Principal(s), Middle School - McAllen Independent School District

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To direct and manage the instructional program and supervise operations and personnel at the campus level; to provide instructional leadership to ensure high standards of instructional service; to oversee compliance of district policies, success of instructional programs, and operation of all campus activities.

For IB campuses, the position also serves as Head of School.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

Master's Degree, required

Texas Principal's Certificate or Administrator or Mid-Management Administrator Certificate, required

Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) appraiser, required

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Communicate effectively (verbal and written); utilize effective interpersonal skills; interpret data, federal and state laws and policies; demonstrate working knowledge of curriculum and instruction; ability to evaluate instructional programs and teaching effectiveness; ability to manage budget and personnel; ability to coordinate campus functions; ability to implement policy and procedures; strong organizational skills, and ability to use technology.

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience as a classroom teacher, required

Three (3) years of experience in an instructional leadership role, required

Days: 217

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Keep informed about current legislation, educational developments, literature and research in curriculum and instruction and by participating in state and national professional organizations; attend appropriate conferences and staff development sessions; disseminate professional information and materials to all campus staff. 

1. Monitor instructional and managerial processes to ensure that program activities are related to program outcomes and use findings to take corrective actions. 

1. Consult the campus-level committee as appropriate about the planning, operation, supervision, and evaluation of campus education program. Include students and community representatives when appropriate. 

1. Provide for a two-way communication with Superintendent, Associate Superintendent for Instructional Services, and other central office and campus staff, students, parents, and community. 

1. Foster collegiality and team building among staff members. Encourage their active involvement in decision-making process. 

1. Communicate and promote expectations for high-level performance to staff and students. Recognize excellence and achievement. 

1. Recommend selection of personnel and determine appropriate placement. 

1. Lead in the preparation of the campus budget and monitor subsequent expenditure of local, federal and other external funds to ensure appropriate utilization for all instructional programs. 

1. Ensure that the school community is informed of the District Discipline Management Plan and that the plan is applied in a consistent, fair, and equitable manner. 

1. Keep the immediate supervisor informed of planning in relating to any new projects and initiatives undertaken which may impact the inter and intra district functions. 

1. Provide the orientation to new teachers and set up the mentoring program. 

1. Ensure the effective and quick resolution of conflicts. 

1. Build common vision for school improvement with staff. Direct planning activities and put programs in place with staff to ensure attainment of school’s mission. 

1. Identify, analyze, and apply research findings (e.g., effective school correlates) to promote school improvement. 

1. Develop and set annual campus performance objectives for each of the Academic Excellence Indicators using the campus planning process and site-based decision making committee. 

1. Develop, maintain, and use information systems and records necessary to show campus progress on performance objectives addressing each Academic Excellence Indicator. 

1. Interview, select, and orient new staff. Approve all personnel assigned to campus. 

1. Define expectations for staff performance with regard to instructional strategies, classroom management, and communication with the public. 

1. Observe employee performance, record observations, and conduct evaluation conferences with staff. 

1. Assign and promote campus personnel. 

1. Make recommendations to superintendent on termination, suspension, or nonrenewal of employees assigned to campus. 

1. Work with campus-level planning and decision-making committees to plan professional development activities. 

1. Confer with subordinates regarding their professional growth. Work with them to develop and accomplish improvement goals. 

1. Comply with district policies, state and federal laws, and UIL policies and guidelines affecting the schools. 

1. Develop campus budgets based on documented program needs, estimated enrollment, personnel, and other fiscal needs. Keep programs within budget limits.  Maintain fiscal control.  Accurately report fiscal information. 

1. Maintain accurate inventory documentation; file timely reports in requisitioning textbooks.  

1. Manage and supervise the maintenance of school facilities to ensure a clean, orderly, and safe campus. 

1. Work with faculty and students to develop a student discipline management system that results in positive student behavior and enhances the school climate. 

1. Ensure that school rules are uniformly observed and that student discipline is appropriate and equitable in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook. 

1. Conduct conferences about student and school issues with parents, students, and teachers. 

1. Develop professional skills appropriate to job assignment. 

1. Demonstrate professional, ethical, and responsible behavior. Serve as a role model for all campus staff. 

1. Articulate the school’s mission to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission. 

1. Demonstrate awareness of school and community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs. 

1. Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement. 

1. Demonstrate loyalty within a team approach to District initiatives. 

1. Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards. 

1. Perform other duties assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Assistant Principal(s), Teachers, Counselors, Librarians, Nurses, Instructional Assistants, Campus clerical, and Custodians 

EQUIPMENT USED: 

Computer, copier, adding machine, fax machine, multimedia equipment 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Mental Demands: 

Maintain emotional control under stress; ability to instruct; coordinate multiple projects; meet deadline work with frequent interruptions. 

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: 

Frequent prolonged and irregular hours; frequent district wide and occasional state or national travel 

Occasionally lift and/or move up to 45 pounds and over; assist in the restraining of students in crisis situations.