Assistant Principal (2025-2026)

Assistant Principal

Reports to: Principal
Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm + some out-of-school responsibilities, after-hours responsibilities (as determined by Principal)
Compensation: $118,780 - $133,688 (We believe in compensating staff members fairly in relation to each other. We take into consideration qualifications, credentials, years of experience, and one's impact on behalf of the organization - internal and external equity is taken seriously. East Harlem Scholars Academies also offers a comprehensive benefits package.)
FLSA Status: Exempt 

Who We Are

East Harlem Scholars Academies are community-based Pre-K to 12 public charter schools operated by East Harlem Tutorial Program (EHTP). EHTP began in 1958 as a children's reading group and has since grown into a multi-site after-school program for traditional public school students and a network of public charter schools focused on significantly increasing the college graduation rate in East Harlem. We are on track to serve at least 25% of East Harlem students by 2025, with enrollment for this year at approximately 2200 students in our schools and after-school programs. In 2020, 99% of our seniors were accepted to college, and our current students in college are on track to graduate at eight times the national average of their peers.

At EHTP, we aim to serve as an agent of change and thoughtfully contribute to the national fight for racial equity. Through our organization-wide commitment to anti-racism work, we prepare our scholars to effect change, challenge the status quo, and thrive in the world around them. As staff members, we face our own racial identities and conscious and unconscious biases. With this in mind, all of our professional development, curriculum, organizational materials, and processes are designed with a goal of racial justice. Read our racial equity statement here.

We ground all of our work in racial equity, in our core values, and in our four guiding pursuits: the Revolutionary Pursuit of Love, the Radical Pursuit of Knowledge, the Responsive Pursuit of Healing, and the Relentless Pursuit of Results. These pursuits inform and are reflected in our current four key strategic priorities: to increase high-impact, high-quality academic curriculum, programming content, staff capacity, and coaching; to embrace and advance our use of technology; to deepen our embodiment of ethical and equitable radical humanity; and to efficiently operationalize teaching, learning, community, and care.

For more information about Scholars Academies, please visit us at www.eastharlemscholars.org.

About the Opportunity

The mission of the Assistant Principal is to support the Principal in actualizing the instructional and school culture vision set forth by the school and the network team. They are responsible for coaching and evaluating teachers and teacher leaders. They are responsible for implementing school wide policies, initiatives, and programs. They take action on school-wide trends on curriculum, assessments, culture systems, inclusive learning practices, and family engagement practices in partnership and consultation with the other members of the school’s leadership team. 

Areas of Leadership

• Serve as the instructional leader, ensuring that all teachers are delivering engaging, standards-aligned, and data-driven instruction.

• Foster a school culture of joy, high expectations, and inclusivity, ensuring that students feel safe, valued, and challenged.

• Lead the development and implementation of curriculum and instructional strategies that meet the diverse needs of students, including English Language Learners and students with IEPs.

• Develop and support teachers and staff through coaching, feedback, and professional development.

• Oversee student achievement, behavior, and attendance, ensuring that all students are on track for academic and personal success.

• Implement restorative justice and trauma-informed practices to build a positive and supportive school community.

• Cultivate strong family and community engagement, fostering meaningful partnerships between school, home, and the broader community.

• Ensure the school is in compliance with state and federal education regulations and network policies.

• Serve as a visible, present, and engaged leader, modeling professionalism, equity, and a commitment to student success.

What Qualifies You

Please note that many do not meet 100% of the desired qualifications. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to still apply. 

• Education: A Master’s Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.

• Certification: Possession of a valid New York State School Building Leader (SBL) certification or willingness to obtain one.

• At least 5 years of teaching experience in an urban school setting.

• At least 2 years of school leadership experience, including coaching teachers, leading instruction, and managing school operations.

• Deep knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment best practices across K-12 grade levels.

• Experience in data-driven instruction, using assessment and student performance data to inform decision-making.

• Expertise in differentiation, co-teaching models, and MLL strategies to support diverse learners.

• A strong believer in anti-racism education, culturally responsive teaching, and trauma-informed practices.

• Experience implementing restorative justice and social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives

• Proven ability to develop and inspire teachers, providing coaching, feedback, and professional growth opportunities.

• Strong relationship-building skills with students, families, and staff.

• A strategic thinker who can manage school-wide initiatives, schedules, and resources effectively.

