Position: Middle School Assistant Principal
Role Description:
The Middle School Assistant Principal serves as the primary instructional leader for grades 5-8th. In this role you are responsible for providing personalized support to teachers by developing their understanding of data-driven instruction and research-based standards to improve scholars’ academic achievement. As the Middle School Assistant Principal , you are responsible for driving culture and ensuring high-quality classroom instruction through modeling, co-planning, and providing feedback to teachers. The Middle School Assistant Principal models continuous improvement and goes above and beyond to ensure student success, promote reflection, provide guidance and structure, and focuses on strengths, collaboration, and common issues of concern. This role combines daily coaching, culture leadership, and operational support to drive academic outcomes for all scholars. The AP reports directly to the Principal.
About Èlan Academy:
Founded in 2017, Élan Academy Charter School is an academically challenging, disciplined, and joyful elementary school located in New Orleans, LA. Through a classical curriculum, high-quality instruction, and leadership development, Élan Academy Charter School ensures that all students have the foundation necessary to thrive in secondary school, succeed in college, and access lives of opportunity.
An Élan Academy Teammate…
Does whatever it takes. We are Élan Academy teachers, not just individual classroom teachers. We recognize that we are all responsible for building, preserving, and maintaining our school culture.
Embodies our core values. We want to build a culture of open, honest, and productive dialogue with one another. We are expected to share our ideas, thoughts, and concerns. We value the power of shared leadership.
Believes results come from hard work. Our preparation creates the opportunity for success. We understand that Élan Academy’s success is the result of persistent effort, resilience, and a shared dedication to continuous improvement.
Sweats the small stuff. Every detail matters and helps us build strong daily habits that contribute to success.
Embodies no-nonsense nurturing. We build meaningful relationships with our students and hold them accountable to meet high expectations.
Teaches ALL students until they learn. We are committed to providing an equitable learning environment. We ensure that all students have access to high-quality instructional resources and support in order to meet their most rigorous learning outcomes.
Understands that we are members of one school with one mission, working together at all times. We share our passion for teaching and learning with our colleagues, our students, and our families to achieve the mission.
Responsibilities:
Instructional Leadership & Teacher Coaching
Embody & Élan Academy’s mission, vision, and values;
Participate in an annual summer staff orientation and training;
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of content knowledge and Louisiana State Standards.
Conduct weekly observations and deliver targeted, actionable feedback to all 5th-8th grade teachers through structured coaching cycles
Facilitate weekly individual coaching meetings with each teacher, focused on high-leverage instructional moves tied to student performance data
Model lessons and co-teach to support teacher development in real time
Lead content-specific or grade-level professional development sessions aligned to school-wide instructional priorities
Monitor lesson plan quality and unit planning to ensure alignment to standards and classical curriculum framework
Analyze student assessment data with teachers to identify trends, adjust instruction, and close performance gaps
Support new teacher onboarding and accelerate their development through intensified coaching schedules
Manage teacher performance through clear expectations, improvement plans when necessary, and retention strategies for top performers
School Culture & Student Support
Uphold and reinforce school-wide behavior expectations and discipline systems for middle school scholars
Serve as a visible, consistent presence in hallways, classrooms, and transitions
Partner with teachers and families to address student behavioral and academic concerns
Lead or support restorative conversations, disciplinary hearings, and re-entry meetings
Build and maintain a middle school culture rooted in high expectations, joy, and accountability
Operations & Leadership
Collaborate with the Principal on school-wide strategic planning, scheduling, and staffing decisions
Assist with coordination of state testing, interim assessments, and data review cycles
Represent the school in engagements with families, NOPSB, and community partners as needed
Support daily school operations including arrival, dismissal, lunch duty, and emergency procedures
Participate in leadership team meetings and contribute to continuous improvement planning
Qualifications:
Education Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree Required ( Master’s degree preferred)
At least five (5) years of highly effective teaching experience with a record of strong student outcomes, preferably in an urban school setting
Prior leadership experience (grade-level lead, instructional coach, or dean) strongly preferred
Deep commitment to educational equity and the belief that all children, regardless of background, deserve access to a world-class education
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to deliver direct, growth-oriented feedback
Knowledge of classical curriculum, blended learning, or college-prep school models is a plus
Mindset Requirements:
Believe that there is not a more urgent task than providing an outstanding academic and character education to ALL scholars regardless of race, socioeconomic status, gender,
Believe that the children of New Orleans have been historically underserved, and they deserve an excellent education.
Believe the opportunity gap can be eliminated and that this can be accomplished not through heroics but through focused instruction.
Believe children can thrive academically, creatively, and emotionally in a highly organized learning environment.
Believe fostering great relationships with families and stakeholders can lead to transformational learning opportunities.
Believe high-quality schools focus on scholar learning and intentionally use data to influence outcomes.
Believe that all members of the Élan Academy Community are capable of growth. We invest in consistent, measurable, and meaningful learning opportunities that promote academic and personal advancement for all scholars and adults.
Believe that the standardized exams our students take (NWEA, iLEAP, STEP, and our Interim Assessments) provide valuable data that must inform our instruction.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
Ability to stand, walk, stoop, and bend for extended periods.
Ability to assist students with physical tasks as needed.
Compensation:
Élan Academy offers a generous compensation package, including a 401 (K) contribution match, health, dental, and vision insurance, and more! Élan Academy also ensures that ALL staff members are equipped with the tools needed to succeed, including a dedicated work space, laptop computer, email, high-speed internet access, and all necessary supplies.