Compensation: Competitive and aligned with experience. A comprehensive benefits package and extensive professional development opportunities are also available. Status: Full Time
About Merrick Academy
Merrick Academy is one of the first charter schools to open in New York City and the first to open (2000) in Queens. With a rich history and deep roots in the local community, Merrick Academy is an all-inclusive, independent Charter School with approximately 600 students in grades K-5 (we are expanding to grades 6-8 starting in Fall of 2024) and a faculty and staff of 90. Queens' first charter school, Merrick, has been educating children for over 20 years. Merrick Academy is a STEAM-based school cultivating critical thinking, problem-solving, and inquiry amongst all learners in an environment that provides extensive whole-child support based on ensuring equity and empowerment for all learners through effective and innovative approaches to teaching and learning fostered by a world-class faculty.
Merrick Academy is in search of a dedicated and experienced School Principal for our K-8 school. The Principal will be instrumental in driving the academic and cultural vision of our school, ensuring the successful implementation of our STEAM focus, the IB PYP framework, and inquiry-based learning. The ideal candidate will possess a robust background in educational leadership, a history of working with diverse student groups, and a dedication to cultivating an environment of continuous growth, teamwork, and inclusivity. If you are a passionate leader committed to shaping the future of education and making a difference in the lives of students, we welcome you to be a part of the Merrick Academy family.
Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities
School Leadership and Vision:
Collaborate with the Chief Academic Officer to ensure the successful execution of the school's academic strategy, including curriculum alignment, instructional practices, and assessment systems.
Champion Merrick Academy's academic programs, promoting continuous enhancement in curriculum and instruction, and spearheading an inquiry-based learning approach from K-8.
Serve as a pivotal member of the school's Leadership Team, contributing to vital decisions, initiatives, and problem-solving.
Team and Culture Building:
Lead, mentor, and support the school's teaching and administrative staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, data-informed decision-making, continuous growth, and inclusivity.
Set and monitor progress towards academic and cultural goals in line with the school's strategic objectives.
Promote a positive school culture that emphasizes student achievement, character development, and community engagement.
Data-Driven Instruction:
Utilize data to guide instructional strategies and interventions, ensuring academic success across all grade levels.
Implement systems for teachers to effectively use data to tailor instruction, provide targeted interventions, and accelerate learning.
Collaborate with the academic team to review and respond to academic data, ensuring alignment with school-wide goals.
Operational Excellence:
Oversee daily academic operations, ensuring a safe, efficient, and conducive learning environment.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline systems and processes within the school.
Ensure compliance with district, state, and federal regulations and standards.
Professional Development and Growth:
Collaborate with the Chief Academic Officer to oversee the design and delivery of professional development programs for teachers and staff, ensuring alignment with the school's academic vision and goals.
Foster a culture of continuous learning and growth among the school staff.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
Uphold and promote a clear vision of educational equity for all students, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education.
Lead with an equity-centered approach, prioritizing the needs of marginalized students in decision-making and strategy formulation.
Ensure that the school's curriculum and instructional practices are culturally responsive and inclusive.
Other duties as per assigned by the CAO or Executive Director which may include but are not limited to:
Piloting new instructional approaches/initiatives
Applying for grants that support the school vision and mission
Monthly participation on Board of Trustee committees and meetings
Cross functional teams to support the aligned work of operations, student support services, academics, and the Executive Leadership Team.
Key Deliverables:
Successfully implement the school's academic strategy, ensuring alignment with state standards, STEAM focus, and the IB framework.
Foster a positive school culture that emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and community engagement.
Utilize data to drive instructional strategies and interventions, ensuring academic success for all students.
Oversee daily school operations, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.
Lead and mentor the school's teaching and administrative staff, promoting continuous growth and teamwork through a robust and aligned professional development program.
Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education.
Qualifications and Key Competencies:
Master's in education and hold principal or administrative credentials.
Minimum of 3 years of experience as a school principal or in a similar leadership role, with a track record of achieving outstanding academic results.
Deep understanding of curriculum design, instructional practices, school operations, and teacher development.
Proficiency in using data to guide instructional practice and inform decision-making.
Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
Demonstrated effectiveness in leadership and team-building.
Experience with inquiry-based le arning, STEAM, and the IB PYP and or MYP framework.
Experience working with a Teachers Union and Collective Bargaining approaches
Commitment to promoting educational equity and creating an inclusive school environment.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
Self-motivated, resilient, and results-oriented, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
Agile learner motivated to integrate new technologies such as artificial intelligence into practice and crafting of solutions.
Salary and Benefits
The salary for the School Principal position ranges from $140,000 to $150,000, commensurate with experience. Merrick Academy offers a generous benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance and robust retirement plans. Employees are eligible for up to two days of remote work per month, allowing for a flexible work-life balance. Additionally, we provide tuition reimbursement, performance bonuses, and significant investment in personalized professional development opportunities. This ensures that our staff not only grow within their roles but also advance their careers through continuous learning and skill enhancement.