• Ability to navigate challenges with flexibility, resilience, and a solutions-oriented mindset.

• Demonstrates timeliness, accountability, and ethical leadership in all responsibilities.

• Maintains a growth mindset, embracing feedback and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities & Leadership Areas

Instructional Excellence & Teacher Development

• Partner directly with the principal to support implementation of the instructional vision for the school
• Provide direct coaching and feedback to teachers, ensuring high-quality, engaging instruction.
• Ensure the successful implementation of developmentally appropriate, rigorous curricula and instructional materials
• Coordinate with network and outside professional developers and organizations to provide support and/or resources for curriculum development and instructional support
• Conduct regular classroom observations, provide targeted feedback, and ensure teachers meet high expectations.
• Provide and oversee instructional professional development, providing targeted support to teachers where needed aligned to schoolwide and network wide priorities
• Support the Director of Inclusive Learning, Director of School Culture & Family Engagement, and the Director of Operations to ensure the instructional needs of all students are met
• Hold teachers accountable for meeting a high bar for student performance including requirements for special education accommodations and IEP modifications in partnership with the Director of Inclusive Learning.
• Use student achievement data to inform instruction and improve outcomes.

Assessments, Data Analysis & Action Planning

• Ensure a successful school-wide assessment and data analysis program.
• Oversee the administration, collection, and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from statewide, interim, and other assessments.
• Facilitate data reflection protocols to support teacher improvement and programmatic changes in partnership with the Director of Inclusive Learning & the Director of School Culture & Family Engagement with vision set forth by the principal.
• Generate summary student performance reports to be reviewed by Principal, Senior Leadership Team and/or the Board

School Culture & Student Support

• Partner with the Director of School Culture & Family Engagement to support teachers to build rigorous, nurturing classroom communities that maintain high academic and social expectations for students.
• Partner with the Director of School Culture & Family Engagement to respond to high-level behavior incidents (e.g. suspensions) and ensure alignment with network policy with the Senior Director of School Culture & Family Engagement
• Collaborate with school staff to support students' academic and socio-emotional development
• Foster a positive and inclusive school culture that promotes student engagement, responsibility, and success.
• Implement restorative justice and trauma-informed practices to support student behavior and well-being.
• Build strong relationships with students, promoting leadership, growth mindset, and social-emotional learning.
• Ensure that all school policies and procedures align with the mission, values, and policies  of East Harlem Scholars Academies.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build relationships with families through frequent communication about student progress
• In partnership with the Director of School Culture & Family Engagement & the Director of Operations build events that engages families and ensure that they feel part of the overall school community
• Act as the first school-based leadership point of contact for escalated family concerns and ensure that they are responded to respectfully and promptly.
• Communicate regularly with families, ensuring they are kept involved with and held accountable for their children's performance, and correspond about school policies, trips, and events
• Collaborate with community organizations and stakeholders to enhance school programs and resources.
• In collaboration with other members of the school and leadership team, ensure that student attrition is low by welcoming in new families and understanding concerns before student withdrawals

Teacher Hiring, Coaching & Support

• Partner directly with the principal to hire, coach, and support teachers via a rigorous selection model and robust coaching and professional development program
• Ensure that instructional staff receives accurate and timely information regarding performance and professional responsibilities
• Drive system for collection of teacher lesson plans and delivery of feedback. 
• Conduct observations and formal performance reviews for teachers and staff in coordination with the school leadership team.
• Implement and oversee performance improvement plans, as necessary
• Actively contribute to decisions regarding staff retention

School Operations & Compliance

• Ensure school compliance with state, federal, and charter regulations.

• Oversee staff hiring, budget planning, and resource management.

• Maintain a safe, organized, and high-functioning school environment.

Leadership & Professional Growth

• Serve as a role model for staff and students, demonstrating professionalism and integrity.

• Continuously engage in professional development and leadership training.

• Work closely with network leaders to align school goals with organizational priorities.

Commitment to Out of School Time

• Collaborate with the Managing Director of OST and school-based Program Directors to ensure alignment between the academic day and OST.

• Support staff to ensure the smooth administration and effectiveness of OST (Out of School Time)

School-Based Responsibilities

• Support school wide programs including but not limited to: common picture duties (e.g. lunch, recess, etc.), maintaining a homeroom or advisory, supporting students in field experiences
• Adapt and prepare to implement duties and responsibilities as outlined by the Principal.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to submit an application.