Assistant Principal - High School

Durham Public Schools; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham Public Schools seeks an Assistant Principal for the Early College at Durham School of Technology (DST). The role centers on visible, supportive leadership, equitable decision making, and strong relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners.

The successful candidate will lead instructional improvement, support high-quality teaching, and collaborate with the DST leadership team to move school goals forward with a compassionate, data-informed approach.

Qualifications

• Visible, approachable, and supportive leadership are essential.
• Equity-focused decision making with sound professional judgment.
• Strong communication with students, families, staff, and community partners.
• Active instructional leadership with focus on classroom walkthroughs and feedback.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and solution-oriented leadership.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a consistent and visible presence throughout the school, including classrooms and main activities.
• Establish, communicate, and reinforce clear expectations for students and staff with equity in mind.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with stakeholders; listen and respond promptly to concerns.
• Provide instructional leadership, conduct walkthroughs, give actionable feedback, and support Tier 1 instruction.
• Collaborate with the DST leadership team, remain flexible, and contribute beyond assigned duties when needed.

Job description

Position Overview

The Early College at Durham School of Technology (DST) seeks a dynamic, student-centered Assistant Principal who will work collaboratively with the Principal, staff, students, families, and community partners to advance the school's mission and culture. The successful candidate will be a visible, approachable, supportive, equitable, responsive, and instructionally focused leader who demonstrates a strong commitment to student achievement, staff development, and continuous school improvement. The Assistant Principal must be willing to be actively engaged in the daily life of the school, build meaningful relationships, support high-quality teaching and learning, and approach challenges with a collaborative and solution-oriented mindset.

Essential Leadership Responsibilities

Visible, Approachable, and Supportive Leadership

Maintain a consistent and visible presence throughout the school, including classrooms, hallways, arrival, dismissal, lunch, and school activities. Build positive relationships with students and staff and demonstrate a willingness to step in wherever needed. Provide meaningful, timely support to teachers while contributing to a safe, welcoming, and productive school environment.

Fairness, Consistency, and Equity

Establish, communicate, and reinforce clear expectations for students and staff. Apply school policies, procedures, and expectations consistently while considering individual circumstances and maintaining an equitable, student-centered approach to decision-making. Demonstrate sound professional judgment, integrity, confidentiality, and fairness.

Communication and Responsiveness

Communicate clearly, professionally, and consistently with students, staff, families, and community partners. Listen actively to concerns and perspectives, respond to needs in a timely manner, and demonstrate dependable follow-through. Help ensure that important information is communicated accurately and that stakeholders feel heard and supported.

Instructional Leadership and Teacher Support

Serve as an active instructional leader with a strong understanding of effective teaching, learning, assessment, and student engagement. Conduct classroom walkthroughs and observations, provide meaningful and actionable feedback, participate in PLCs and data analysis, and support teachers in strengthening Tier 1 instruction. Listen to teacher input, identify appropriate resources, and help create the conditions necessary for both teachers and students to succeed.

Compassionate, Resourceful, and Solution-Oriented Leadership

Approach students, staff, and families with compassion, professionalism, and respect. Demonstrate the ability to identify challenges, analyze contributing factors, and work collaboratively to develop practical solutions. Maintain a focus on moving the work forward and improving outcomes rather than simply identifying problems.

Collaboration and Adaptability

Function as a collaborative member of the DST leadership team who is open to feedback and willing to adjust practices when circumstances require. Demonstrate flexibility, initiative, dependability, and a willingness to contribute beyond assigned responsibilities when necessary to support the success of the school.

Desired Leadership Profile

The ideal Assistant Principal will demonstrate a genuine commitment to Our Culture, Our Community, and Our Commitment and understand that effective school leadership requires both instructional expertise and strong relationships.