Impactful Principal for 5–6: Innovation & Culture

North Plainfield School District; North Plainfield (NJ); On-site; USD 122,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Plainfield School District seeks a Principal for Somerset Intermediate School (grades 5-6) who will lead standards-aligned instruction, use assessment data to drive improvement, and maintain a positive, structured school culture.

The ideal candidate has a NJ Principal Certificate, strong instructional leadership, and experience in middle school settings, with skills in communication, collaboration with staff and families, and district budgeting.

Qualifications

• Valid New Jersey Principal Certificate (Standard or CE) required.
• Minimum of five years of successful teaching experience (upper elementary or middle school preferred).
• Previous administrative experience required (upper elementary or middle school preferred).
• Strong instructional leadership with an understanding of standards-aligned curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
• Demonstrated record of improving student achievement and assessment results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a calm, professional approach.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a solution-oriented mindset.
• Experience building relationships with students, staff, and families.
• Experience in instructional coaching, facilitating PLCs, analyzing student achievement data, and leading school improvement initiatives.
• Bilingual preferred.

Responsibilities

• Improve student achievement; align instruction to New Jersey standards and use data to set and monitor goals.
• Lead restorative practices and establish schoolwide behavior systems.
• Maintain a positive, collaborative school culture with staff involvement in student success.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with staff, students, families, and district leadership.
• Manage operations including master scheduling and safe, organized routines across grade models.
• Steward building budget and district resources to meet instructional priorities.

Skills

Instructional leadership

Communication

Relationship building

Problem solving

Coaching & PLC facilitation

Data-driven improvement

Bilingual (preferred)

Education

New Jersey Principal Certificate (Standard or CE)

Job description

The North Plainfield School District seeks a Principal for Somerset Intermediate School (grades 5-6) who will lead standards-aligned instruction, use assessment data to drive improvement, and maintain a positive, structured school culture.

The ideal candidate has a NJ Principal Certificate, strong instructional leadership, and experience in middle school settings, with skills in communication, collaboration with staff and families, and district budgeting.