School Principal

St. Raphael's, an award-winning school in Rockville, Maryland, is seeking a School Principal. The role of a Catholic School Principal is to oversee the daily operations of the school’s policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure that all students are supervised in a safe traditional Catholic learning environment that meets the school's approved curricula and mission.

 

The School Principal shall:

Catholic Identity.

  • Model Catholic values in all interactions with faculty/staff, students, school families, and the greater community.
  • Actively foster and support Catholic beliefs, traditions, and practices.
  • Reflect the Catholic Church’s teaching on social justice and witness service to others. (Policies for Catholic Schools – Third Revision – 2018)
  • Assist in the planning of liturgical ceremonies such as mass, penance services, prayer services, etc. (as required).
  • Attend Catholic liturgical ceremonies (as required).
  • Promote a faith-based school community that is routed in Catholic traditions and practices.

Organization and Institutional Leadership

  • Manage the general operations of the school.
  • Implement instructional, assessment, supervisory and disciplinary standards, and monitoring progress towards school goals.
  • Direct or coordinate school and government programs such as standardized assessments, accreditation and assurances, high school admissions, Title 2, Title 3, and the Maryland Textbook/ Aging School Grants.
  • Create and maintain the school budget to ensure viability.
  • Plan and coordinate orientations for new parents and students.
  • Planning of faculty/ staff meetings and professional development.
  • Facilitate the planning of the school calendar and class schedules.
  • Effectively delegate responsibilities and foster shared leadership.
  • Create a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Supervision and Instructional Leadership

  • Foster an atmosphere of rigorous academic standards and achievement for all students and faculty.
  • Routinely observe and provide written and/or verbal feedback to faculty and staff in accordance with the guidelines set by the Catholic Schools Office using classroom observation, students contact, parent input and general observation.
  • Oversee the teacher evaluation process.

Student Services and Discipline

  • Set high standards for student behavior that are based on Catholic values.
  • Set clear and fair guidelines for student conduct and apply them in a consistent and judicious manner.
  • Keep complete and accurate student disciplinary records.
  • Effectively manage student conflict.
  • Effectively manage student/teacher conflict.
  • Effectively manage parent/teacher conflict.
  • Conduct student and/or parent conferences related to discipline matters and keep accurate and complete notes.
  • Demonstrate effective interpersonal relationships with students, faculty/staff, and parents.

Staff Development

  • Manage the planning of a professional development program that is relevant to the needs of the faculty and improves student learning.
  • Establish and maintain the orientation and mentoring of new faculty and staff.
  • Attend meetings and participate in professional development programs offered by the Catholic Schools Office.
  • Meet and maintain state and Archdiocese of Washington certification requirements.

Communication

  • Communicate regularly with stakeholders on school-related issues.
  • Address faculty and staff concerns.
  • Display strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Use strong interpersonal skills to work with diverse groups of people and opinions.

The successful candidate should:

  • Be a practicing Catholic and a certified catechist based on criteria from the Archdiocese of Washington.
  • Have a master’s degree from an accredited institution in Education is required (within three years of hire), as well as successful instructional and leadership experience.
  • Candidates shall possess a Maryland, Virginia, or District of Columbia educational administration certification at the time of hire or within three years from the date of hire.
  • He/she must be collaborative and have additional expertise in standards-based curriculum, assessment, technology integration, and community relations. The successful candidate will have demonstrated success in effectively using data for instructional and educational purposes.
  • While a conscientious effort has been made to include all the duties and expectations of the Archdiocese of Washington Elementary School Principal, the above is not all-inclusive, and the position’s duties may be expanded or modified at the discretion of the Canonical Administrator (pastor) and Superintendent.

 

Requirements:

  • Principals in the Archdiocese of Washington shall be practicing Catholics who uphold the teaching of the faith and are committed to Catholic education that is academically excellent and rooted in Gospel values. Qualified candidates should be a certified catechist or demonstrate continuing progress towards attaining catechist certification in no more than three (3) years after the date of hire and hold a Master's degree from an accredited institution in educational administration, curriculum development or an approved related educational field. They should also possess or be eligible for a Maryland, Virginia, or District of Columbia educational administration certification and have a minimum of five (5) years of instructional experience, preferably in Catholic schools.
  • At least 5 years (s) of relevant experience preferred.
  • Master’s degree preferred.
  • Citizenship, residency, or work visa required

 

In addition to completing an application, please add your letter of interest, references, and any certifications.


Experience

Preferred

  • Certified Catechist
  • 5 year(s): School leadership experience