Principal Resident

Principal Resident, Brooklyn, New York

In-Person Work Required

This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime.

WHO WE ARE

Explore Schools is a network of public charter schools providing nearly 2,000 students in Brooklyn with the outstanding education they deserve. Our goal is to provide students with curriculum and instruction that is both standards-aligned curriculum and culturally responsive. Our approach is designed to provide the conditions to nurture students as critical thinkers and natural problem-solvers. As an organization, we are committed to engaging in work that disrupts and roots out systems and structures that perpetuate white supremacy. We intentionally seek to build and maintain a diverse and talented team that reflects the backgrounds and experiences of our students and creates an inclusive environment for all employees.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

We believe that all children can learn when immersed in a rich environment full of high expectations, rigorous academics, and caring, committed adults. We believe equity and excellence are not mutually exclusive—we can meet the needs of all students in our schools, while actively engaging parents and driving toward excellent academic results. We believe it is both our privilege and responsibility to help close the opportunity gap in the Brooklyn community.

WHO YOU ARE

Explore Schools seeks an experienced educational leader who demonstrates a drive toward excellence and is passionate about serving all students. You have at least four years of teaching experience, and some experience managing adults. Longer-term, you are deeply invested in and excited about the hard work necessary to develop into an effective Principal. You welcome the opportunity to work with Supervisor and Mentor for real-time feedback, shadowing and observation. Our ideal candidate is an outstanding leader and manager of adults, who believes and invests in developing talent, building authentic relationships, all the while possessing a strong understanding of academic rigor and effective instruction. Additionally, you are or possess the following qualities and skillsets:

• Dedicated to working in communities that have historically been underserved and under-resourced
• Committed to thoughtfully engaging in identity work necessary to take a culturally responsive approach to pedagogy and relationship-building with students and colleagues
• Demonstrates a clear and compelling vision for instruction and culture, characterized by anti-white supremacy
• Outstanding manager of people with a passion for building, developing, and retaining school’s existing leadership team through effective supervision and support
• Strong culture and relationship-builder who actively engages and builds partnerships with families, staff, and students through direct and sensitive communication
• Demonstrates a results-oriented mindset and leverages goals and outcomes to support decision making
• Team player: Collaborates with others to build effective systems to support school management.
• Reflective attitude: an ability to constantly reflect on student data as well as personal areas of strength and growth, make changes in service of a vision, both personally and through others
• Strong prioritization skills: Effectively and makes timely and difficult decisions in response to data and in service of a vision. 
• Flexibility: a willingness to work in an ever-changing field and face challenges with a positive attitude
• 4+ years of teaching experience, with experience coaching and/or managing adults required
• Bachelor’s degree required
• A master’s degree and administrative certification, preferred

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Principal Resident (PR) will work under the supervision of a school-based Principal in collaboration with the Explore Schools Chief Schools Officer to fully develop into a Principal over the course of their residency. The PR will supervise and coach a portfolio of teachers and own the structures and systems that form the foundation of a well-run school. You will collaborate with academic leaders across our network to further develop your leadership toolkit, preparing you for the role of Principal. You will be expected to manage the responsibilities below:

• In collaboration with the leadership team, identify academic priorities, set measurable goals to achieve priorities and monitor progress towards goals
• Make decisions that are strategic, intentional, and grounded in data
• Thoughtfully engage and invest families and community stakeholders in Explore’s work
• Improve teacher performance through activities such as teacher coaching and identifying large-group professional development needs
• Oversee the systems, practices, and cycles of assessment and the constant use of data to drive student performance
• Implement school-wide procedures and policies to ensure student safety
• Work closely with the Explore Schools network office to recruit and select new staff members
• Assist with non-instructional supervision of students, as needed, such as arrival/dismissal, hallway monitoring, lunch & playground duty, or supervision/planning of extracurricular activities, and in the event of an emergency
• Collaborate with colleagues throughout the Explore Schools network
• Actively engage in identity work and necessary conversations in order to dismantle white supremacy culture

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Explore Schools staff members receive a competitive salary, paid time off including network shutdown days, considerable matching of retirement contributions, and more.

• The salary range for incoming Principal Residents is $115,000 to $130,000 annually. This is our good faith range at the time of posting.
• Incoming salaries are determined based on experience and internal equity.
• Because we value staff members staying in their roles over time, we do not currently cap salary ranges and this is the range for incoming staff members only.
• This is base salary and does not include additional compensation opportunities, such as signing bonuses, additional time worked pay, stipends, leadership opportunities, and additional pay for specialized certifications and advanced degrees.

Additionally, you can expect:

• A comprehensive benefits plan, covering up to 95% of the cost for employees and their families. Other benefits include dental and vision plans, employer paid disability and life insurance, parental leave benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time and paid holidays, professional development, continuing education scholarships, referral bonuses, employee assistance program (EAP), childcare assistance, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, and more!
• Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making, development, and team-wide priorities
• Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment
• Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planning
• Our school-based staff also receive:
• Professional development: weekly PD, year-round retreats and trainings, and ongoing coaching by professionals
• Continued education support: staff are eligible to receive scholarship funds towards qualifying certification costs or higher education tuition

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Explore Schools is a network of charter schools located in Canarsie, Crown Heights, and Flatbush communities of Brooklyn, NY. Our schools are currently operating fully in person. For this position:

• In-person work is required
• This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime.
• The standard workweek is 45 hours, though at times you may work more.
• This role requires that you be able to stand for at least 5 hours a day, take multiple trips up and down the stairs in a day, and be able to move quickly in an emergency.
• This role also requires that you be able to lift up to 15 pounds.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

As discussed in our Who We Are section, Explore Schools is an equal opportunity employer. It is important to us that all staff members have a place of employment that is free of discrimination of all kinds and where staff can bring their authentic selves to work. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran, or military status. If any employee or applicant believes they have been discriminated against, they should let Tiffany Williams know immediately.