High School Assistant Principal

Title: Assistant PrincipalLocation: CICS Longwood High School- 1309 W 95th St, Chicago, IL 60643Reports To: PrincipalSalary: Starting at $90,000, commensurate with experienceEmployee Type: Regular Full TimeStart Date: August 2026Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. We support all learners to be engaged, curious, and to achieve their full potential. Our students become confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders.Position OverviewThe Assistant Principal is a self-driven and motivated educational leader whose philosophy and beliefs align with Distinctive Schools’ mission, vision and values. The Assistant Principal has a keen instructional lens and is able to provide targeted and actionable feedback.Primary Outcomes Of The Role Is ToImplement the DS instructional coaching model by supporting and fostering the development of teachers and instructional coachesFacilitate and monitor the formal and informal observation processeOversee all MTSS efforts and processes to support student learning including data, planning, and problem-solving meetingsSupport school-wide academic and social and emotional learning to reinforce safe, joyful, and personalized learning environmentsResponsibilitiesSchool Culture 10%Build and foster a culture of belonging, joy, and a positive climateHonor stakeholder perspective as key to the decision-making processCultivate a strengths-based and, equity-focused mindsetCelebrate individual and collective growth towards goalsPromote a safe, supportive, and collaborative working environment with an equity-conscious mindset.Establish professional rapport with and maintain visibility with stakeholdersLead the equity work of the campuses and engage in culturally responsive, student-centered decision makingDevelop positive and professional relationshipsCreate and implement consistent routines, procedures, and expectationsInstructional Leadership 60%Serve as the model for instructional and social-emotional best practicesServe as a member of the school’s Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) to support alignment, including and performing other ILT duties (in Professional Learning and Leadership)Execute and monitor the campus growth plan in alignment with DS strategic plan in partnership with the School PrincipalDevelop, implement, and oversee specific projects based on the unique needs of the campus and in alignment with the campus growth plan efforts, and student-centered learning initiatives in partnership with ILTOversee campus implementation of DS MTSS processes, protocols, and tools with ongoing collaboration with network teamsUphold and support successful implementation of core curriculum and assessmentsMeet regularly with Teacher Leaders and Teachers weekly in accordance with DS model with the Instructional Coaches individually at least bi-weekly to prioritize coaching caseload and determine action stepsProvide actionable feedback to teachers and teacher leaders to support their professional growth and development and ensure follow-throughMeet with the Mentor Teachers individually or as a team at least monthly to problem-solve and determine action stepsProvide goal-oriented feedback to Teachers, including Instructional Coaches and Mentors, to support their professional growth and developmentConduct formal observations in adherence to regional expectations and protocolsCoordinate and oversee all required testing administration in partnership with the Principal and Director of Data and AssessmentPlan and present ongoing professional development and collaborative planning sessionsOversee the implementation and data analysis of instructional technology and online programsMonitor and ensure staff adherence to the norms outlined in the DS Professional Expectations and ResponsibilitiesConduct daily teacher observations and classroom visits and provide real-time, high-leverage feedback to improve student achievement and instructional effectivenessInstructional Coaching 10%Exemplify and support the DS instructional coaching model, including facilitation of deep coaching cycles based on teacher need and experienceMove the performance of individual Teachers through goal-setting, observation, co-teaching, modeling, and goal-specific feedbackModel specific teaching skills or strategies for teachers through the use of video and classroom instructionCreate coaching tools (e.g., checklists, observation protocols, conversation agendas, etc.) to support each teacher’s progress towards and achievement of the goalSupport the Lead Instructional Coach in prioritizing the needs of teachers who need intensive and ongoing support (i.e., first-year teachers)Provide weekly (minimum) coaching for those teachers actively participating in a deep coaching cycle, including those on a Direct Support Plan (DSP)Document and model documentation of deep coaching workMonitor instructional coaching documentationAssessment and Data Analysis 10%Review & analyze campus academic and behavior Tier 1, 2, and 3 data (e.g, universal screeners and core program assessments, digital program data, check-in/out, etc.). Update the ILT and DS Academic Team on progressAssist with coordination of the campus’ academic and behavior universal screening processMaintain accurate records of student progress toward standards, intervention progress monitoring, and digital program data in established network systemsCollaborate with Instructional Coaches and Mentor Teachers to model and support strong data analysis, and lesson design during weekly planning meetingsFacilitate grade or team Data & Design meetings as assigned by the PrincipalSeek out, be receptive to, and respond to professional feedbackMTSS Processes 5%Review lesson plans and provide feedback based on individual coaching cycles and/or school-wide professional development goalsLead MTSS initiatives, processes, and structures at the campus level and contribute to network MTSS designFacilitate campus and grade level problem solving meetings ensuring evidence-based decision making for Tiers 1, 2, and 3 responses and interventionsCollaborate with school team to design, develop, document and implement a continuum of effective, research-based and innovative interventions and instructional supports as part of a multi-tiered system of supportsModel and coach teachers in effective Tier 1, 2, and 3 instruction and implementationSupport communication with families on MTSS processes, intervention and student progressPilot tools, resources, data collection and programs in partnership with the network academic teamProfessional Learning and Leadership 5%Participate in all network and campus-based professional development and meetingsMeet with the Regional Talent Development Manager, Director of Instructional Coaching at least biweekly to discuss coaching priorities, implementation of the coaching model, and instructional coach development and supportServe as a member of the school’s ILT to support alignment and to perform additional ILT dutiesPlan and facilitate weekly campus professional development and collaborative planning, including Welcome WeekCollaborate with Instructional Coaches and Mentor Teachers to ensure strong data analysis and planningFulfill all other duties as assignedRequirements (minimum)Education: Bachelor’s DegreeQualifications Valid Professional Educator License or equivalent in state of employment (IL or MI)Valid Principal or equivalent endorsement in state of employment (IL or MI) - OR - working towards a General Administrative/School Principal Endorsement6+ years of lead classroom teaching experience2 years of instructional leadership experienceMust obtain an average of ‘Effective’ rating according to the DS Teaching Frame]work for 2 consecutive years at DS in all domains or equivalent from outside organizationMust attend DS Summer PD InstituteProven success of leading team planning sessions using dataMust be willing to work an extended academic calendar year of 12 monthsTechnology demands:Proficient with cloud based software solutions (such as GoogleSuite)Ability to learn digital tools and programs as needed for the positionTravel as required for training, professional development, and collaborationPhysical demandsAbility to work outside of normal school hours as needed and/or determined by School PrincipalOccasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 20% sitting, 50% walking, and 30% standingBenefits25+ Paid holidays & 10 days PTO annually (in addition to summer break for educators/campus positions)12 weeks family paid leaveComprehensive Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)403b matchFully match up to 3%50% match up to 5%Professional development including tuition reimbursementGym and wellness discountsAnd moreDescription Disclaimer: Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility. EEO Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law.Distinctive Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Distinctive Schools will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact talent@distinctiveschools.or g or call 773.828.4191