Job Description

Who we are and why it matters – Manhattan Charter School (MCS) is a progressive, high performing charter school located on the Lower East Side in New York City, that is committed to providing every child with the tools and support necessary for success. Operating as a 501c3 nonprofit organization, MCS has been consistently high-achieving since its founding in 2005. Manhattan Charter School 2, a replication of MCS, is expanding on the work already being done at MCS and believes that by working together more students will achieve high academic levels. MCS2 opened in August 2012 and is located a few blocks away from MCS.  

Manhattan Charter School has 270 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. MCS2 currently has 96 students in kindergarten through first grade, and will grow by one grade each year to reach the same size and make-up as MCS. There are no more than 24 students in an MCS class because we believe much of our success is due to our small school size, and intimate school culture and learning environment. Each school’s principal greets every student by name, every morning, and knows every family. In addition, every teacher knows every child. This intimate environment creates a community of collaboration, communication and accountability for both students and teachers.

MCS focuses on providing a rigorous curriculum of core subjects to help students achieve high academic levels.  Though MCS adheres to New York State Learning Standards, its teachers have flexibility when developing their curriculums. Likewise, MCS is committed to offering a well-rounded education program to all students, which it believes helps students develop critical thinking processes, problem solving abilities and supports their learning in the core subject areas. All students receive music instruction each and every day. Other enrichment programs include French, Art, and Physical Education, and hands on experiments in science studies.

Additionally, students explore the historic Lower East Side neighborhood as part of their humanities studies. The Lower East Side is a centrally located, and culturally diverse, neighborhood in Manhattan. Long a fixture of the immigrant experience in New York City, many ethnic groups have resided here over the years as they worked to build a new life for themselves and their families in America. Through walking tours of the neighborhood, students learn about the Lower East Side’s evolution from an area of commercial success and tenement living to the vibrant neighborhood it is today.

The majority of MCS students are minority, live in the neighborhood, and qualify for free lunch. Through its work MCS is demonstrating that all children, regardless of race or economic status, can succeed when given equal access to quality education. The schools pride themselves on delivering rigorous, standards-driven instruction and fostering a culture of high expectations, while maintaining a strong sense of camaraderie.

What our teachers mean to us – At Manhattan Charter School, we believe teacher effectiveness is the key to high student achievement. Teachers receive a circle of support and time for developing their craft that includes:

• Targeted Professional Development that is built into the school calendar: 2 weeks before the school year starts (3 weeks for new teachers) + 2 half days each month + 1 week at the end of school year
• Daily support and feedback from content area experts in writing, literacy and math, and instructional coaches
• In addition to building a robust network of on-staff expertise, MCS is committed to investing in teachers by sending them for specialized training and experiences based on teacher individual needs, interests, and areas of specialization (including using outside consultants with specialized know-how)
• A full-time Instructional Assistant that is pursuing a Master’s in Education in each class
• An operations team who have set up operational processes that support teachers rather than burdening them

About This Position – We are seeking a Principal for the 2014-15 school year to expand our leadership team. This role requires a strong instructional foundation, a strong desire to ensure each and every one of our students attain academic excellence and an ability to work with and inspire teachers.

Specific Director of School Responsibilities

Demonstrates instructional leadership and expertise as indicated by:

• Leading the implementation of curriculum and all aspects of the instructional program, especially in the area of common core curriculum
• Development and management of accountability programs to ensure instructional excellence and academic achievement, including managing teacher evaluations and teacher development
• Leading staff and teachers in professional development and on-going improvement of an academic program tailored to the needs of the students based on formative assessment data
• Leading teachers in analyzing and using extensive data to drive daily instruction
• Ensuring teachers implement effective instructional practices and monitor student achievement on an ongoing basis

Culture Leader:

• Believes that every child can and will achieve high academic standards and provides consistent support to our students no matter how challenging the individual situation may be. Consistently reflects on self, as well as instructional practices, to achieve these academic goals
• Executes the mission including high academic achievement, integration of core disciplines, the application of critical thinking skills and ethical standards to learning, and living and problem solving through individual teaching and learning practices
• Along with members of the leadership team, sets the tone for school culture and ensure MCS’s core values are imbedded in daily practice

Human Resources and Administrative:

• Formally trains, supervises and evaluates teachers
• Collaborates with staff to create professional development plans
• Fosters collegiality and collaborative decision making among staff

 

Qualifications

• Master degree in education or school administration, or related degree
• School Building Leader certification required.
• A minimum of 7-10 years of progressively more responsible experience in teaching , related education specialty, supervision or administration; or equivalent education
• Experience in the areas of charter schools and/or urban education preferred
• Excellent communicator able to articulate the vision and strategic mission of the school and work collaboratively with teachers
• Demonstrated school leadership experience including experience with common core implementation, analyzing and using data to drive instruction, using technology in the classroom
• Demonstrated dynamic, positive leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary to build trust and effective working relationships with faculty, parents, and students
• Experience that involves working to create a positive school culture as well as clear, effective communication with teachers and staff

 

Compensation

We offer a competitive compensation package including medical and dental insurance, annual bonuses based on school-wide goals and individual student performance and growth, and a 403B retirement plan with 4% match. In addition to extensive professional development, our teachers are equipped with all necessary instructional supplies and technology. 

How to Apply

To Apply

Please email cover letter and resume to hr@manhattancharterschool.org.

For more information about Manhattan Charter School, please visit our website at www.manhattancharterschool.org.

 As an equal opportunity employer, we hire and promote without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.

Job Categories: Full-Time.