Academic Principal (High School)

Job Description:

The Academic Principal executes the High School Principal's instructional vision and supports day-to-day operations at Alexandria City High School (ACHS). This role centers on instructional coaching, teacher evaluation, High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) implementation, and department supervision. The Academic Principal partners with the Deans, who lead student behavior and formal discipline, and with Academy Leads on academy programming. Together, the Academic Principal and Deans form the campus leadership team under the Campus Principal. This is a 12-month, 240-day Adminstrator position, reporting to the Campus Principals.

Organizational Structure: High School Principal Campus Principal Academic Principal and Deans

Location: ACHS King Street and Minnie Howard Campuses

Qualifications:

• Education: A Master's degree from an Accredited College or University in a Related Field Required, A Doctorate Degree Preferred.

• Certificates & Licenses: A Valid Virginia Department of Education Teaching PostGraduate License, with the add-on endorsement in Adminstration & Supervision PreK-12. Candidates must have an "Active Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) license with an endorsement in Administration and Supervision, or eligible to submit and complete VDOE licensure application for an Administration and Supervision endorsement upon hire. Please note that the Adminstration & Supervision endorsement is not a stand alone endorsement.

• Experience: Minimum five years of grades 9-12 school division experience demonstrating the competencies below.

Key Competencies:

• Student-Centered: Believes all students can flourish regardless of background or pathway
• Equity & Cultural Competency: Builds inclusive environments that honor diverse backgrounds; committed to equity in a diverse school community
• Instructional Coaching: Delivers high-quality coaching through frequent observations and actionable feedback that improves teacher practice
• Teacher Evaluation: Conducts formal and informal evaluations using established frameworks; uses results to support growth and inform personnel decisions
• HQIM: Supports teachers in implementing adopted instructional materials with fidelity across all content areas
• Curriculum & Assessment: Translates academic standards and assessment expectations into instructional plans; monitors curriculum implementation
• Department Supervision: Supervises and develops department chairs to ensure alignment with school-wide instructional priorities
• Data Analysis, ILTs & PLCs: Facilitates department-level ILTs and PLCs; uses data to monitor progress, identify gaps, and drive instructional decisions
• Student Support Coordination: Partners with Deans and the School Support Team to connect behavior intervention to instructional support
• Recruitment & Hiring: Identifies and attracts high-quality, diverse candidates aligned to the school's instructional vision
• Master Schedule & Program of Studies: Supports the Director of Counseling in developing the master schedule and annual Program of Studies, ensuring alignment with student pathways, graduation requirements, and academy structure
• Relationship Building: Cultivates productive relationships with students, staff, families, Academy Leads, and campus leadership peers
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:

Instructional Leadership

• Executes the High School Principal's instructional vision; supports teachers in translating school-wide goals into classroom practice
• Conducts frequent classroom observations with actionable feedback and accountability for follow-through
• Conducts formal and informal teacher evaluations per ACPS frameworks; uses results to guide professional development plans and personnel recommendations
• Champions HQIM implementation across all content areas; coaches teachers on fidelity and differentiation for diverse learners
• Supervises department chairs through coaching, goal setting, and feedback tied to teacher growth and student outcomes
• Monitors and facilitates department-level ILTs and PLCs to ensure purposeful, data-driven collaboration aligned to school improvement goals
• Designs or coordinates professional development tied to HQIM, instructional best practices, and differentiation
• Participates in the SIP process; monitors implementation of goals, including on-time graduation, credit attainment, and special population outcomes
• Develops emerging teacher leaders through goal setting, coaching, and structured feedback
• Provides instructional oversight for all student populations, including EL, SPED, AP, Dual Enrollment, 9th grade, and transfer students

Academy Development & Events

• Partners with Academy Leads to develop and continuously improve academy programming aligned to the school's instructional vision
• Plans and facilitates academy meetings and events with clear agendas, structured facilitation, and documented follow-through
• Coaches Academy Leads and monitors progress toward academy instructional and programmatic goals

School Operations & Learning Environment

• Supports campus operations across both campuses, including arrivals, attendance, scheduling, transitions, and extracurricular supervision
• Maintains a structured environment focused on maximizing in-class learning time.
• Partners with Deans on student support - Deans lead behavior intervention and discipline; the Academic Principal addresses instructional barriers and academic support needs
• Supports MTSS implementation, ensuring academic structures are aligned with Dean-led behavioral supports
• Leads teacher recruitment in partnership with the High School Principal - screening, interviewing, and guiding hiring decisions that reflect instructional priorities and a commitment to diversity
• Helps implement emergency preparedness and crisis response plans
• Promotes a safe, efficient, and effective work and learning environment
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Parents & Family Engagement

• Maintains open, timely communication with students, families, and all stakeholders on academic matters
• Supports relationships with the PTSA, FACE Center, and community partners
• Represents the school at academic and extracurricular events as assigned

Compensation:

• Placement on the Administrator 240 - LAS-DA grade, determined by The ACPS Licensed Administrator Salary Scale

• FLSA Status: Exempt position - This position is classified as exempt, meaning it is not eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Clearances:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.
• Public Health Compliance - Must follow safety and health protocols.

WP