25-26 Academy Director
Academy Director (Legacy Grades)
Who We Are
Achievement Prep is an award-winning public charter school network dedicated to empowering underserved communities in Southeast Washington, DC. Our mission is to prepare students to excel as high-achieving scholars and leaders, not only in school but also in life.
Our Values:
- All Scholars are Deserving: Every scholar receives an equitable, top-tier education
- Love is at the Core: We embrace authenticity while setting high expectations
- Exceptional Academic Results: Achieved through daily, data-driven, individualized learning
- Platinum Teachers are a Main Ingredient: YOU are the key to excellent outcomes for our scholars
- Families as Partners: Together, we do “three-generational work”
What You Will Do
To realize our mission, Achievement Prep’s Middle School is led by an Academy Director who is ultimately responsible for all aspects of the campus including academics, culture, scholar support and operations. S/he must create a safe, joyful school culture; push the rigor of teaching and learning; and provide the tools and support staff and scholars need to grow and develop. To do this, the Academy Director must have skills needed to adeptly influence, enable, and empower staff; establish and maintain a culture centered on Achievement Prep DREAM values; and oversee the systems and people of an entire school. The Academy DIrector directs and develops the talents of all team members and maintains open communication with all stakeholders – scholars, families, staff, trustees, business partners and community members. S/he works closely with campus-based and network leadership to provide consistent, effective campus leadership.
This is a 12 month full- time role Reporting to the Executive Director (ED) and directly supporting and supervising 5 to 7 staff members including but not limited to teachers, coaches, and/or other support staff:
School Leadership
- Lead all aspects of a 4 – 8th grade school daily, ensuring scholar achievement – both academically and socially
- Ensure that the core curricula are implemented with fidelity
- Serve as strategic visionary and decision-maker for academics, culture, scholar supports and operations
- Foster a culture of excellence through personal leadership consistent with organizational mission, vision, ethos and core values of Determination, Respect, Enthusiasm, Accountability, and Mastery
- Provide leadership to all staff and scholars in establishing a positive, structured, and high achievement-oriented school culture
- Engender commitment among staff to the development and fulfillment of the school’s mission and vision
- Refine and communicate the school’s systems, culture, and vision; and create a plan to achieve that vision
- Set data-driven school-wide goals and monitor progress of the same
- Oversee the efforts of the Assistant Principal, Instructional Coaches, and Interventionists to support teachers developing competence in the curricula through modeling, observing, providing feedback and supporting instructional leader and teacher reflection and implementation
- Be highly present and visible before, during, and after the school day
- Proactively circulate throughout classrooms and public spaces during the day to gain valuable context on scholar achievement and behavior and relentlessly ensuring a positive school environment
- Collaborate with other members of the school’s leadership team to create and sustain programs for scholars and families that recognize and celebrate achievement and continuous growth
People Development & Management
- Ensure that staff set extremely high expectations for themselves and scholars in accordance with the Achievement Prep Way
- Oversee and ensure the continuous development of all school staff
- Lead people management at the school: selection, development, evaluation, supervision, retention, promotion, dismissal
- Receive continuous feedback from peers and leaders on your practice and be expected to give the same
Campus-Based Team Leadership
- Galvanize the campus-based leadership team to achieve its goals and outcomes
- Coach and professionally develop the entire campus-based leadership team (CBLT): Assistant Principal (AP), Instructional Coaches (IC), Culture Specialist, and Interventionists
- Work directly with the ED to foster consistency among staff in adhering to the procedures, policies, and processes of the Classroom Management & Discipline handbook
- Work directly with the Director of Scholar Supportand Scholar Support Coordinator to ensure 504 accommodations, IEP modifications, and counseling needs are met
- Work directly with the OM to ensure operational systems and processes are tight, proactive, responsive, and robust
External Stakeholders
- Liaise with all external stakeholders, including parents and community
- Serve as the primary face of the school
- Engage families in the life of the school
- Be the main point of contact for parent concerns and communication
- Work with and through the CBLT to foster consistency among families to adhere to the policies of the Scholar & Family Handbook
- Attend Board meetings, as needed
- Attend and support events during the school day and in the evenings that invite families into the building
Administrative Leadership
- Manage campus resources and operations to improve scholar learning
- Engage in regular planning for the school: daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually
- Work with the AP to oversee and ensure fidelity of daily and master schedule and to oversee all disciplinary decisions
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and other leaders to develop the school calendar
- Manage time, tasks, deadlines and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment; support and hold others accountable for the same
Be willing to take on additional responsibilities as necessary to fulfill Achievement Prep’s mission for our scholars
You Must Have
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3+ years of experience as a teacher of record in an urban elementary school setting
- 2+ years of school leadership in an urban school setting: principal, head of school, assistant principal or the equivalent
- Proven track record of success with student outcomes, staff management, and professional development
- Ability to regularly be one of the first to arrive and last to leave the building daily (staff hours: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM)
It Would Be Nice for You to Have
- A Master’s degree in education, educational leadership, or organizational leadership
Is this YOU?
You are a mission-driven educator who believes in the power of education. You are committed to making a difference in underserved communities. You value a quality public education for all and are dedicated to serving every child. You are results-driven and an expert in your content area, constantly seeking ways to improve. You respect timelines and embrace feedback, knowing the mission isn't easy but energizes you. You thrive in ambiguity and find joy in the day-to-day.
Why Work With Us?
Our teachers are worth more than gold, they’re platinum!
- Development: Teachers receive ongoing (weekly or bi-weekly) development from school leaders:
- Formal and informal observations and feedback
- 1:1 meetings to discuss teaching practice, scholar data, curriculum, and goals
- Content team meetings
- Wednesday afternoon professional development tailored to teacher needs
- $150 Classroom Reimbursement fund
- Compensation & Benefits: Achievement Prep offers highly competitive compensation and benefits
- Generous medical, vision, and dental benefits
- Flexible spending accounts for transit, dependent care, and medical expenses
- 401K plan with immediate employer matching up to 4%
- 44-60 days of Paid Time Off, including holidays, break periods, sick, and personal time
- Wellness benefits including reimbursements for gym, massages, counseling, etc.
- It Pays to Stay: Upon completion of 2 full school years of service, employees become eligible for annual loyalty incentives
- Personalized gifts and Achievement Prep swag
- Compensation Bonuses
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re excited to be part of a dedicated and passionate team, please submit your resume and cover letter to this job posting. Let’s make a difference together!
Achievement Prep encourages individuals of all identities and backgrounds to apply for this position. We are an equal opportunity employer fully committed to hiring a talented and diverse group of individuals. Achievement Prep does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law.