Scholarly Activity: Middle School Principal Job Overview

Middle School Principal Job Overview

Columbia Southern University

Job Description

Introduction

As the Principal for Harriet Eddy Middle School, you will be required to plan, organize, control and direct the instructional programs, operations, and personnel that are assigned to the middle school (7-8). (Elk Grove Unified School District, 2001). As Principal, you will assure a safe environment for both the students and staff to enhance a positive learning environment.

Job Position: Principal – Middle School

Salary: $104,296 – $131,411 yearly (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)

Location: Harriet Eddy Middle School, Elk Grove, California (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)

District: Elk Grove Unified School District

Type: Full Time

FLSA: Exempt

Job Posted: 29 June 2020 (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)

Application Deadline: 13 July 2020 (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)

Supervision

This position reports directly to the Associate Superintendent, Secondary Education and the Director-Secondary Education. (Elk Grove Unified School District, 2001). This position also supervises all employed staff and students enrolled in 7th and 8th grade curriculum.

Job Summary

Job Responsibilities and Duties:

Observe teachers and evaluate their performance. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d.)

1. Communicate with District Office personnel regarding staff, programs, students, finances and legal requirements; implement and modify the school’s mission, goals, objectives and programs as needed. (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)
2. Interview, select, direct, evaluate, and supervise personnel; assign Vice Principle, faculty, Counselors, and other staff as appropriate to meet school objectives. (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)

Enforce State and District laws.

Organize professional development programs and workshops for staff. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d.)

1. Evaluate current curriculum and communicate with District Administration to meet student program needs.
2. Establish communication with parents and the community, such as law enforcement and other officials. (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)
3. Supervise or provide for supervision of students on campus before and after school; monitor students during lunch, recess, and other activities. (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)
4. Counsel and provide guidance to students regarding personal, academic, vocational, or behavioral issues. (National Center for O*NET Development, n.d.)
5. Daily use of analytical or scientific software, data base user interface and query software, electronic mail software, enterprise resource planning ERP software, and office suite software may be required. (National Center for O*NET Development, n.d.)
6. Ensure the safety of all members on campus.

Maintain various school records for students and faculty for a variety of levels such as District, County, State, and Federal. (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)

Assess and prepare reports on test scores and other student achievement data. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d.)

Manage the school’s budget, order school supplies, and schedule maintenance. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d.)

Establish and coordinate security procedures for students, staff, and visitors. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d.)

Competency

Knowledge Of:

Ability To:

1. Goals and objectives of a District middle school. (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)
2. State and local curriculum requirements. (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)
3. Board of Education and District policies, procedures and regulations. (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)
4. Budget control. (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)
5. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)
6. Oral and written communication skills. (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)
7. Labor laws and employee contracts. (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)

This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree and five years of classroom experience, including at least three years at the secondary level and one year in an administrative capacity. (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020). This position also requires the California Teaching or PPS Credential, California Administrative Credential, and a valid California, Class C, driver’s license. (Elk Grove Unified School District, 2001).

1. Organize, direct, and evaluate staff. (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)
2. Analyze situations accurately and adopt and effect course of action. (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)
3. Deliver speeches at assemblies.
4. Plan and organize work. (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)
5. Maintain punctual attendance. (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020)
6. Select and use training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when teaching new things. (National Center for O*NET Development, n.d.)
7. Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. (National Center for O*NET Development, n.d.)
8. Quality and Quantity Standards
9. This position requires you meet the minimum educational requirements and hold the minimum certifications for the state of California as prescribed in the Education and Experience section of this document.
10. Education and Experience

Time Spent Performing Tasks

Administration duties (31%), (Lavigne, Shakman, Zweig, & Greller, 2016), takes up a large portion of a Principals duties. This is in an office environment inside the school campus. Curriculum and teaching evaluations (27%), (Lavigne, Shakman, Zweig, & Greller, 2016), is another large portion of a Principals duties. With the high staff volume, classroom visitation for performance evaluations will be on a somewhat regular basis. Student interactions (23%), (Lavigne, Shakman, Zweig, & Greller, 2016), will be daily. You will not be able to walk the campus without coming into contact with students. Remaining a constant professional is paramount. At times, parent meetings (13%), (Lavigne, Shakman, Zweig, & Greller, 2016), will be required. If a student has a disciplinary issue, you will need to have a meeting with their parents. The remainder of your time (6%), (Lavigne, Shakman, Zweig, & Greller, 2016), will be outside the normal duties.

Physical Factors

This position will require you to sit or stand for extended periods of time. (Elk Grove Unified School District, 2001). You may also need to bend at the waist, kneel or crouch while performing daily tasks. (Elk Grove Unified School District, 2001). Moving your hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard will be required. (Elk Grove Unified School District, 2001). Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.

Working Conditions

A majority of the day will take place in the office environment sitting behind a desk. You will usually arrive to work early in the morning, before student’s arrival, and leave after student dismissal. Throughout your day you will be met with constant interruptions from your faculty for many reasons. This can range from student discipline issues, curriculum questions, parent meetings, staff meetings, or other last minute situations. The work required of this position still needs to be achieved regardless of the amount of interruptions, or situations, that arise throughout the day. This position may require you to work evenings or weekends to meet with parents and other members of the community and to attend school functions, such as concerts and athletic events. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d.). This is a year round position and will not have the summer off, when the students are not in school. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d.). During the summer, you may be required to schedule building maintenance, order school supplies, and hire new teachers and other staff in preparation for the upcoming school year. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d.).

