Head Of Schools/Principal

Summit Schools; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit independent school in Cedar Rapids is seeking a mission-driven Head of Schools. This role includes leading the academic vision, overseeing daily operations, and fostering a positive community engagement. The ideal candidate will possess administrative licensure for Iowa, with prior leadership and teaching experience preferred. The school’s commitment to holistic child development and social-emotional learning is paramount. Competitive salary is commensurate with experience, with 20 vacation days in the first year, increasing up to 25 days.

Qualifications

• Must have strong leadership and instructional skills.
• Required administrative licensure in Iowa.
• Experience with social-emotional learning integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage school operations effectively.
• Cultivate a positive and inclusive school climate.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Cultural inclusivity

Social-emotional learning

Education

Administrative Licensure for the State of Iowa

Evaluator Approval for the State of Iowa

Elementary or Middle School teaching experience

Job description

Summit Schools, Cedar Rapids’ only nonprofit, independent PreKindergarten through 8th grade school, seeks a relational, mission-driven Head of Schools to lead a dynamic and diverse learning community.

For almost 30 years, Summit has delivered a multisensory, individualized educational experience grounded in strong academic standards and a deep commitment to social-emotional development. Families choose Summit for its small class sizes and adaptive learning models. The community-centered culture at Summit cultivates the whole child, each of whom is known, valued and supported. The school's commitment to the whole child is reflected in its strong PE, IMSE, music, art and Spanish programming. Outdoor learning, daily recess and community connections are other hallmarks of this small school.

The Head of Schools serves as the chief academic leader of the school, responsible for stewarding Summit’s mission, strengthening its culture, ensuring academic excellence, and guiding sustainable growth.

Core Leadership Responsibilities

Mission & Vision Stewardship

• Embod y, articulate, and advance the mission, vision, and values of Summit Schools.
• Serve as the cultural anchor of the school, modeling respect, inclusion, collaboration, and high expectations.
• Champion social-emotional learning and individualized instruction as core components of the school’s identity.

Academic & Instructional Leadership

• Lead faculty in maintaining and exceeding academic standards while preserving autonomy in curriculum delivery.
• Support effective multi-age instructional practices and differentiated learning strategies.
• Oversee curriculum development, assessment, grading, reporting, and technology integration.
• Support continued implementation, training and delivery of IMSE Orton-Gillingham curriculum.
• Ensure alignment with Iowa state standards and accreditation requirements.
• Provide regular classroom observation, coaching, and meaningful evaluation processes.
• Lead ongoing professional development focused on diverse learners, SEL integration, and instructional excellence.
• Oversee state testing and required reporting, including submitting BEDS reports.
• Recruit, hire, develop, and retain high-quality staff aligned with Summit’s mission.
• Foster a collaborative, cohesive, and respectful staff culture that balances autonomy with accountability.
• Lead performance evaluation, contracts, compensation recommendations, and professional growth planning.
• Support and lead a tiered MTSS support system to ensure students receive appropriate intervention and enrichment.
• Ensure clear communication and consistent expectations across all programs.

Student Experience & School Climate

• Cultivate a safe, inclusive, and orderly learning environment where students thrive academically and emotionally.
• Establish and uphold standards for student conduct and community expectations.
• Oversee academic records, student guidance, and reporting practices.
• Maintain visible and engaged leadership presence within classrooms and school activities.

Board Partnership & Strategic Leadership

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Trustees.
• Provide strategic insight, data, and scenario planning to support board decision-making.
• Implement board policies, review annually and recommend policy revisions as appropriate.
• Prepare reports and maintain transparent communication regarding school operations and strategic priorities.
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled meetings, including committee meetings and board retreats.

Operational & Organizational Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day school operations including academic programs, extended care, tutoring, summer programs, and enrichment.
• Collaborate on budget development and monitor financial stewardship in alignment with enrollment and long-term sustainability goals.
• Supervise facilities operations, compliance, and vendor relationships.
• Stay current on SAI legislation, impacts to school operations and coordinate with Administration and Board as needed to address changes.
• Manage technology inventory, staff access and coordinate with AEA as needed.
• Prepare master scheduling and faculty assignments.

Community Engagement & Enrollment

• Serve as an ambassador for Summit within the broader Cedar Rapids community.
• Support admissions and enrollment efforts in partnership with the Director of Business and Operations.
• Strengthen relationships with families, alumni, and community partners.
• Represent the school with state, regional, and national educational organizations.

Reports to:
The Head of Schools will report directly to and be supervised by the Summit Schools Board of Trustees.

Qualifications

• Administrative Licensure for the State of Iowa.
• Evaluator Approval for the State of Iowa
• Elementary or Middle School teaching experience is preferred.

Terms of Employment

• Contract Months: July 1 - June 30
• Vacation Days: 20 days in the first year, additional day each year thereafter up to five years (25 days)

Salary Range

• Commensurate with experience

Interested candidates, please submit the following:

• Letter of Interest
• At least 3 letters of recommendation

Submit application materials to Teach Iowa or send them through email to:

Tara DeWolf, Board of Trustees - President