USCS Job Board Announcement

Principal: K-8 Charter School Organization: SJ Green and Arthur Ashe Charter School Type of Job: Administrator Grades: Elementary, Middle School Application Deadline: 06/30/2008 Job Description: SCHOOL LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN NEW ORLEANS PRINCIPALS OF K-8 CHARTER SCHOOLS THE OPPORTUNITY We are looking for school leaders who are committed to closing the achievement gap and providing a rich educational experience in two K – 8 non-selective, college preparatory schools in New Orleans. This is a great opportunity for two talented leaders to join a small network of charter schools dedicated to providing an outstanding college-preparatory education for all their students. The Principal will be committed to leading a non-selective urban school that provides an outstanding education and college preparatory focus for all its students and aims to:  ensure rigorous classes characterized by high achievement and engaged learning  close the achievement gap for students who are below expected level  nurture the healthy social and emotional development of all students in a caring school community  provide a rich program of arts, music, and sports to develop students’ creativity, character, and teamwork. To achieve these ambitious goals, the Principal will lead a school that is committed to the on-going development and well-being of teachers and staff. The principal will provide strategic and instructional leadership and will oversee management of the day to day operations of the school. MAJOR OBJECTIVES  High standards of achievement for all students  An orderly and motivational culture and a strong school community where teaching, learning, and healthy relationships can thrive  Responsive and effective management and operational systems ensuring that students, parents, teachers, and staff feel well supported. KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY  Strategic Leadership and Organizational Development  Learning and Teaching  School Culture and Behavior  Management and Development of People, Systems, and Resources ADDITIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY  Student Recruiting and Admissions  Community Relations  Network Development and Programs THE SCHOOLS S. J. Green Charter School is the post-hurricane incarnation of the long-struggling S. J. Green Middle School. This school had just transitioned into a K-8 charter school two weeks prior to hurricane Katrina. The school reopened on January 9, 2006 and has made significant progress since that time, with increased achievement and attendance along with the establishment of a variety of enrichment programs, including a partnership with the New Orleans Saints and an “edible schoolyard” gardening program in partnership with Chez Panisse Restaurant and its famed chef Alice Waters. We are looking for a principal to build upon this initial progress and take the school to the next level in terms of achievement and quality programming. Arthur Ashe (New Orleans Charter Middle School) New Orleans Charter Middle School, the city’s first charter school, was founded in 1998 and was for several years the highest performing, non-selective middle school in the city. The school was widely recognized for its innovative educational practices, including a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, strong arts and music programs, and a range of programming to nurture students’ healthy social and emotional development. The original school campus was flooded following hurricane Katrina, and with substantial damage to the campus and fewer students in the city, the school remained closed until September 2007, when it reopened on a new campus and with a new and substantially reduced student body of 48 students in fourth through sixth grades. The school will be converting to a K – 8 school and plans to change the school name to the Arthur Ashe Charter School. We are looking for a principal who can build the primary school program from the ground up and who can oversee the continued development of the upper primary and middle program THE EDUCATION LANDSCAPE IN NEW ORLEANS New Orleans offers an unprecedented opportunity to help create a decentralized system of urban schools. Following Hurricane Katrina, local teachers and school leaders have been joined by educators from around the country to create what Walter Isaacson described in Time magazine as “the greatest education lab [in the country].” Many of these educators share a common goal: to create a critical mass of non-selective schools that closes the achievement gap and convincingly demonstrates that it is possible for all students to receive a high quality education. We are looking for two talented leaders to join this effort. Qualifications: THE PRINCIPAL CANDIDATES We are looking for candidates who are: * Knowledgeable about primary and/or middle school education, and about systems and practices needed to ensure all students in a non-selective urban school setting receive the necessary preparation to succeed in rigorous, college preparatory high school programs. * Skillful in their ability to motivate and lead teachers and staff to achieve the school’s of ensuring high achievement for all students, as well as: - create a nurturing and motivational school culture - coordinate curriculum development and improve instruction - ensure an orderly environment where learning and teaching can thrive - use assessment data to drive instructional improvement and learning support - build relationships with parents and the community * Experienced in leading and teaching in a non-selective urban school, with: - at least three years teaching in a non-selective urban school - leadership experience in a non-selective urban school - a master’s degree and/or school leadership certification preferred but not required Salary & Benefits: SALARY AND BENEFITS Salary is highly competitive based upon experience. Both positions receive a full benefits package, including health and dental insurance, life insurance, and retirement. FOR MORE INFORMATION and TO APPLY To apply please forward resume and covering letter of interest to Jay Altman at: Jay.altman@newschoolsforneworleans.org