Unplanned Activities

This position may require last minute, unplanned, District meetings and staff meetings. Due to unplanned situations, these can occur on the weekends or after hours. School threats can also occur at any moment. You must know the security plans and drills and who to contact in case of emergencies.

Disclaimer

The disclaimer on the post states, “The Elk Grove Unified School District (hereinafter EGUSD) desires to provide a positive work environment where employees and job applicants are free from harassment and are assured of equal access and opportunities in accordance with law. EGUSD prohibits any district employee from harassing or discriminating against any other district employee or job applicant on the basis of the person’s actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, immigration status, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. No person should be denied employment solely because of any impairment which is unrelated to the ability to engage in activities involved in the position(s) or program for which application has been made. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, EGUSD will provide you with one upon notice. If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying, you should immediately contact the District’s Legal Compliance Officer/Title IX Coordinator, at (916)-686-7795, ext. 67159 or [email protected] . A copy of EGUSD uniform complaint or EGUSD non-discrimination policy are available upon request.” (EDJOIN.ORG, 2020).

Performance Evaluation

Performance Criteria

This position will require evaluations to be conducted annually. The annual performance based evaluation will be conducted one year from the date of hire. Depending on the outcome and remarks from the performance evaluation, future job retention will be considered. All evaluations will be filed with the District and a copy given to the person being evaluated for future references. This position will be evaluated in the following areas:

References

1. Articulates and promotes a high expectation for teaching and learning. (Iowa School Leaders with support from School Administrators of Iowa and The Wallace Foundation, n.d.)
2. Aligns and implements the education programs, plans, actions, and resources with the District’s visions and goals. (Iowa School Leaders with support from School Administrators of Iowa and The Wallace Foundation, n.d.)
3. Evaluates staff and provides feedback for improvement, both personal and professional. (Iowa School Leaders with support from School Administrators of Iowa and The Wallace Foundation, n.d.)
4. Addresses current and potential issues in a timely manner, using (Iowa School Leaders with support from School Administrators of Iowa and The Wallace Foundation, n.d.)
5. Manages school resources responsibly, efficiently, and effectively. (Iowa School Leaders with support from School Administrators of Iowa and The Wallace Foundation, n.d.)
6. Demonstrates ethical, moral, and professional behavior to staff, students, and community members. (Iowa School Leaders with support from School Administrators of Iowa and The Wallace Foundation, n.d.)
7. Performance Scale
8. This position will receive the following rating for each of the criteria listed above during the performance evaluation process.
9. 1 – Below Expectations
10. 2 – Needs Improvement
11. 3 – Meets Expectations
12. 4 – Exceeds Expectations
13. 5 – Exceptional Performance
14. After each of the ratings, a comment will be included listing observations and lessons learned. Upon completion of the performance evaluation both the evaluator and person being evaluated will sign the form.
15. Summary
    • A middle school Principal has a higher workload than many people think. They do not get the gratification that they truly deserve. They do everything a teacher does and more, except for teaching in an classroom to a group of students. When a teacher teaches a curriculum, the principle has already reviewed it approved it with the District. They have already gone through every page through their spare time during the summer to make sure the teacher has the most up to date material so the student gets the best education possible. Principals can spend weekends and evenings going to meetings with parents, District employees, or going through the hiring process to get ready for the upcoming year. Their Salary will vary depending on location, but with the high salary position like this of over $100,000 a year, it makes sense. They have to go through so much more than the normal educational employee. They do not get overtime benefits because of their executive level position. So, FLSA does not apply to them. They will not get paid over time. Principals work year round, weekends, evenings, and early mornings with no extra compensation. Benefit packages are usually discussed at hiring, and were not included in this job post, so those will be taken into consideration when applying for this job. The longevity of your position will also increase your salary percentage due to your experience. With this type of job, this will have to take a special person to apply. One has to fully understand that they are giving up the possibility of free time to the needs of their school and to the community. They also have to realize that all the time they are adding to their work load, they will not be paid for. So, this can add stress and anxiety to their life, and as such their compensation package should assist that. Instead of the overtime pay, they will have a higher salary.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm (visited July 12, 2020)

EDJOIN.ORG. (2020). Principal – Harriet Eddy Middle School. Elk Grove Unified School District. Retrieved from https://www.edjoin.org/Home/DistrictJobPosting/1310072

Elk Grove Unified School District. (2001). Class Title: Principal – Middle School. Retrieved from http://www.egusd.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/principal-middle_school.pdf

Iowa School Leaders with support from School Administrators of Iowa and The Wallace Foundation (n.d.). Principal Leadership Performance Review: A Systems Approach. SAI. Retrieved from http://www.sai-iowa.org/Leadership/Administrator%20Roles/PrinEval.pdf

Lavigne, H. J., Shakman, K., Zweig, J., & Greller, S. L. (2016). Principals’ time, tasks, and professional development: An analysis of Schools and Staffing Survey data (REL 2017–201). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Regional Educational Laboratory Northeast & Islands. Retrieved from http:// ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs

National Center for O*NET Development. 11-9032.00 – Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved July 13, 2020, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9032.00