First consideration will be given to applications received by 4/8/2024.

 

Columbia Middle School in the Moses Lake School District is seeking a visionary and dynamic educational leader to serve as Principal who establishes a widely shared vision/mission for learning that aligns with the District's strategic plan. The ideal candidate will be dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and academic excellence with a strong emphasis on implementing an effective Professional Learning Community thus creating a supportive and reflective environment that results in high levels of student learning for ALL students. If you are passionate about empowering educators, engaging students, and ensuring equitable educational opportunities, we invite you to join our team!

 

Click for more information

  

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  

1. Twelve-month, 260-day work year inclusive of 13 paid holidays, 4 personal leave days, 25 paid vacation days, 10 responsibility days
2. Current Base Salary Range: $143,750 - $159,000 as per MLPA contract
3. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage.
4. Terms of employment for the 2024-2025 contract year, commencing on July 1, 2024, are subject to increases as provided by the school district's Board of Directors.

SALARY & BENEFITS

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, School Administration, or related field.
• Valid Washington State Principal’s credential or ability to obtain certification.
• Successful teaching experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people in a leadership capacity.
• Evidence of experience and training needed to perform the functions described in the job description.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board and Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE/ABILITIES

• Successful experience as a school principal.
• Secondary experience, particularly at the middle school level.
• Secondary teaching experience in a core academic discipline.
• Leadership experience in establishing/maintaining an effective school-wide Professional Learning Community.
• Leadership experience in establishing/maintaining a strong Positive Behavioral Support and Intervention school-wide system.
• Experience, knowledge, and skill working with the Danielson Instructional Framework.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience supporting multilingual learners.
• Multicultural/Bilingual.
• Fluency in Spanish.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated leadership in school improvement efforts.
• Strong understanding of effective instructional practices, assessment strategies, and curriculum development.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills with a demonstrated ability to work with people in a leadership capacity.
• Ability to inspire and motivate others, build consensus, and lead change initiatives.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in education.
• Commitment to effective implementation of a Professional Learning Community that is focused on student learning, a collaborative culture, and is results-oriented.
• Communicate effectively orally in large group, small group, and one-on-one situations with parents, staff, students, and the community.
• Communicate effectively in writing with parents, students, staff and community groups. 
• Work independently and collaboratively.
• Take and give direction effectively.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Effective use of technology and its educational applications in instruction, assessment, and program analysis.
• Effective use of data to improve academic growth.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Leadership and Vision

• Develop and articulate a clear vision for academic success and student well-being, aligned with the district's mission, vision, goals, and priorities.
• Provide visionary leadership to create a positive school culture centered on high expectations for student achievement and growth for all students.
• Develop and implement school improvement plans that are aligned with the District’s mission and vision.
• Lead by example.
• Articulate and model high expectations and the ability to motivate others to achieve high levels of performance.
• Work collaboratively with staff, students, parents, and other members of the community to help improve student learning using data, judgment, best practices, and problem-solving skills.
• Lead the administrative leadership team of the building to assist in implementing school and district policies, fostering a positive learning environment, and supporting student and staff success that is in alignment with the district’s strategic plan.
• Distribute leadership, utilizing and growing the talents of all staff members, recognizing their professionalism.

Professional Learning Community

• Facilitate the development and implementation of a collaborative professional learning community among staff members.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement through data-driven decision-making, professional development, and reflective practice.
• Implement research-based instructional strategies and interventions to meet the diverse needs of all students.

Instructional Leadership & the Learning Environment

• Lead instructional improvement efforts by providing support, feedback, and resources to teachers to enhance teaching practices and student learning outcomes that meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Promote the use of technology and innovative instructional methods to enhance student engagement and achievement.
• Monitor and evaluate instructional programs to ensure alignment with state standards and best practices.
• Analyze and interpret multiple data sources to inform school-level improvement efforts.
• Assist staff in using data to guide, modify, and improve classroom teaching and learning.
• Have experience and knowledge of state assessments (SBA, WIDA, etc.).
• Demonstrate knowledge and use of technology as an essential learning tool in the classroom and overall instructional program. 
• Foster a college and career-ready environment. 

Student Support and Engagement

• Create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where all students feel valued and respected.
• Implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, a proactive and preventative approach to behavior management that fosters a school culture where positive behaviors are valued, taught, and reinforced.
• Implement effective strategies for student discipline, behavior management, and social-emotional learning that reflect an understanding of the impact of ACEs and promote an increase in the capacity of all staff to apply strategies that are effective for managing challenging behaviors.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement programs that promote student attendance, engagement, and success.

Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with students, families, staff, and community members to foster a sense of belonging and shared responsibility for student success.
• Communicate regularly with stakeholders to keep them informed about school initiatives, events, and student progress.
• Collaborate with community partners and organizations to provide resources and support for students and families.

Supervision and Evaluation of Personnel

• Supervision and evaluation of building staff.
• Monitor and assist staff in implementing effective instruction and assessment practices.
• Maintain a confidential relationship with employees regarding individual personnel matters.
• Provide appropriate, timely, and meaningful verbal and written feedback to certified and classified staff regarding performance.
• Demonstrate effective mentoring, coaching, and conferencing skills.
• Develop a plan of assistance with staff when needed.
• Supervise administrative, instructional and support staff by establishing clear directions; setting goals and assigning responsibilities appropriately; promoting staff development; and tactfully dispensing clear and actionable feedback in an appropriate stance as dictated by the situation.
• Support, implement, and evaluate the in-service and professional growth opportunities for staff.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and uphold the laws, regulations, policies, and contractual obligations related to the supervision and evaluation of school personnel.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and effective use of the appropriate evaluation frameworks for staff.

Communication

• Communicate frequently and effectively, both orally and in writing, with all members of the school community.
• Maintain high visibility with students, staff, and parents.
• Facilitate a school communication and family engagement plan that allows for 2-way communication.
• Facilitate resolution of complex interpersonal issues, among others.
• Participate as an active listener.
• Maintain a positive relationship with students, staff, parents, and community by modeling respect, cooperation, and professionalism with others, recognizing personal achievements and professional contributions of others, and demonstrating knowledge of and sensitivity toward individuals and groups.

Management and Administration

• Demonstrate knowledge, skill, and support for shared decision-making processes.
• Work collaboratively with district administrators to secure resources to support the needs of your school and students.
• Manage human resources and budgets according to district and program requirements, including ASB. 
• Develop and monitor plans for the efficient and safe operation of the school facility and grounds.
• Provide an emotionally and physically safe learning environment for all.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and uphold all policies, procedures, regulations, laws, and contractual obligations to manage the school facility and instructional program effectively.
• Supervise and approve the preparation and timely submission of all school reports and forms for the district office, e.g., payroll, enrollment, work orders, etc.

Professional Preparation and Growth

• Work cooperatively with your supervisor to develop goals for personal growth and organizational improvement.
• Participate in essential professional growth opportunities with staff and colleagues and apply new knowledge and skills.
• Participate as a team member with colleagues, including sharing ideas and concerns.

Other

• Our district uses the following tools or systems: Google applications including Google Classroom, Skyward student management system, Danielson Framework, School Data Systems (Homeroom), Red Rover. Expertise in any of these systems will be considered an asset.
• Such alternatives to the above duties as the Superintendent, or designee, may find appropriate and acceptable.

 

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

The Moses Lake School District #161 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boys Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district’s Title IX, Affirmative Action, and Equal Opportunity officer, Michelle Musso, 1620 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837, (509) 766-2650, mmusso@mlsd161.org; OR Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Samantha Burgess, 1620 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837, (509) 766- 2670, sburgess@mlsd161.org.