirements; develop alternatives and make decisions in crisis situations; utilize collaborative decision making skills and delegation; and apply good judgment to ensure student safety and carry out student discipline.  Errors could lead to legal ramifications and compromise student safety and the learning environment, resulting in substantial embarrassment or cost to the School.  Final decisions regarding day to day operations at the school site are the responsibility of this position.  Collaborates with the Board of Directors and the Facility and Finance Development Director in strategic decision-making to support the accomplishment of FHM’s mission and strategic plan. 

COMMUNITY RELATIONS:  Daily contact with parents, students and faculty to exchange information, resolve issues, and build partnership in service to Mission, Vision, and Values.  Weekly contact with vendors, media, legislatures, and government entities to exchange information, resolve issues, and improve overall functioning of school.  In coordination with the Finance and Facility Development Director, includes regular contact with higher education, partnerships, and businesses to exchange information, develop and maintain programs, maintain relationships, and foster program participation both within and external to the FHM community.

Please submit resume and cover letter to fhmemploy@gmail.com

Date Posted: 2012-01-10

Closing Date: 2012-03-31

Start Date: 2012-03-31

Free Horizon Montessori Profile