Position Summary
The Assistant Principal is directly responsible to the Principal for any and all aspects of instructional leadership, administration, discipline and coordination.
The Assistant Principal serves in concert with the Principal in relating the philosophy and aims of the school and district to the instructional practice of the school to the end that the highest possible standards of student achievement, instructional excellence and school morals may be attained. The Assistant Principal could be responsible for the school during the absence of the Principal.
Although the work of the Assistant Principal consists of assisting the Principal in performing the many routine phases of administration predominantly within the Community that they are assigned, they will also include other functions and responsibilities as may be required by the Principal.
The responsibilities and specific duties of the Assistant Principal are subject to such charges as may be deemed advisable by the Principal.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
The essential functions or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
- Assist the Principal in the organization, supervision, discipline and administration of the school and to assume responsibility for the school in the absence of the Principal when directed.
- Help supervise the instructional program and to make suggestions to the Principal for improving instruction.
- Direct administrative work involving special supervisors, department heads and teachers.
- Work with the Principal in the improvement of the instructional program and inherent supervisory duties.
- Work in the area of curriculum organization and improvement.
- Assist the Principal in preparing the master schedule.
- Counsel and advise with teachers about professional problems.
- Prepare evaluations for teacher promotion, release or transfer.
- Hold meetings of department heads and to serve as pro-tem department chairman as required.
- Enroll new students and to keep attendance, withdrawals and transfer records.
- Issue to students permits for early dismissals, lunch-at-home and excuse from physical education classes.
- Assist in assembly program development and related conferences with students, parents and teachers.
- Cooperate actively in the promotion of the safety program of the school.
- Accept general responsibility for the supervising and for the disciplining of students in the building and on the grounds.
- Give special attention to students whose attendance and achievement records are unsatisfactory.
- Help to promote and to supervise an effective program of extra curricula activities.
- Work with counselors, visiting teachers, homebound teachers and the school nurses in problems with which they are concerned.
- Transmit to the Principal, in an effective manner, the opinions and suggestions of pupils and teachers.
- Prepare, at the direction of the Principal, any official reports which are required of him/her.
- Perform routine office and clerical work as delegated by the Principal.
- Process requisitions for supplies and equipment.
- Keep inventories of textbooks and supplies.
- Prepare administrative bulletins.
- Prepare referrals for student personnel services (e.g., health, student adjustment services, suspensions).
- Check pupil attendance.
- Work with staff members in seeing that school property is not misused or damaged.
- Assist the Principal in disseminating school information concerning school policies and practices to students, parents and teachers.
- Represent the school in community functions in place of the Principal.
- Hold parental conferences as required regarding such activities as: PTA, scholarship drives and public performances.
- Perform other duties delegated by the Principal.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills
- Bilingual
- A master's degree from a college or university approved by the School Committee
- A minimum of five (5) years successful teaching and/or administrative experience
- Massachusetts Principal/Assistant Principal Certification covering grades 9-12
- Experience in teaching or related experience in public education preferred
- Experience supporting students from immigrant and refugee backgrounds
- Experience teaching or related experience supporting individuals with Special Needs preferred
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.
- Ability to perform work in both office and school environments.
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time throughout the workday.
- Ability to use a computer, keyboard, and other standard office equipment for prolonged periods.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, virtually, and by phone, including in environments with moderate noise levels (e.g., classrooms, meetings, events).
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials up to 10–20 pounds, such as documents, laptops, or training materials.
- Ability to attend meetings, professional development sessions, and school events, which may occur outside of standard business hours.
- Ability to navigate school building, including stairs, hallways, and varied layouts.
Position Reports to: The Assistant Superintendent and the School Principal
Terms Of Employment
- Grades 9-12
- Work year is 205 days
- Salary is in accordance Level 2 of the Somerville Administrator’s Association collective bargaining agreement.
The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.
