Principal; 6th - 12th Grade
About us
The Lincoln Academy is a new K4-12 charter school in the city of Beloit, Wisconsin. We will serve 700 scholars when fully enrolled after four years. We will offer K4 through 3rd grade and 6th through 10th grade this year. We will add a grade in elementary and high school each year until we grow into K4-12.
The Lincoln Academy has three pillars - Academic Rigor, Character Expectations and Career Pathways.
Academic Rigor: We will ensure all scholars are prepared with foundational skills and will be on grade level within three years of enrolling. This will be accomplished through specifically designed curriculum, longer instructional day, interventions/enrichment, blended learning opportunities, strong professional development, coaching and a growth mindset expectation.
Character Expectations: A strong emphasis on character development and citizenship will build our school culture. Civic responsibility, service learning and community outreach will play an important role in developing character in our scholars. Restorative Practices and the Jubilee framework for character education will guide TLA in a joyous, collaborative and healthy school environment where all scholars thrive.
Career Pathways: Career exploration will begin in K4 and scholars will develop an Individualized Learning Plan by 8th grade to help guide them in their course selections in high school. Scholars will set career goals and be fully prepared to graduate high school. They will be able to have choices to enroll in a 2 or 4 year college or technical school, enlist in the armed forces or be employed in a living-wage job.
Vision: The Lincoln Academy will be the premier K4-12 school in the state of WI providing college and career pathways for scholars to lead happy, choice-filled lives. We are committed to an equitable environment with rigorous instruction, joyous interactions, and strong community partnerships.
Values:
Children First-Every decision we make is in the best interest of the scholars we serve. We are completely focused on their education and their well-being and we always act accordingly.
Trusting Community-We model and expect transparency, honesty, open communication and respect to collaborate with one another and push each other to always be our best.
Get it Done-We are fiercely determined to do whatever it takes to ensure scholars reach their goals. Innovation and productivity will drive our quest.
Find the Joy-The work is challenging. And in the face of those challenges, we choose joy. We choose positivity. We choose to find the wins. We choose to lift each other up.
Community Focus -We work alongside our families and community partners to build alliances that afford our scholars unique learning opportunities. Shared voices will be honored and help us grow.
Job Description
The Principal is the person in charge of building a strong school community, instructional leadership, coaching staff, discipline, scholar support systems, and community outreach. The Principal is expected to work with the teachers, parents, and scholars to create a school environment that is focused on scholar achievement, character development, career exploration, and success beyond high school. The Lincoln Academy is a school where scholars and families are supported, while maintaining high expectations for all. The Principal leads the school’s efforts to create a positive, structured, parent friendly, and data driven focus so all scholars will be successful in reaching their career goals. The Principal is expected to fully embrace the school’s methodology and uphold the high expectations of The Lincoln Academy. The Principal will lead an equitable environment with rigorous instruction, joyous interactions, and strong community partnerships. Though it is impossible to list all roles the Principal will fill, specific job responsibilities include:
Essential Functions:
Provide leadership to all staff and scholars in establishing a positive, structured, achievement-oriented, and joyful school environment
Ensure all three pillars of rigorous academics, character development, and career exploration are driving the daily work
Ensure that teachers set extremely high academic and character expectations for scholars, believing that all children can and will succeed
Supervise teachers’ instructional methods, evaluate lesson plans, review report cards and academic standing
Support culturally responsive academic instruction and disciplinary policies and procedures
Monitor academic and behavioral trends and work with the staff to specifically address identified needs, including full compliance with English learners and scholars with special needs
Coach staff through comprehensive implementation of the SkyRocket coaching model
Provide accountability and support for all school personnel
Plan and lead effective staff meetings and staff professional development
Develop and supervise Dean of Scholars in leadership skills and responsibilities
Oversee Special Education Coordinator and schoolwide specialists
Ensure oversight of afterschool activities including sports, clubs, and special events
Set the tone and culture through engaging schoolwide assemblies and restorative practices
Address parent concerns and scholar needs and develop strong family connections
Engage the community to ensure enrollment is maximized and mobility of scholars is minimized
Seek partnerships with community to ensure community resources are available to families and that academic and social/emotional needs of scholars are supported
Develop and maintain programs that work to strengthen the home/school connection
Communicate weekly through a family newsletter and monthly Parent Leadership Council
Provide a daily administrative presence to support scholars and act as a role model
Meet daily with School Leadership Team
Work with the Director of Career Planning and Partnerships to ensure the career pillar is a priority
Work with the Chief Education Officer to seek opportunities locally and nationally with other high-performing schools for continued growth of self, staff, and scholars
Work with the Chief Instructional Officer to create the strongest instructional program for scholars
Ensure fiscally responsible decisions are made in collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer
Research best practices and develop innovative ideas to support scholars and families
Develop data reports, analyze data and develop school accountability plan
Ensure compliance of all state and federal laws
Ensure that The Lincoln Academy protocols are followed
Other duties as requested
Demonstrate the Following Skills and Attributes:
Alignment with The Lincoln Academy’s vision and values
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting with high expectations
Professionalism, integrity, and a strong work ethic
Embrace the voices and desires of scholars through supporting their choices in career pathways and school culture
Passion about leadership and tenacity in ensuring each scholar’s success
Strong people skills and leadership ability to develop a team environment
Belief in maintaining the bar for educational equity for learners at every ability level
Strong critical thinking skills and strategic problem solving skills
Ability and passion to work with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds
Joyous attitude and drive for personal excellence
Strong organizational skills and ability to adapt to change quickly and efficiently
Interpersonal skills that encompass strong relationship building and communication
Ability to use technology and data to drive toward exceptional outcomes for scholars
Adaptability in working with various age groups ranging from kindergarten to high school
Commitment to professional growth and personal development
Growth mindset
Reside in Beloit or willingness to relocate
Requirements
TLA Principal Application Questions - Please limit each response to 300 words or less.
What does it mean to you to be a successful 6-12 principal?
How do you use data to impact learning?
What does equity in schools mean to you?
Tell us two of your greatest accomplishments as a school leader.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Education, Master’s degree in Administrative Leadership
Experience
Minimum of 3 years classroom instruction or site-based teaching experience
Minimum of 2 years administrative experience preferred
Experience teaching in an urban setting preferred
Licensing
Wisconsin K-12 Principal license
CPI Training and Certification
Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Certification required annually before first day with scholars
Physical Demands/Working Conditions: The majority of this job involves walking, sitting or standing necessary to observe classroom and school activities, mostly indoors. The ability to physically perform the duties and work in the school setting is required. Some conditions include:
Must be able to stand up to 2 hours instructing staff, walking the building, or instructing a room of learners
Must be able to sit and look at a computer monitor, using a keyboard/mouse and typing for up to 2 hours at a time
Must be able to lift up to 25lbs on a frequent basis
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.