Position:               Assistant Principal, Grades K-5

                            Morse School

The Morse School Community:

The Morse School serves children and families from every Cambridge neighborhood and from over 35 different countries. At the Morse School, we nurture not only our children’s curiosity and intellectual skills, but also their healthy social and emotional development. Morse School families, teachers and staff members work together to foster a sense of safety and belonging and to support students in developing a sense of civic responsibility and an appreciation for people with different origins, identities, beliefs and learning styles. We strive to promote a sense of community, where all adults and children feel respected and appreciated. The Morse School follows an inclusion model, with English learners and students with moderate disabilities learning alongside their general education peers with support from special educators, ESL teachers, related service providers, and interventionists. 

We are actively working towards becoming an antiracist school, and are taking steps towards identifying and dismantling racist structures, hearing and elevating underrepresented voices, and striving to achieve an equitable and just educational experience for all students.

Summary of Position:

The Assistant Principal, as part of the school's leadership team will be directly responsible to the Principal and will support the administration and educational leadership team.

Key Responsibilities:

The Elementary School Assistant Principal is responsible for assisting the school principal in the coordination, supervision and management of school programs and school operations. The Assistant Principal is committed to fostering equity, inclusion and belonging and assists the principal in leading their school community in becoming an anti-racist school community through a shared vision, aligned goals and courageous conversations.

The Assistant Principal is committed to high expectations for all and values school as a place of community, strong family partnerships, and collaborative relationships with educators. The Assistant Principal oversees daily operations and leadership in the absence of the principal.

Specific responsibilities include:

Instructional Leadership:

• Assisting the principal in developing and maintaining an effective educational program consistent with State and Federal guidelines.
• Assisting the principal and teachers with analyzing student and school data to identify areas of strength and areas of growth and effectively communicates this information to staff for curriculum goal setting and school planning.
• Assist the principal in implementing the action steps outlined in the School Improvement Plan (SIP).

Technical and Professional Knowledge:

• Developing school and classroom schedules in collaboration with educators and under the direction of the principal.
• Supervising and evaluating teachers/staff as assigned by the principal in accordance with the district instructional and evaluation framework for educators and staff.
• Assisting educators with implementing high yield instructional and SEL strategies aligned to the district’s instructional and SEL framework.
• Assisting classroom teachers in evaluating methods and materials used in the development of effective lesson design.
• Coaching and evaluating educators and staff as assigned by the principal.

Proactive Leadership:

• Facilitating proactive and effective two-way communication with families and staff.
• Facilitating effective onboarding orientation for children, families, staff and volunteers.
• Supporting the principal in developing effective and relevant professional development that is aligned to the district’s vision and focused initiatives.

School Culture:

• Supporting the establishment of a culture that results in a love of learning, student agency, and a full range of student learning and growth.
• Supporting the principal in building an engaged, respectful and inclusive school community.
• Implementing restorative practices to ensure a safe, supportive and inclusive school community.

Managerial:

• As directed by the principal, oversee custodial, food service operations and other support services to maintain an efficient, clean, safe, attractive and functional facility.
• As directed by the principal, oversee arrival and dismissal procedures including bus and van transportation.
• Demonstrate knowledge of finance and budget within the specific area(s) of authority and discharge the responsibility for making expenditures in accordance with the operational guidelines of the district.
• Support the principal with school-wide preparation for emergencies such as fire drills, lock down drills and over all student, staff and school safety.

Facilitation:

• Using appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to guide individuals and groups to task accomplishments.
• Supporting the principal in planning and executing monthly staff meetings aligned to district and school improvement goals.
• Facilitating problem solving with individuals and groups.
• Counseling with parents and staff to resolve problems and concerns as assigned by the principal.

Parent/Family Connections:

• Building and maintaining positive and engaging relationships with families.
• Working cooperatively with families to strengthen the educational program for their children.
• Supporting the principal to engage and collaborate with the School Council to ensure school growth and improvement.
• Respecting each family’s uniqueness and access to school and district services and support for all children and families.

Professionalism:

• Upholding and enforcing district policies, administrative procedures and school rules and regulations.
• Maintaining appropriate work habits, including regular and punctual attendance, and maintains appropriate relationships with other staff and leaders.
• Striving to communicate the positive aspects of CPS to the public in word and deed.
• Attending all required district leadership meetings and professional development.
• Continuing professional growth through participation in regional and national professional development and leadership organizations.

Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to the mission, vision, goals and objectives of CPS and to working with young children from racially and culturally diverse communities and their families.
• Minimum of five (5) years of teaching experience required, five (5) years preferred in an elementary school setting.
• Masters degree required from an accredited college or university, with graduate level courses in school administration and educational leadership.
• Massachusetts DESE licensure or eligibility for licensure: Assistant Principal/Principal PK-5.
• Success working in an urban setting with students from diverse racial, ethnic, linguistic and socio-economic backgrounds.

Cambridge Public Schools is committed to slowing and/or stopping the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, as a condition of employment with Cambridge Public Schools, all new hires will be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 no later than their first day of work. Written requests for either a religious exemption from this requirement based on sincerely held religious beliefs, or for a medical exemption based upon clear documentation from a medical provider should be submitted to the attention of the Chief Talent Officer.

Work Year: 196 days

Salary:    $130,574 - $157,192, in accordance with the Cambridge Education Association Unit B Salary Schedule        

How to Join Our Team:

Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills, experience, and commitment to equity in education meet the qualifications of the position as well as stating how you heard about this opportunity. 

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.