Principal Fellow

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities.
Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond.
Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success.
With over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color, we exemplify diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership.
Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

The Uncommon Schools Principal Fellowship was created to strategically identify, develop, and train rising leaders.
As we continue to grow and maintain the highest standards for all of our schools, it is critical to prepare our future leaders in an environment immersed in the successful practices of our schools and the thoughtful leadership of our current Principals.

The Principal Fellowship provides a robust development process to prepare leaders to lead a school in conjunction with the Director of Operations.
This Principal Fellow and eventual Principal is a full-time employee, hired, supported, and evaluated by the Regional Superintendent of Instruction and the Senior Director of School Support.
The fellowship is based on a foundation of core elements aligned to the competencies of Uncommon Principals.
Each element is designed to build Principal Fellows' capacity towards becoming effective instructional school leaders:

Feedback and Assessment

Feedback, especially individualized feedback, is the main tool that will support the Principal Fellow's growth as a leader.
It is the main reason our schools go from good to great.
Principal Fellows will receive feedback formally and informally throughout the year.
Informal feedback will be given throughout the Principal Fellow's time in schools, PD, and in cohort gatherings.
This will include feedback from the Principal Fellow's Host Principal, the Regional Superintendent of Instruction, and the Senior Director of School Support.

School Immersion

By integrating fully into the day-to-day activities of an Uncommon school, Principal Fellows will gain exposure to situations they may face as a school leader and be challenged to manage the complexity of scenarios that occur at a school.
Principal Fellows will work with their Host Principal and Senior Director of School Support at the beginning and throughout their Fellowship to plan how they will master the competencies needed to lead a high-performing school.
Principal Fellows should be 'in the driver's seat' of their learning and should feel empowered to take advantage of all opportunities to build their leadership.
The Principal Fellow must seek and plan for opportunities throughout their Fellowship to demonstrate a leadership presence and full school Immersion.

Professional Development

All Principal Fellows will join our Principals in monthly, cross-regional professional development.
This is an amazing opportunity to learn alongside your Principals and cohort members to learn the most up-to-date best practices and develop your leadership capabilities.

In addition, all 1st and 2nd year Principal Fellows will attend a series of professional development workshops.
These sessions will be more intimate and allow for more 'at-bats,' practice, and direct application to your school immersion.
In years past, Principal Fellows have found these sessions to be most effective when they can immediately practice their learnings in their host school.
These cohort sessions will provide opportunities for Principal Fellows to look to one another for professional and personal support.

Qualifications

• Passionate commitment to the mission of Uncommon Schools and investment in our vision for being an anti-racist organization;
• Passionate commitment to expand knowledge, skills, and opportunities for students both in and out of school;
• Passionate commitment to building culturally responsive learning partnerships with students, teachers, and families;
• Strong data analysis skills;
• Interest in and passion for supporting teacher growth;
• Ability to provide high-leverage feedback via classroom observations;
• Demonstrates tenacity, personal responsibility, a founder's mentality, and a commitment to continual professional growth;
• Strong communication skills with multiple stakeholders including teachers, students, families, and colleagues;
• Strong organizational skills, careful attention to detail, and follow-through;
• Required experience:
  
  • At least 3 years of teaching experience with evidence of outstanding student growth and achievement;
  • At least 1 year of experience coaching or leading teachers (e.
    g.
    , Assistant Principal, Dean of Curriculum, grade level chair, content/department chair);
  • Demonstrated instructional coaching capabilities that contribute to teacher growth and development;
  • A Bachelor's degree.
    

Additional Information

Our people are what make us Uncommon.
We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families.
Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is between $100,000 to $106,000.

Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).
  
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)
• Financial Planning
  • 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.
  )
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

• A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive.
We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students.
We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students.
As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, nation.