The Archdiocese of Washington is seeking a dedicated Interim Principal to serve as an effective and instructional leader for St. Mary’s School of Piscataway in Clinton Maryland. The fundamental purpose of our school is to assist the Church in its ministry of a Christian education and take responsibility with parents to develop the education of the whole child through word, worship, and service.
The elementary school Interim Principal oversees the daily operations of the school’s policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure that all students are supervised in a safe traditional Catholic learning environment that meets the approved curricula and mission of the school.
The Interim Principal will be responsible for:
Catholic Identity
- Model Catholic values in all interactions with faculty/staff, students, school families, and the greater community.
- Actively foster and support Catholic beliefs, traditions, and practices.
- Reflect the Catholic Church’s teaching on social justice and witness service to others. (Policies for Catholic Schools – Third Revision – 2018)
- Assist in the planning of liturgical ceremonies such as mass, penance services, prayer services, etc. (as required).
- Attend Catholic liturgical ceremonies (as required).
- Promote a faith-based school community that is rooted in Catholic traditions and practices.
Organization and Institutional Leadership
- Manage the general operations of the school.
- Implement instructional, assessment, supervisory, and disciplinary standards, and monitor progress towards school goals.
- Direct or coordinate school and government programs such as standardized assessments, accreditation and assurances, high school admissions, Title 2, Title 3, and the Maryland Textbook/Aging School Grants.
- Create and maintain the school budget to ensure viability.
- Plan and coordinate orientations for new parents and students.
- Plan faculty/staff meetings and professional development.
- Facilitate the planning of the school calendar and class schedules.
- Effectively delegate responsibilities and foster shared leadership.
- Create a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff.
Supervision and Instructional Leadership
- Foster an atmosphere of rigorous academic standards and achievement for all students and faculty.
- Routinely observe and provide written and/or verbal feedback to faculty and staff in accordance with the guidelines set by the Catholic Schools Office using classroom observation, student contact, parent input, and general observation.
- Oversee the teacher evaluation process.
Student Services and Discipline
- Set high standards for student behavior that are based on Catholic values.
- Set clear and fair guidelines for student conduct and apply them in a consistent and judicious manner.
- Keep complete and accurate student disciplinary records.
- Effectively manage student conflict.
- Effectively manage student/teacher conflict.
- Effectively manage parent/teacher conflict.
- Conduct student and/or parent conferences related to discipline matters and keep accurate and complete notes.
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal relationships with students, faculty/staff, and parents.
Staff Development
- Manage the planning of a professional development program that is relevant to the needs of the faculty and improves student learning.
- Establish and maintain the orientation and mentoring of new faculty and staff.
- Attend meetings and participate in professional development programs offered by the Catholic Schools Office.
- Meet and maintain state and Archdiocese of Washington certification requirements.
Communication
- Communicate regularly with stakeholders on school-related issues.
- Address faculty and staff concerns.
- Display strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Use strong interpersonal skills to work with diverse groups of people and opinions.
While a conscientious effort has been made to include all the duties and expectations of the Archdiocese of Washington Elementary School Principal, the above is not all inclusive and the position’s duties may be expanded or modified at the discretion of the Canonical Administrator (pastor) and Superintendent.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Principals in the Archdiocese of Washington shall be practicing Catholics who uphold the teaching of the faith and are committed to Catholic education that is academically excellent and rooted in Gospel values.
- Certified Catechist (based on criteria from the Archdiocese or within three years of hire).
- Collaborative and a team player.
Education and Experience
- At least 5 years of relevant instructional experience, preferably in Catholic schools.
- Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.
- Master’s Degree from an accredited institution in Education (within three years of hire).
- Successful instructional and leadership experience.
- Must possess or be eligible for a Maryland, Virginia, or District of Columbia educational administration certificate at time of hire or within three years from date of hire.
- Expertise in standards-based curriculum, assessment, technology integration, and community relations.
- Demonstrated success in effective use of data for instructional and educational improvement.
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office/school environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, printers, and filing cabinets. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Full-time employee 40 hours per week; attendance at events outside of normal work hours may be necessary.
Please forward your resume, letter of interest, and 3 professional references to It is a requirement for all Archdiocese of Washington Principal applicants that one of your letters of reference be from your Pastor indicating that you are in good standing with the Catholic Church.
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