Assistant Principal

Position Description

Assistant Principals (APs) at Rocketship are charged with driving academic achievement for students and building a rigorous college preparatory school culture. Every AP at Rocketship works closely with their Principal to lead and implement the instructional vision with a group of educators. Assistant Principals typically support several grade levels directly, which includes direct management of the teachers on that grade level as well as instructional support staff. APs lead their grade levels by driving data analysis cycles, regularly observing classrooms, providing continuous feedback, and co-planning units of study and lesson plans aimed at increasing educator effectiveness and leadership.

Rocketship campuses are supported by a school leadership team that includes the Principal, Assistant Principals, as well as operations team members. APs share responsibility across the school leadership team for professional development, culture and behavior in common spaces, and special events. Together, they lead a team of teachers, tutors, enrichment coordinators, and support staff who collectively deliver gap-closing, personalized instruction to students from pre-K to fifth grade.

Rocketship attracts school leaders with ambitious aspirations. Just as we are committing to propelling student growth we are dedicated to advancing the careers of our exceptional talent. As an AP, you will receive ongoing professional development in conducting rigorous observations, providing meaningful feedback, and executing useful planning and analysis. Additionally, Rocketship is a rapidly growing network which provides APs with a number of career paths both within our schools and on the Network Support Team.

Reports to the Principal and direct reports may include teachers, enrichment center coordinators and tutors.

Our Ideal Candidate

Believes that adult preparation is essential to student success.

Has a desire to become an elementary content expert and is eager to use that knowledge to develop teachers who demonstrate excellence in their planning and execution of lessons.

Understands that eliminating the achievement gap is hard work but deeply rewarding and within their control.

Essential Functions

• Rocketship Assistant Principals are deeply committed to the success of each Rocketeer and the daily workload reflects that commitment. The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:
• Developing Effective Educators
• Foster a rigorous and college preparatory culture of excellence in every classroom that ensures high levels of student achievement.
• Coach teams to build subject area expertise.
• Engage in cycles of data driven instruction and assessments to inform planning and personalize instruction to student needs.
• Ensure at least 1.5 years of progress for all Rocketeers annually through management and planning.
• Collaborate with the Special Education team to ensure teachers are receiving the necessary support and training to maximize the delivery of instruction in our full inclusion model.
• Teaching: Assistant Principals will at times be required to step in and teach to either model for teachers, provide assistance to teachers or the school community, or to more deeply internalize the school model. Additionally, as part of onboarding, all new Rocketship Assistant Principals will be expected to teach for three or more weeks to learn the curriculum and model.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Student and Parent Partnership
• Rocketship Assistant Principals succeed in partnership with all students and families through frequent communication, building trusting relationships, and embracing the knowledge parents have as their child's first teacher.
• Create a school community that fully involves parents in student achievement through multiple outlets including home visits, regular community meetings, and parent/family meetings.
• Rocketship Professional Culture
• Rocketship Assistant Principals are deeply committed to doing and being their best, and to growing their skills as professionals and as individuals, so our daily and annual expectations reflect that commitment.
• Exhibit a high level of honest and humble self-reflection owning good and bad outcomes; effectively respond to and implement constructive feedback.
• Create a healthy, high-achieving, urgent environment where staff and students feel challenged and also fully supported and valued.
• Promote and participate in collaborative opportunities across schools to share best practices, problem solve, and gather feedback.

Required Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience teaching in an urban city classroom and realizing significant gains.
• Deep knowledge of elementary instruction and planning skills.
• Strong leadership skills and personal drive.
• Relentless pursuit of high expectations.
• Result-oriented and data-driven.
• Ability to inspire, motivate and develop others. Adaptable and able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to engage and empower parents and families.
• Experience in building and maintaining outstanding school culture.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Strategic planning and project management experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Education Requirements

• BA from Accredited University
• Valid teaching credential in CA or ability to transfer credentialing to CA