Assistant Principal - Middle School

Sylvania; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Amherst Regional Middle School is seeking an experienced Assistant Principal to provide immediate leadership support and partner closely with the Principal to ensure a safe, supportive, and productive environment for students and staff.

The role emphasizes day-to-day operations, staff supervision and evaluation, student support, and building a positive school climate, with a strong background in Special Education highly preferred.

Qualifications

• Massachusetts Administrator License (Assistant Principal/Principal, PK-8 or 5-12) required.
• Leadership experience at the middle school level (preferred) or other school settings.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, evaluate, and support staff effectively.
• Excellent communication, conflict-resolution, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience navigating complex personnel or school culture situations with diplomacy and clarity.
• Strong background in Special Education (highly preferred).
• Commitment to equity, restorative practices, and inclusive school culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support day-to-day school operations in partnership with the Principal.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and accountability to staff.
• Oversee student discipline aligned with district policy and restorative practices.
• Collaborate with counselors and student services to meet student needs.
• Promote a positive, inclusive school culture and visible school leadership.
• Support staff during changes with empathy and professionalism.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship-building

Staff supervision & evaluation

Communication

Education

Massachusetts Administrator License (Assistant Principal/Principal, PK-8 or 5-12)

Job description

Anticipated Start Date: October 1, 2026
Reports To: Principal
Location: Amherst Regional Middle School

Position Type: Full-Time (School Year - 232 Days)

Position Overview

Amherst Regional Middle School is seeking a highly skilled and student-centered Assistant Principal to provide immediate leadership support. We are seeking a steady, collaborative, and highly professional leader who can partner closely with the Principal to ensure a safe, supportive, and productive environment for all students and staff.

The Assistant Principal will play a pivotal role in supporting day-to-day operations, assisting with staff supervision and evaluation, responding to student and staff concerns, and fostering a positive school climate. This role requires someone who is grounded, adaptable, skilled in relationship-building, and able to support the Principal as needed.

A strong background in Special Education is highly desirable given the needs of the building and the work ahead.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & School Operations

• Support the Principal in managing school-wide operations.
• Serve as a dependable administrative partner who can assume leadership responsibilities when the Principal is addressing urgent or sensitive matters.
• Attend and facilitate staff meetings, grade-level team meetings, and crisis or problem-solving meetings as needed.

Staff Supervision & Evaluation

• Assist with educator evaluation, including observations, feedback cycles, and documentation within the district’s evaluation framework.
• Help ensure that evaluation processes remain timely, thorough, and supportive, even as building needs fluctuate.
• Provide coaching, structured support, and accountability for staff as appropriate.

Student Support & Discipline

• Oversee student discipline consistent with district policy and restorative practices.
• Partner with counselors, special educators, and student services staff to meet student needs and strengthen support systems.
• Collaborate on crisis response, safety assessments, and family communication as needed.

Culture & Climate

• Contribute actively to strengthening a positive, inclusive, and collaborative school culture.
• Serve as a visible, engaged leader who builds trust with students, staff, and families.
• Model professionalism, emotional steadiness, and clear communication.

Collaboration & Staff Support

• Work closely with the Principal to monitor and ensure adherence to district expectations and maintaining a safe, respectful workplace for all.
• Provide an additional administrative presence to help address concerns promptly and equitably.
• Support staff through change by demonstrating relational skill, empathy, and unwavering professionalism.

Qualifications

• Massachusetts Administrator License (Assistant Principal/Principal, PK-8 or 5-12) required.
• Leadership experience at the middle school level (preferred) or other school settings.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, evaluate, and support staff effectively.
• Excellent communication, conflict-resolution, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience navigating complex personnel or school culture situations with diplomacy and clarity.
• Strong background in Special Education (highly preferred).
• Commitment to equity, restorative practices, and inclusive school culture.

Compensation

Salary will be commensurate with experience and aligned with the Amherst-Pelham Administrators Association (APAA) contract where applicable.