Organization Summary

Deep Roots Charter School (DRCS) is an actively anti-racist and inclusive organization focused on serving all students, supporting all families, and advocating for their school community. DRCS students actively work to dismantle barriers within and beyond the school building. The mission of DRCS is to teach disciplined learners and to empower them to grow and serve in their community, in college, and beyond. DRCS is located in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia and serves students in grades K-6 (at full capacity serves K-8).

Position Summary:

The School Principal oversees school performance and instruction, making structural, budgetary and personnel decisions that promote the vision and instructional best practices of Deep Roots Charter School (DRCS). As a member of the senior team, the School Principal will play a pivotal role in leading a high-performing community of teachers and administrators and in enhancing a participatory, student-centered and rigorously outcomes-driven culture. The Principal reports to the CEO.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work to dramatically improve student achievement by leading and developing the academic


• Supervise instructional methods, evaluate lesson plans, and coach teachers to ensure effective instructional strategies


• Implement effective internal and external assessment systems and use data to inform


• Serve on the School Oversight committee of the board to ensure curricular and instructional alignment, grades K-8 (at full capacity)


• Build a team of high-quality faculty and staff for DRCS, managing recruitment, professional development, evaluation, supervision, retention, and dismissal.


• Drive and support implementation of DRCS's vision and guiding principles to ensure a positive, achievement-focused school culture among teachers, staff and students


• Lead, supervise, and develop a high-functioning team of educators and personnel who are focused on driving superior academic performance and fostering personal responsibility, including Assistant Principals of Instruction, Culture, and Specialized Services.


• Create, manage, and evaluate operational processes to ensure consistency with the school's values and goals


• Maintain compliance with state and federal regulations for education standards/requirements


• Ensure effective collection and analysis of student performance data to identify struggling students, curriculum shortfalls, and teacher quality issues


• Conduct informal and formal evaluations for teachers and other school staff members


• Develop partnerships with families, ensuring a network of support and accountability for students' academic and behavioral performance.


• Oversee the school's "Best of Philly" after-school program, ensuring it provides students with rigorous enrichment opportunities in academics, fine arts, leadership, community service, and


• Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Commitment to DRCS mission and belief that all students can learn


• Superior grasp of effective instructional and behavioral methods and strategies for educating elementary students


• Strong process, people, and project management skills with the proven ability to train, supervise, and coach professional staff in order to foster a cooperative team environment


• Intellectual agility, a commitment to maintaining rigorous standards, and a demonstrated ability to think strategically and execute on multiple priorities simultaneously


• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and rapidly-changing environment


• Ability to leverage computer software programs and other technology that will support the learning environment


• Understanding of public education and charter schools is desirable


• Ability to communicate effectively with parents


• Demonstrated professionalism and responsibility, and a strong work ethic


• A positive, high-energy attitude, and a drive for personal excellence


• Flexible attitude, ability to work with urgency


• Strong problem solving and strategic thinking skills


• Demonstrate with awareness of the ongoing implications of racism and privilege and the threat these implications pose to our mission.


• Willingness and desire to participate in unexpected projects


• Ability to lead the Leadership Team in the day-to-day operations of DRCS

Education and Experience:

• Master's Degree or Doctorate in Education Administration or related field


• Three-five years of demonstrated classroom experience, preferably in an urban setting


• Two years of demonstrated success supervising or leading a team


• Must have a PA state Principal Certificate

Physical Requirements:

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required such as:

• Functioning in office space - reaching file cabinets, filing, faxing, scanning, coping, typing, mailing, making phone calls


• Must be able to sit for up to two hours looking at a computer monitor, using a keyboard/mouse and typing


• Must be able to lift up to 25lbs on a frequent basis