Elementary School Principal (TLC and PK-5th) – TN School for the Deaf

Description: The Elementary School Principal will create an academic program that exemplifies excellence and equity
such that all students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to successfully make decisions and
determine their own life path and career goals.
Qualifications:
• Valid Tennessee professional educator license with administrative endorsement preferred, if
endorsement in process demonstrated progress toward the required endorsement.
• Eight (8) years teaching experience required, 10 years teaching experience preferred.
• American Sign Language SLPI rating of Advanced or higher required.
• Master’s Degree or beyond in educational leadership/administration/supervision preferred.
• Degree in Deaf Education required
• Demonstrated deep understanding of the unique challenges associated with educating students who
are deaf/hard-of-hearing and bilingual education.
• Technology expertise including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft 365, internet-based
applications, typing and word processing skills required.
Terms of Employment: Full-Time 12-month teacher contract.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: These are not exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Works with the Chief Academic Officer to develop, articulate, and implement a vision of learning that
includes high goals for student achievement that are shared and supported by the school community.
Values, supports, and believes in high standards for all students across the spectrum of socio-economic
demographics and academic potential.
• Articulates the vision and strategic mission of the Tennessee Schools for the Deaf and works
collaboratively with teachers, parents, community leaders, higher education partners, and others to
continuously improve instructional excellence.
• Listens effectively to families, students, and the school community. Considers and responds to the input
of stakeholders in a timely fashion.
• Strategically aligns leadership behaviors with stated values and goals to drive required change. Develops
strategic plan with effective solutions.
• Establishes and maintains a culture of integrity, fairness, and high ethical standards. Builds strong
relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and empathy within the school.
• Establishes systems and programs that promote learning, collaboration, and communication throughout
the school.
• Supervises teachers and educational assistants and holds each to a high standard.
• Builds department capacity by setting clear expectations and observing and evaluating
paraprofessional and office staff using the SMART process.
• Improves classroom teaching by setting clear expectations and observing, coaching, and evaluating
teachers and staff in accordance with the Tennessee Educator Acceleration Model (TEAM). Obtains and
maintains TEAM Observer certification through completing training and passing certification exam.
• Analyzes and uses data to inform adult learning, professional development, and decision-making.
• Ensures that school meets all relevant academic benchmarks and that every student is measured for
annual academic growth.
• Participates in the IEP process, assuring that goals, objectives, and benchmarks are appropriate and
effectively addressed.
• Builds professional learning communities to nurture and sustain a school culture and instructional
program conducive to accelerated student achievement. Regularly assesses student learning and ensures
the provision of specific, timely feedback to teachers and students.
• Aligns standards, curricula, instructional strategies, and assessment tools. Supports teachers in using
effective instructional strategies to meet students’ diverse learning needs.
• Coordinates professional learning activities for the instructional staff of the school, including planning,
collaboration, implementation, and evaluation of the services.
• Fosters teacher professional development through coaching and motivating. Stimulates and retains high
performers, mentors early career teachers, challenges low performers to improve, and dismisses poor
performers who do not improve. Initiates and engages in difficult conversations around continuous
instructional improvement as necessary.
• Builds strong teams, develops leadership capacity among staff, and shares responsibilities appropriately.
Recognizes, rewards, and celebrates hard work and outstanding results.
• Works with Chief Academic Officer, directors, principals, counselors, teachers, and different personnel
to maintain a high level of youth development and student support services that align with academic
goals, as dictated by student needs.
• Participates in and supports the supervision and administration of extracurricular programs and school
programs with staff assistance, as applicable.
• Collaborates with the Chief Academic Officer and/or Principalsto select highly effective teachers through
robust screening and interviewing process and assists in recruitment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
KSA’s:
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills, adapting appropriately to audience and message
• Knowledge of best practices in the areas of responsibilities
• Knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements
• Knowledge of budgeting and finance management
• Familiar with federal programs’ rules and regulations
• Organizes and coordinates districtwide projects and manages multiple projects simultaneously
• Develops and maintains a vision for educational growth of the Tennessee School for the Deaf
• Understands building vision, strategic planning, and creating strong teams
• Demonstrates emotional fortitude and perseveres in the face of obstacles; innovative thinker with the
capacity to develop creative and adaptive solutions that overcome objections and resistance
• Holds self and others accountable for student learning
• Demonstrates self-awareness and a commitment to continuous learning
• Seeks out and acts upon performance feedback