High School Principal

Employment Type: 12 month, full time, benefits eligible

Work Days/Hours: M-F / 8am-4pm / this position requires after-school, evening and weekend work

Start Date: July 1, 2024

Paideia is a pre-K-12 college preparatory school of over 1,000 students in the Emory University area of Atlanta.The high school has 460 students and provides a well-rounded curriculum with extensive offerings in English, social sciences, mathematics, modern languages, sciences, art, music and drama. Students are able through their choices to create an individual schedule tailored to their needs and interests.  Paideia’s students embrace the high school’s culture of intellectual curiosity, trust, and diversity and inclusion. Students learn best when they are known, trusted, and cared for by the adults in their lives. With that foundation, our students look forward to school each day. 

The depth of the relationships students form among peers and faculty sustain them well beyond their years at Paideia.With nationally recognized music and art programs, competitive athletic teams, leadership organizations that impact campus decisions, clubs that compete at state and national levels, and groups for students to share an affinity, Paideia is full of options for students to find their place and voice. 

We at Paideia believe that high school can be academically challenging and rigorous without creating a culture of competitiveness among our student body. The goal of high school is not to create a resume for college, rather it is a chance to explore (and potentially fail at) a wide range of curricular and extracurricular opportunities in the present. As best as a school can, Paideia focuses on the individual student - with equal emphasis on academic and personal growth.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of the HS Principal vary as the year progresses. While the majority of the responsibilities fall in the administrative realm, there may also be some time in the classroom.

The HS Principal will:

• Work closely and supervise the HS administrative team which includes: Assistant HS Principal, HS Dean of Students, HS Director of Studies on all matters pertaining to the high school
• Work with and supervise HS school counselors, learning specialists and teachers to provide both academic and social & emotional support for students
• Support professional development for HS teachers in both in-house and outside programs
• Supervise, support, and evaluate HS teachers and administrators along with the Assistant Head of School in 9-12 th grade classrooms
• Collaborate with the HS Director of Studies and department chairs about curricular issues, testing, placement, course selection and departmental curricular decisions
• Oversee and approve individual classroom and project budgeting in the high school
• Facilitate mentorship with new faculty and support the transition of new Paideia families to the community
• Work with the Head of School and graduation coordinators to plan and execute graduation and senior dinner
• Oversee discipline issues in collaboration with the Assistant Principal, counselors, and Director of DEIB
• Oversee daily activities with students, faculty meetings, parent meetings and other events as necessary
• Work with the Athletics Director in student athletic issues, supervision of students and coaches at games and any discipline issues that may arise during sport events on and off Paideia campus
• Work closely with the Director of Admissions during the admissions process and sit on the HS admissions committee
• Work with the Director of Facilities and Security Administrator to help ensure student safety at events and on campus
• Work directly with the Director of DEIB in creating a diverse and inclusive HS school culture which includes support for programming, curriculum, and a diverse student body
• Work closely with the Director of Student Services to support students on high financial aid
• Work with Junior High and Elementary Principals particularly in level transition and in whole school leadership
• Assist in hiring HS faculty and staff
• Assist in any and all issues that can come up in a day (or night) in the life of a high school

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

An ideal applicant for this position is someone who has experience in an HS setting working and interacting with teachers, students, and parents;  demonstrated relational skills;  knowledge of adolescent development, including an understanding of social, emotional, and ethical dimensions of children’s growth ; strong organizational skills; interest and involvement in many areas of the Paideia community; and significant experience mentoring and observing teachers.  Ideally, the HS principal would teach a HS course throughout the year either during our Long or Short Terms. 

Specific qualities we are looking for include the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively, to balance and understand the particular needs of HS students, parents and faculty, and to create a positive, nurturing, and inclusive environment for students.  Applicants should have strong writing skills, demonstrated leadership abilities in both times of conflict and collaboration and experience in balancing the demands of both community and individual needs of individual students and teachers. Training and extensive experience in diversity, equity and inclusion work is required in understanding curriculum, student relationships, issues of student discipline, hiring and retaining faculty of color, and supporting a diverse student body and their families. A successful candidate will have a sense of humor, a strong sense of empathy, and be able to find joy in everyday teaching and learning.

The HS Principal has a high degree of autonomy and works in collaboration with the Head of School, Assistant Head of School and other directors and principals school wide. The HS Principal reports directly to the Head of School.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Masters Degree in an educational related field is required and at least ten years of experience working in administration and/or teaching HS aged students. This is a 12 month, full time position that will require evening and weekend work.

APPLICATION NOTES

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references via our online application.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience. A benefits package is offered for benefits-eligible positions. The Paideia School is an equal opportunity employer.

For more information about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, our focus on both social and emotional learning with rigorous academic offerings and opportunities for extra curricular learning, please visit our website at www.paideiaschool.org.