Principal in Residence

The Principal in Residence (PIR) is an integral part of the school leadership pathway with the primary goal of building and sustaining high-performing schools. Engaging in a one- or two-year residency program, the PIR develops adaptive, technical, and managerial skills to lead a Freedom Prep school as either a Successor or a Founder. As a Principal in Residence, you must be open to any location after your residency which include: Memphis, TN, Birmingham, AL, or Montgomery, AL.

RESIDENCY PROGRAM:

In the one-year (or two-year) program, PIRs are on an accelerated track to become Successors at their placement school or Founders in a community they will establish a school in. In the two-year program, PIRs are placed in schools with Mentor School Leaders, actively participating in daily school leadership activities to hone their skills.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Throughout the development program, the PIR's role mirrors that of an Assistant Principal, focusing on coaching and developing teachers, teacher leaders, and deans. The PIR contributes to the academic and cultural vision of the school, with the role evolving towards that of a School Leader towards the program's end.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

PIRs actively develop leadership competencies, including a student focus, direction setting, achievement orientation, equity-centered leadership, instructional leadership, and relationship building. They work towards achieving academic success and holistic growth while participating in the Freedom Prep PIR cohort.

RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM:

•Support the Principal in leading and overseeing the school’s instructional program.

•Analyze student achievement and teacher performance data.

•Ensure dramatic achievement gains and meet performance goals.

•Teach and reinforce behavior management systems.

•Manage a team of teachers and staff, providing professional development.

•Maintain communication with families and engage in home visits.

•Collaborate with the leadership team to reinforce a data-centered and achievement-oriented school culture.

QUALIFICATIONS:

•Candidates must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, at least 2 years of teaching experience.

•At least 1 year of elementary or middle school-level leadership experience.

•Valid Tennessee/Alabama teaching license and endorsement(s).

•Strong records of academic success, experience in underserved communities, and proficiency in Microsoft •Office applications are required.

•Ideal candidates possess mastery of academic subjects, a track record of achieving student success, optimism, excellent communication skills, and organizational skills.