Assistant Principal - Lower School
30 days ago
Naples
Job DescriptionBenefits: • 401(k), • Competitive salary, • Dental insurance, • Health insurance, • Opportunity for advancement, • Paid time off, • Parental leave, • Training & development, • Tuition assistance, • Vision insurance Assistant Principal Lower School Position Overview The Elementary Assistant Principal serves as a key partner to the Elementary Principal, providing spiritual and instructional leadership for students in grades PreK-5 while managing critical operational functions of the elementary school. This position is responsible for student discipline, daily operations, family communication, and supporting the academic program in a Christ-centered, developmentally appropriate environment. The Assistant Principal works collaboratively with the principal, faculty, and families to maintain a nurturing school culture, ensure smooth daily operations, and support the spiritual, academic, social, and emotional growth of young learners. This role requires spiritual maturity, understanding of child development, strong relational skills, and a heart for partnering with families during the foundational years of education. The Assistant Principal serves as acting principal in the Principal's absence and plays a vital role in creating a joyful, safe, and engaging learning environment where young children can flourish. Spiritual Leadership • Model a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ and demonstrate Christian character in all interactions with students, families, and staff., • Provide spiritual encouragement and prayer support to students, families, and staff., • Support the integration of Biblical worldview and character development across all grade levels., • Celebrate and reinforce Christian values and character qualities in daily interactions with students., • Partner with families in the spiritual nurture and discipleship of young children., • Create a culture where the love of Christ is evident in words, actions, and relationships throughout the elementary school. Student Management and Discipline • Serve as the primary administrator responsible for student discipline, ensuring developmentally appropriate, restorative approaches grounded in Biblical principles., • Maintain accurate discipline records and communicate with parents regarding behavioral concerns and support plans., • Develop and implement positive behavior systems that reinforce character development and biblical virtues., • Monitor hallways, playgrounds, lunch periods, and common areas to maintain a safe and orderly environment., • Oversee daily attendance tracking for all elementary students, monitoring patterns and following up on absences., • Supervise arrival, dismissal, car line, lunch periods, recess, and other transition times., • Serve as the on-site administrator for daily operational issues and immediate problem-solving., • Monitor student academic progress and identify students needing additional support or enrichment., • Support teachers with instructional strategies for differentiation and meeting diverse learning needs., • Oversee tutoring programs, reading interventions, and academic support initiatives., • Communicate with parents about academic concerns and intervention strategies., • Serve as a primary point of contact for families regarding student behavior, attendance, and operational concerns., • Communicate proactively with parents about both concerns and positive achievements., • Conduct parent conferences regarding student behavior, social development, and support needs., • Respond to parent questions, concerns, and requests in a timely, warm, and professional manner., • Build trusting, supportive relationships with families through consistent presence and genuine care., • Welcome and greet families during drop-off and pick-up times to foster connections., • Provide encouragement, support, and problem-solving assistance to elementary teachers., • Conduct informal classroom observations and provide constructive feedback., • Assist the Principal with teacher evaluations and professional growth planning as assigned., • Support new teachers with classroom management, routines, and school procedures., • Facilitate conflict resolution between students, parents, and teachers when necessary., • Lead or contribute to faculty meetings on topics related to student management and school culture., • Coordinate coverage for teacher planning times, meetings, and professional development., • Oversee recess and playground activities, ensuring student safety and positive social interactions., • Train and supervise recess monitors and support staff., • Address playground conflicts and teach students appropriate play and social skills., • Maintain playground equipment safety and report needed repairs or concerns., • Supervise lunch periods, promoting positive behavior and social development., • Create and enforce clear expectations for cafeteria and playground behavior., • Coordinate elementary school special events including assemblies, field trips, and celebrations., • Work with teachers to plan grade-level programs, performances, and family engagement events., • Support extracurricular activities including clubs, enrichment programs, and after-school activities., • Maintain accurate records of discipline incidents, interventions, and behavioral outcomes., • Analyze discipline and attendance data to identify trends and inform preventive strategies., • Track academic intervention participation and student progress in support programs., • Generate reports on student behavior, attendance, and program participation as needed., • Coordinate administration of standardized assessments (MAP, screeners, etc.) in collaboration with Director of Extended Education and Assessment., • Stay current with best practices in elementary education, child development, and school leadership., • Attend professional development opportunities related to elementary administration and student services., • Collaborate with other administrators to ensure consistency across school divisions. Required: • A growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ and ability to articulate and model a Biblical worldview, • Agreement with the school's statement of faith, • Agreement to be an active member of First Naples Church, • Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education or related field; Master's degree preferred, • Minimum of 3-5 years successful elementary teaching experience, • Understanding of child development and age-appropriate practices for young learners, • Strong organizational and time management skills, • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, • Administrative certification or willingness to pursue, • Prior experience in elementary leadership role (dean, team leader, grade-level coordinator), • Experience in Christian school setting with elementary-aged children, • Deep commitment to Christian education and the holistic development of young children, • Warm, patient, and nurturing demeanor with a heart for children, • High energy and enthusiasm appropriate for an elementary school environment, • Calm presence and ability to handle stress with grace and composure, • Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment grounded in Biblical wisdom, • Ability to balance firmness with gentleness in discipline and guidance, • Genuine care for children and families with a servant leadership approach, • Flexibility and adaptability to meet the dynamic needs of young learners, • Playful spirit combined with professionalism and competence, • Commitment to partnering with parents as primary educators and spiritual leaders