Principal - Serendipity Center Inc
Portland, OR
About the Job
Transforming Education, Empowering Lives: Lead as our Principal here at Serendipity Center
Serendipity Center is leading the way in therapeutic education, offering a holistic approach that integrates Mental Health, Special Education, Wellness, and Transition Readiness. Our mission is clear: to empower students who need extra time, attention, and skill development to reach their full potential. As we grow, we are seeking a dedicated Principal to help guide our educational and administrative efforts.
Why Serendipity Center?
At Serendipity Center, you'll find more than just a job - you'll find a community committed to excellence and support. As a private non-profit institution, we provide all the resources necessary for student success conveniently located on campus. Our commitment to small class sizes ensures that each student receives personalized attention, supported by a diverse team that includes teachers, Program Assistants, and a comprehensive array of professionals.
Perks and Benefits:
- Excellent PTO: Enjoy plenty of time off (47.5 hours of PTO/ 1st year) allowing for a healthy work-life balance, including breaks during school closures calculated out to a minimum of 32 paid days off during the school year.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Receive full health benefits starting on the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment. Participate in our 403(B)-retirement plan with a match after 1 year.
- Professional Development: Take advantage of ongoing professional development opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career.
- Free Lunch: Enjoy free lunches during scheduled school days prepared by our kitchen team, featuring fresh ingredients from our garden.
- Casual Dress Code: Show up as your most authentic self and wear what makes you feel confident, comfortable and expresses your individual style.
- Collaborative Culture: Work alongside passionate, mission-driven teammates who are dedicated to making a difference in students' lives.
You'll Drive the Mission By:
- Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local laws including Division 22 and special education procedural compliance. Stays up to date on legislative and ODE recommended practices by attending COSA conferences and seeking out technical assistance from ODE.
- Supervises and onboards all classroom teachers including direct observation of Serendipity's practices, regular feedback and coaching to increase the implementation of evidence-based practices.
- Leads Culturally Responsive, Assessment, Curriculum and Instruction by coordinating and ensuring implementation of all curriculum, culturally responsive practices, evidence-based instruction and assessment for learning.
- Leads whole group prevention professional development including CHAMPS/STOIC, developing and implementing school wide structure and routine, coaching model of professional development, explicit instruction and special education procedures.
- Leads teachers in professionalism in leading teams by supporting teachers in working together with their classroom staff to support student growth and safety.
- Co-leads equity, diversity, and inclusion programming to ensure that both staff and students have the support they need to address bias incidents and/or microaggressions.
- Coordinates all activities under the Education and Transition Pillar including the school-wide schedule, graduation requirements, academic calendar, the teaming meeting schedule.
- Plans and coordinates all programing for Extended School year including class lists, planning day, and ESY school-wide schedule.
- Promotes and maintains a positive school climate; works and relates effectively with students, staff, and parents/guardians to establish and maintain a positive tone and atmosphere within the School; relates effectively with districts and community agencies.
- Other duties may be assigned and full job description will be provided during interview process.
What Makes You Qualified?
- Education: Master's degree required in related fields such as special education, licensed clinical social worker, licensed professional counselor, applied behavior analysis, school psychology
- Experience: Two to four of directly related or relevant leadership and school/program administrative experience and/or training with increasing levels of responsibility preferred. Understanding and two years of experience implementing special education procedural safeguards strongly preferred.
- Certification/Licenses: Current Oregon Administrator's License.
- General Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from staff and parents/guardians, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
- Computer Skills: General MS Windows and word-processing skills
- Physical Demands: Ability to see clearly and effectively to maintain safety, Ability to perform CPI.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Manages and oversees Teachers, itinerant instructors, and one administrative staff person, and is responsible for observing the performance of all program staff , working collaboratively with other supervisors to direct performance. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
General office conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to assault by a student. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually average-moderate, but sometimes may be moderate and occasionally loud.
Serendipity Center, Inc. will not discriminate against any individual with respect to employment or provision of services based upon that individual's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, disability, military status, gender identity, source of income or familial status. Additionally, Serendipity complies with Executive Order 11246, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.