Assistant Principal, Maria C. Colon Sanchez Elementary School, Grades PK-5 (C142-2627)

Nimble; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 139,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Hartford Public Schools seeks an Assistant Principal for Maria C. Colon Sanchez Elementary School (PK-5) in Hartford.

The role emphasizes instructional leadership, literacy expertise, and a data-driven approach to reduce achievement gaps and support the whole child. The ideal candidate will drive MTSS implementation, analyze academic and climate data, and promote a positive school culture with restorative practices.

Qualifications

• Experience leading elementary school instruction in urban, multicultural settings.
• Strong instructional leadership with literacy focus and track record of improving classroom practice.
• Data-driven decision making to guide school-wide strategies.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, refine, and strengthen academic programs using student data.
• Shape school philosophy, vision, and policies with staff, families, and community.
• Collaborate with special education to ensure compliant IEP services integrated with instruction.
• Use data to drive instructional decisions and coach staff on high-leverage practices.
• Assist in school improvement planning and systemic changes to raise achievement.
• Supervise and evaluate personnel within supervisory scope.
• Build relationships with partner agencies to strengthen community resources.
• Respectfully communicate with bargaining unit members and adhere to policies.

Skills

Instructional leadership

Literacy expertise

Data-driven decision making

MTSS leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Accountability

Leadership in urban settings

Technology proficiency

Education

Connecticut Certification in Intermediate Administration or Supervision (092)

Job description

POSITION

Assistant Principal, Maria C. Colon Sanchez Elementary School (Grades PK-5)

REPORTS TO

Principal of the School and/or the Superintendent of Schools and CEO’s designee

POSITION SUMMARY

Hartford Public Schools seeks an assistant principal with a passion for educating children, a commitment to closing achievement gaps, and the ability to maximize learning for all students. We invite applications from innovative professionals dedicated to urban education who understand the academic, social, and emotional needs of students at every stage of development.

The assistant principal will design, organize, and model effective instruction, communication, discipline, and intervention while promoting a positive school culture and climate. In the absence of the principal, the assistant principal will assume all responsibilities for the administration and supervision of the program, staff, and building.

The ideal candidate for Maria Sanchez Elementary School will bring three essential strengths. First is strong instructional leadership and literacy expertise, including a solid background in literacy instruction and a proven track record of improving classroom practices and driving measurable student achievement. Second is data-driven decision-making, with the ability to effectively analyze academic, behavioral, and climate data to inform instruction, design targeted interventions, and guide school-wide strategies. Third is expertise in leading and strengthening a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to ensure that students’ academic and social-emotional needs are met across all tiers.

At Sanchez, we live by our motto: We are Crew, not passengers. Teamwork and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do, and we step up to support one another every day. We prioritize a compassionate school environment built on strong Restorative Practices and daily mindfulness, supporting the whole child and promoting a positive, safe climate. Every classroom engages in dedicated Crew lessons built around our PEER Code (Perseverance, Enthusiasm, Exploration, and Respect), embedding character development directly into the daily routine. Students have a direct platform to share ideas, advocate for their peers, and make meaningful improvements to their school environment through Crew Council and Celebratory Crew. Our proactive, well-established MTSS framework ensures that no student falls through the cracks, academically or behaviorally. Our highly collaborative, energetic team of educators enjoys working together and celebrating student growth.

To learn more about Maria C. Colon Sanchez Elementary School, please visit: https://www.sanchezschool.org/o/sanchez

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Partner with the principal and instructional staff to evaluate, refine, and strengthen academic programs, using student data to align school goals with district priorities
• Shape and communicate the school's philosophy, vision, and policies, building a shared sense of purpose among staff, families, and the broader community
• Recommend and implement programming changes that reflect best practices and the evolving needs of the school community
• Collaborate with special education staff to ensure IEP services are delivered in a manner that is compliant, equitable, and fully integrated with the school's instructional programs
• Use data to drive instructional decisions, coach staff on high-leverage academic and behavioral strategies, and connect improvement efforts to measurable outcomes
• Assist school improvement planning and implementation, driving the systemic changes needed to advance academic achievement
• Structure roles and assignments for specialized staff to maximize team effectiveness and morale
• Identify vacancies, recommend strong candidates for teaching positions, and support the principal in building a talented, mission-aligned team
• Provide consistent supervision and evaluation of personnel within the scope of supervisory responsibility
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with public and private partner agencies, keeping the school an active and trusted community resource
• Implement collective bargaining agreements and maintain open, respectful communication with bargaining unit members
• Make budgetary recommendations, pursue funding opportunities, and contribute to grant proposal development
• Ensure timely, accurate reporting and support implementation of the school's Plan for School Excellence and Accountability
• Uphold applicable federal and state regulations, Board of Education policies, and administrative guidelines
• Perform assigned duties outside the regular workday when school-related; such unpaid duties will be distributed as fairly and equitably as possible among administrators
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Principal and/or the Superintendent and CEO's designee

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/ABILITIES OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Instructional experience at the elementary school level in urban and multicultural settings, with a deep understanding of the needs and opportunities unique to neighborhood schools
• Strong, collaborative leadership style that is honest, transparent, and inclusive — consistently focused on high student outcomes and educational excellence
• Outstanding communication skills and a visible, approachable presence that builds authentic relationships with students, staff, families, and the broader community
• Unwavering commitment to the academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and whole-child development of every student
• High personal accountability for student growth, academic results, and staff performance, paired with a persistent, data-informed approach to continuous improvement
• Demonstrated success leading and motivating adults — whether as a grade-level lead, instructional coach, or administrator
• Proven equitable leadership practices with measurable impact on instruction, school culture, and climate
• Deep knowledge of pedagogy, curriculum development, and assessment design that centers student learning and advances equitable outcomes
• Experience with MTSS frameworks that use data to identify instructional needs, monitor progress, and implement targeted interventions across literacy and mathematics
• Knowledge of financial management and the ability to align resources strategically in support of school priorities
• Fluency in leveraging technology as a tool for teaching, learning, and operational effectiveness
• A genuine ability to inspire excellence in others and unite all school stakeholders around a common vision and shared goals
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and PowerSchool (or comparable student information systems)

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Connecticut Certification in Intermediate Administration or Supervision (092) is required.

UNION AFFILIATION

Hartford Principals’ and Supervisors’ Association (HPSA)

SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary is in accordance with the Hartford Principals’ and Supervisors’ Association’s 2026-2027 Schedule: Assistant Principal Group 19 with a salary range of $138,539 - $155,174 (12-month work year).