About the Organization

University Prep Charter High School is the product of an exemplary partnership between a reform-minded teachers union and a group of progressive educational innovators. Founded in 2008 by Steve Barr, founder of Green Dot Public Schools, in collaboration with Randi Weingarten and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), the school has a longer school day and year, a college preparatory curriculum with high expectations, and intensive support for English Language Learners and other students with special needs. Teachers are UFT members and negotiate their own, school-based professional contract which has been lauded as a model, 21st century agreement. University Prep focuses on preparing every student for college in a respectful, responsible, and responsive school culture. About 90% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch and approximately 25% receive special education services or are enrolled as English Language Learners.

About the Position

University Prep is looking for a hard-working, dedicated leader to serve as Principal. Under the direct supervision of the University Prep Board of Trustees, the Principal will manage a team of talented teachers, department heads and other support staff. This is an ideal opportunity for an instructional expert and collaborative school leader to lead a best-in-class charter school toward continued excellence.

Primary responsibilities include:

Working with teachers to establish specific, targeted student performance goals; creating data-informed plans in areas such as curriculum and assessment, teaching and learning, and professional development
Directing the implementation of effective research-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices
Conducting regular formal and informal classroom observations
Creating a culture of high expectations and a relentless focus on student achievement, operational efficiency and self-improvement
Promoting a professional culture through distributed leadership that empowers and holds educators responsible for the school’s outcomes
Hearing and heeding the voices of teachers, students, parents, and other stakeholders
Directing and supervising the guidance program of the school, instituting supportive student behavior management policies
Supporting instructional excellence by ensuring that teachers receive appropriate coaching to implement successful classroom management and teaching strategies
Managing annual performance review process for teachers and staff, ensuring that they are meeting or exceeding goals and providing documentation/evidence of progress
Identifying and recognizing strong performance; creating opportunities for professional growth; taking action when performance is lacking
Serving as the key external spokesperson for the school, conveying the school’s mission and building strong relationships with constituents including students, teachers, parents, community members
Overseeing the school’s operational systems and structures that support effective instruction (e.g. recruiting, budgeting, scheduling, and compliance functions)
Reporting to the Board of Trustees and supporting effective governance.

Candidate Requirements

A proven track-record of school leadership, having generated exceptional student outcomes, with at least two years of data documenting strong academic, personal and inter-personal outcomes
Relevant Master’s or equivalent degree preferred
Experience working in an urban school setting
Significant prior administrative experience, preferably at the high school level, along with substantial teaching experience at the high school level
Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with proven management and team building skills
Excellent interpersonal communication and writing skills
Valid New York State Supervisory Certification or comparable out of state certification

Compensation

Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
Competitive health benefits, commensurate with NYCDOE health plans
Competitive retirement benefits; University Prep participates in the Teachers Retirement System pension plan

Location

This is a school-based position; University Prep is located at 600 St. Ann’s Ave., Bronx, New York.

How to apply

Qualified applicants may send a cover letter and résumé to lead@upchs.org.