Founding Principal for First Urban Assembly Charter CTE High School in New York
The Urban Assembly Charter School for Computer Science (UACS) is seeking a self-motivated, visionary founding school leader to develop a groundbreaking theme-based NYC charter Career and Technical Education (CTE) high school focused on emerging careers in computer science and technology. The principal will be hired in the summer of 2016 to design the school, which will open in August 2017. UACS will be the first CTE charter school in New York State and is intended to break new ground in the arenas of both career and technical education and charter schools.
BACKGROUND
The Urban Assembly Charter School for Computer Science (UACS) has been authorized by the State University of New York (SUNY) to open with a 9th Grade class in the South Bronx in August, 2017. The UACS Board of Directors and the Urban Assembly seek a founding leader with the vision, passion, fortitude, and unwavering commitment to serving all students necessary to realize the vision for the school.
UACS will be supported by its partner, the Urban Assembly (UA), and will be part of the Urban Assembly’s community of 21 schools whose leaders innovate together and support and guide each other. The UA is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering underserved youth by providing them with the academic and life skills necessary for postsecondary success. It creates and supports unique, small public schools that are open to all students, scales up promising programs, and coordinates with hundreds of partner organizations in the private, public, non-profit and higher education sectors. The UA serves over 9,000 students in its 21 existing small district middle and high schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan.
RESPONSIBILITIES
All CTE schools in the Urban Assembly network emphasize college and career readiness, a departure from CTE’s origins in predominantly vocational instruction. Upon graduating, students will be equipped to pursue higher education and/or to enter the workforce with an industry-recognized credential.
Ideal principal candidates believe strongly in this approach, can articulate a pedagogical and operational vision for college and career preparation, and seek active, meaningful interaction with school partners and other external stakeholders.
Candidates are not expected to hold credentials or expertise in the computer science industry; however, candidates should be deeply enthusiastic about the potential of education grounded in this industry theme and about the possibilities of Career & Technical Education.
The Principal will work closely with, and report directly to, the Urban Assembly Charter School for Computer Science Education Corporation Board of Trustees. The Principal is the chief executive of the school and bears a responsibility for the continuous operation of the school and all matters that concern the school. The Director of Instruction, the Director of Operations, Dean of Students, Student Support Services Coordinator, and Partnership Coordinator report directly to the Principal.
Organizational Leadership
• Governance: The Principal will be the primary liaison with the school’s Board of Trustees and keep the Board well informed about the implementation of the program described in the application and the school’s performance. S/he will maintain open channels of communication with SUNY, NYCDOE, and The Urban Assembly and will serve as the liaison between the NYCDOE and the Board of Trustees. The Principal will support strong communication and transparent decision-making structures, build consensus among teachers, staff, families and the Board in support of the school’s mission. S/he will be pro-active, identifying potential issues and proposing recommendations where appropriate. S/he will be accountable for the achievement results of all of its students and the continual renewal of the charter.
• Staffing: The Principal, in collaboration with the Urban Assembly, will recruit and retain a highly qualified and diverse staff and has the final say in all hiring decisions, actively participating in hiring all secondary leadership and instructional positions and ensuring that all other positions are filled by high quality personnel.
• School Culture: As the school leader, the Principal will develop a strong college- and career-going school culture and ensure a school environment that is conducive to learning. The Principal leads by example to set expectations for student and staff behavior and will also handle the most serious discipline cases, including those requiring suspension or expulsion.
• Finances: The Principal will ensure that the school has sound financial systems in place and will work with the Board Finance Committee to develop an annual budget that reflects the academic needs of the school. The Principal will take an active role in identifying the resources necessary for achieving the school’s goals and ensuring they are allocated in a manner consistent with the school’s mission.
• Operations: The Principal will ensure that the school has a safe and suitable facility to meet its needs, that students are provided with high quality health, food and transportation services, that staff are provided with adequate resources to carry out their responsibilities, and that technology is readily available for students and staff.
Instructional Leadership
• Curriculum: The Principal will maintain high academic standards for all students and will make or delegate decisions regarding curriculum selection and development to ensure alignment to the school’s mission and vision. The Principal will demonstrate expert knowledge of current curriculum and pedagogy across content areas.
• Instruction: The Principal will promote a student-centered learning environment, monitoring instructional practices to ensure effective delivery of the curriculum in ways that respect and respond to student needs and interests. S/he will support planning within and across disciplines as well as vertically across grades. S/he will coordinate all support and input from The Urban Assembly School Support Team.
• CTE: In collaboration with the Urban Assembly, the Principal will ensure the implementation of a robust CTE program that provides students with quality instruction and opportunities for experiential learning that result in industry certification.
• Assessment: The Principal, in collaboration with the Urban Assembly, will ensure the school selects, develops and administers a range of diagnostic, formative and summative assessments and implements effective data analysis with which to guide instruction, evaluate programs, target intervention, and measure progress toward and achievement of goals. S/he will report to the Board on student performance and the school’s progress toward Accountability Plan goals.
Professional Leadership
• Leading by Example: The Principal will exhibit and promote personal and professional integrity and model self-reflection as a means to professional growth.
• Staff Development: In collaboration with the Urban Assembly, the Principal will maintain a strong professional learning community and high expectations for all staff. S/he will ensure that high quality professional development is provided to all staff and school leaders, conducting ongoing assessment of all staff members’ needs and developing and implementing a comprehensive professional development plan that meets both the needs of the school and each individual staff member.
Community Leadership
• External Relations: As school leader, the Principal will speak and advocate for the school in the community. S/he will have a strong presence and structure for regular communication with the families of our students and other community members.
• Partnerships: The Principal will facilitate the school’s relationship with the Urban Assembly, its primary partner, as well as other key community and CTE partnerships, including higher education, industry, and enrichment partners. S/he will ensure that all partner relationships add value to the school, staff and students.
QUALIFICATIONS
Ideal candidates will possess:
• Commitment to and alignment with the mission and vision of UACS and the Urban Assembly;
• Demonstrable experience raising the achievement of urban students at the high school level;
• Experience with CTE and/or experiential competency-based education, project-based learning, or blended learning innovations;
• Extraordinary leadership skills that inspire teamwork and dedication;
• Exceptional management and organizational skills;
• Strong communication skills with students, families, staff, and community members;
• Experience being accountable for measurable goals and mission attainment;
• Ability to plan strategically and effectively adapt to unforeseen situations;
• Ability to set high expectations for student and staff behavior and create a positive school culture that is welcoming, fun and conducive to learning;
• At least 7 years of experience in education (combined teaching and school administration).
Preferred qualifications include:
• Prior Principal or Head of School experience strongly desirable;
• Interest and/or experience in computer science or related technology field;
• Bilingual Spanish and English a plus.
The UA is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages persons of color and minorities to apply.
For additional information about the Urban Assembly, please visit www.urbanassembly.org.
The UA offers a highly competitive salary based on experience and an excellent comprehensive benefits package.
The Urban Assembly is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO