Description
The Principal is responsible for administering all aspects of the total school program by providing educational leadership for students and staff consistent with division goals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Principal is responsible for the following:
PLANNING Sets meaningful and significant goals in order to increase student learning and achievement, involving faculty, staff, parents/guardians, and community in the process
Shares goals with all stakeholders
Helps the faculty set goals based on student needs through identified data sources
Follows plans and works throughout the year to achieve goals
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION Administers, monitors, and evaluates the instructional program of the school
Organizes and conducts a program of instructional leadership and evaluation, including classroom and teaching observations
Implements curriculum and establishes educational objectives consistent with division goals
Ensures the effective use of supplies, materials, and equipment
Develops an efficient system of student and program appraisal, recommending changes as needed to meet student needs and improve student learning and achievement
Evaluates pupil progress using standardized tests and other data sources; and uses the results for continuous program improvement
Shares with the Superintendent recommendations for improving the curriculum
Prepares master schedule and assigns pupils to classes for optimum learning experiences
Evaluates grading practices and student progress with members of the faculty
Assists teachers in planning field trips and using community resources
Facilitates teacher professional growth and recertification planning and activities
SUPERVISION OF STAFF Provides leadership to and supervises teachers, paraprofessionals, classified staff members, and other resource and service personnel working in the school
Monitors staff attendance and takes corrective measures when necessary
Sets performance standards for all staff that reflect expectations regarding job responsibilities
Monitors and assesses performance in accordance with approved evaluation procedures
Visits classrooms regularly, carrying out the division plan for formal and informal visits
Advises staff members of needed improvements and makes commendations as appropriate
Solves problems between and within the staff
Provides for and promotes effective meetings and professional development for teachers
Assists in the employment of staff
Coordinates the use of subject matter specialists, resource teachers, and other resource personnel
Maintains a clear and effective two-way communication system with all staff
LICENSURE Maintains proper licensure
Assures that teachers are assigned to areas in which they are endorsed
Assures that teachers are making required progress toward completing licensure requirements
SCHOOL CLIMATE Establishes and maintains a safe, orderly, effective environment conducive to learning
Implements and maintains an effective code of acceptable student behavior
Coordinates staff activities to reach consensus on how decisions will be made
Provides feedback and support to teachers and other staff members on professional needs
Resolves concerns in a timely fashion
Informs staff members of pertinent issues of which they should be aware
Establishes procedures by which organizational improvements can be suggested and implemented
Establishes an effective communications program that includes opportunities for faculty and staff involvement, committees, individual conferences, and internal communication procedures
Provides for student needs by effectively promoting and using student services and resources
Participates in the identification and placement of children with special needs and/or having difficulties in core areas
Participates in extracurricular activities and special events of the school and division
Establishes an active client feedback system that includes parents, students, and staff
SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS Establishes and maintains an effective school-community relations program, to include a strong emphasi on parental involvement
Interprets the school program to the community in a positive manner
Maintains a clear and effective two-way communication system between the school and the community, including an active planning council
Cooperates with community groups and agencies
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION Adheres to all requirements specified in Danville School Board policies and procedures as well as all federal and state laws
Administers appropriate personnel procedures, to include the division’s Employee Code of Professionalism
Coordinates and administers student personnel services
Maintains student database
Maintains accurate personnel, student, and fiscal records (to include attendance and leave records) in accordance with federal and state laws and with school division policies and procedures
Requisitions needed repairs, materials, and equipment
Conducts safety drills, assumes responsibility for safety within the building, and maintains a safe work environment in accordance with approved procedures
Complies with division, state, and federal financial policies and procedures
Submits required division reports promptly
Monitors and manages the school’s budget and expenditures
Cooperates with the Central Office administrative and supervisory staff for the continuous improvement of the total school program (curriculum, instruction, human resources, staff development, finance, operations, information systems, maintenance, federal programs, special services, and food services).
Ensures that the school’s office is managed effectively
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES AND GROWTH Keeps abreast of new trends and developments in Education
Works with staff in developing professional growth plans and provides opportunity for participation
Develops a personal professional growth plan and participates actively in workshops, in-service activities, and meetings that contribute to professional competence
PERSONAL QUALITIES Devotes time and energy effectively to the job
Uses oral communication effectively
Writes clearly and correctly
Is appropriately attired and well-groomed
Listens actively in a conversation or discussion
Exercises good judgment
Works effectively with individuals and groups
Treats others with respect, recognizing their worth and dignity
Responds positively to constructive criticism
Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of curriculum, assessment and instruction. Demonstrated knowledge of theories of effective teaching. Thorough knowledge of the Virginia SOL. Demonstrated ability to observe and evaluate teaching practices. Ability to relate easily to teachers and administrators and to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of groups. Excellent oral and written communication and collaboration skills. Excellent presentation skills. Ability to observe and assess the transfer of training and learning into practice. Superior organizational skills. Ability to problem-solve independently. Proficient in the use of technology.