Principal

Description

Job Summary

The principal fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by serving as the spiritual, educational, and managerial leader of the school. The principal is charged with the implementation of the philosophy, mission, objectives, and the overall management of the school. The principal is responsible for the professional effectiveness of the staff, the educational progress of the students, as well as the relationship within the entire school community. 

Ministerial Character

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are canonically obedient to the Bishop and assist him in fulfilling his ministry and canonical obligations. Pastors, presidents, and principals serve as leaders of the schools to make Christ's mission present and enduring in the schools. In order to fulfill Christ's mission, the school leaders employ suitable, chosen collaborators, sharing with them Christ's mission and entrusting to them various responsibilities.

Positions employed in this School help extend the ministry of the School leaders in particular ways as outlined in the job description. The employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the School leaders in the performance of their ministry and, therefore, engages in ministry for the Church.

Essential Duties

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acts as a witness to the Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Develops a school climate reflecting Catholic identity
• Supports and adheres to the teachings of the Catholic Church, Code of Conduct, and policies and procedures of the Diocese
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters
• Communicates effectively with students, parents, and other professionals
• Identifies and effects needed change for school improvement
• Ensures the implementation of a comprehensive curriculum through the use of a variety of pedagogical strategies
• Supervises instruction and evaluates the overall effectiveness of the academic program
• Ensures that the religious instruction of students meets the guidelines set forth by the Diocese
• Promotes Catholic identity within the school through liturgical celebrations, faith development, integration of Gospel values, and the practice of Christian service
• Oversees ongoing orientation and staff development in both educational and faith development of faculty and staff
• Maintains the accreditation of the school according to TCCED standards
• Oversees the certification of religion teachers according to diocesan policy
• Responsible for the annual school budget and supervises all expenditures 
• Oversees development goals and activities and seeks resources and support beyond the school
• Works effectively with the board to establish goals for school effectiveness
• Hires, supervises, evaluates, and terminates all faculty and staff according to diocesan guidelines
• Fosters collaboration between parish(es), pastor(s), and the school
• Maintains current and accurate records according to diocesan and school policy
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits
• Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students, and staff
• Provides for an orderly school environment and promotes student self-discipline 
• Develops faculty and student/parent handbooks in accordance with diocesan guidelines
• Completes and submits all official forms required by the Diocesan Catholic Schools Office, Texas Catholic Conference Education Department, and other public agencies
• Implements and reviews long-range strategic planning
• Promotes healthy staff morale and professionalism
• Participates in professional development, including diocesan principal meetings and in-services
• Establishes and implements technology goals for the school

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church 
• Knowledge of instructional methods/strategies and curriculum differentiation
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development, learning, and behavior
• Knowledge of the content and the methods of religious education
• Knowledge of effective assessment methods
• Able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form
• Able to work well with others in the school community
• Able to work independently and self-motivated
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously 
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format
• Skill in job-appropriate technology 
• Skill in critical thinking and planning
• Skill in managing conflicts effectively
• Skill in organizational management and delegation of responsibilities
• Skill in using group process skills effectively with various school communities

Requirements

 Minimum QualificationsEducation:

• Master’s degree in Administration or Curriculum
• Master’s degree plus 18 hours in educational administration and supervision courses or a valid, appropriate state certificate for a principal or the successful completion of an appropriate state certification examination, as outlined in the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department standards

Experience:

• 3 years of teaching experience in a Catholic school
• 3 years of administrative experience in a Catholic school

Certifications and Training:

• Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with a commitment to ongoing formation in catechetical and spiritual leadership development
• Must submit an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Application for Ministry within the first week of employment, participate in an EIM Basic abuse prevention training workshop within 30 days of submitting a complete Application for Ministry, and maintain EIM compliance during the entire term of employment.
• Without a Theology degree, one must complete the Religion Certification Part 1 within two years of the date of hire, completing a minimum of 25 hours each year.
• In a commitment to ongoing formation in catechetical and spiritual leadership development, the principal will continue Religion Certification Part 2 at a minimum of one class per year.

Working Conditions

• Required to work some nights and weekends
• Required to manage high to moderate levels of stress
• Required to work a full school day
• Required to work in standard school and office conditions 

Employee Certification All employees must adhere to the Catholic Schools Standards of Conduct, the Diocese of Austin EIM policies, and the social, ethical, and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as interpreted by the Bishop of Austin.Texas is an “at-will” employment state. Letters of employment are not contracts, nor do they bind the employer or the employee to a predetermined time or guarantee of employment.