25-26 Middle School Assistant Principal

Who We Are Looking For

At Launch Charter School, we believe in rigorous, inclusive instruction that ensures all students—regardless of background or learning needs—have access to high-quality education. We are seeking an Assistant Principal who is passionate about humanities instruction, special education, and student achievement. This leader must be an equity-driven instructional coach, a data-focused strategist, and a collaborative team builder.

Key Values & Beliefs

• Every student deserves a rigorous, high-quality education that prepares them for future success.
• Inclusion is non-negotiable—students with IEPs, 504 plans, and ELL status must be fully supported in every classroom.
• Data should drive instruction—teachers must use assessment data to refine strategies and ensure student growth.
• Collaboration builds strong schools—teachers, families, students, and community partners must work together to create an environment of high expectations.
• Literacy is the foundation of learning—ELA and Social Studies should be taught with a focus on critical thinking, discussion, and deep reading.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Instructional Leadership – Ability to coach teachers, lead professional development, and ensure high-quality instruction in ELA, Social Studies, and Special Education.
• Inclusive Education Expertise – Deep knowledge of IEPs, co-teaching models, UDL, and intervention strategies to support diverse learners.
• Data Analysis & Action Planning – Skilled at using assessment data to drive instructional decisions and monitor student progress.
• Teacher Development & Coaching – Ability to observe, give feedback, and support teacher growth in best practices for student achievement.
• Equity-Driven Decision Making – Commitment to closing opportunity gaps and ensuring that all students succeed.
• Family & Community Engagement – Ability to build relationships with families and ensure strong communication around student progress.
• Learner’s Mindset – Commitment to continuous learning, personal growth, and adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Instructional Vision

• Set a high bar for instructional excellence in ensuring curriculum alignment with state standards and EL Education Core Practices.
• Manage, coach, and develop teachers through weekly observations, feedback, and instructional planning support.
• Ensure the effective integration of literacy strategies across content areas to strengthen reading and writing outcomes.
• Lead professional development for teachers on best practices in reading comprehension, discussion-based learning, and inquiry-driven instruction.
• Partner with teachers to refine differentiated instruction strategies, ensuring all students—especially struggling readers and ELLs—receive the support they need to thrive.

1. Inclusive Education Vision

• Own the vision for inclusive education, ensuring that all students, particularly those with IEPs, 504 plans, and ELL status, receive high-quality, accessible instruction.
• Lead special education compliance, ensuring all IEP meetings, progress monitoring, and interventions are effectively executed.
• Oversee the implementation of co-teaching models, push-in/pull-out supports, and accommodations across all content areas.
• Ensure general education and special education teachers effectively collaborate to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Provide targeted professional development on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiation, and trauma-informed instruction.

1. Data-Driven Results

• Lead data meetings to analyze student performance and identify trends in achievement, literacy growth, and intervention effectiveness.
• Ensure teachers effectively use formative and summative assessments to drive instructional adjustments.
• Own IEP goal tracking and progress monitoring, ensuring students with disabilities are making measurable growth.
• Partner with teachers to set SMART goals for student achievement and ensure accountability through regular progress checks.
• Collaborate with the co-principal of instruction to oversee Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions, ensuring targeted supports are effectively implemented.

1. Staff Culture & Leadership

• Serve as a thought partner and coach for teachers, creating a collaborative, solutions-oriented team culture.
• Model inclusive leadership, ensuring all students—regardless of background or learning needs—are held to high expectations.
• Drive teacher retention and development, ensuring staff receive meaningful support to grow in their craft.
• Facilitate weekly/bi-weekly team meetings for staff, ensuring alignment on instructional priorities.
• Lead family communication efforts to ensure families are engaged as partners in their child’s education.

1. Schoolwide Systems & Student Initiatives

• Manage and own the promotion in doubt process, ensuring students at risk of retention receive targeted support and clear communication.
• Lead the honor roll celebration and other fun student initiatives that recognize academic achievement and positive contributions to the school community.
• Oversee the honor roll process, ensuring transparent criteria and recognition of students who meet academic excellence.
• Implement and uphold the grading policy, ensuring consistency and alignment with instructional expectations.
• Co-lead test prep with the co-principal of instruction to ensure students are well-prepared for state and internal assessments.
• Manage assessment cycles, including scheduling, quality assurance of assessment materials, and teacher/student preparation.
• Collaborate with the Ops team for regular distribution of progress reports and report cards.
• Attend and actively participate in the School Leadership Team (SLT) to drive continuous school improvement efforts.

The Ideal Candidate Will Be:

• Holder of a Bachelor’s degree, with an advanced degree preferred.
• NY State Certification in School Leadership (SBL or SDL) preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of teaching experience in ELA, Social Studies, or Special Education, with proven results in student achievement.
• Experienced in coaching teachers and leading professional development.
• An expert in Special Education laws, IEP processes, and inclusive education best practices preferred
• Strong in EL Education principles, literacy interventions, and data-driven instruction preferred
• Passionate about equity, inclusion, and ensuring all students receive a rigorous, high-quality education.
• Skilled in team-building, collaboration, and communication.

Compensation: Highly competitive and commensurate with experience, along with a full benefits package.

Launch is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group for reasons of race, color, creed, sex, age, culture, national origin, marital status, sexual preference, or mental or physical disability.