Principal

Illinois Education Job Bank; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement bonuses

Holiday bonuses

Job summary

South Side Christian Academy in Peoria, IL seeks a principal who will provide Christ-centered leadership, support teachers, and build strong family partnerships while advancing academic excellence in an underserved community.

The ideal candidate will lead with grace and high expectations, oversee operations, and collaborate with the Assistant Principal to foster a loving, disciplined school culture grounded in biblical worldview and PBIS practices.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Educational Leadership or related field.
• Illinois Type 75 admin certification preferred, or willingness to pursue one.
• Teaching experience and proven success in instructional leadership, staff development, and school operations.
• Experience in an urban, low-income, or turnaround school setting strongly preferred; faith-based school experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide Christ-centered leadership for staff and students through devotions, prayer, and discipleship.
• Hire, coach, evaluate, and retain high-quality teachers and staff.
• Set high academic expectations and use data and intervention to drive student growth.
• Ensure curriculum meets state standards and integrates a biblical worldview.
• Lead a positive school culture built on PBIS and restorative practices.
• Build strong partnerships with parents, guardians, and community organizations.
• Oversee daily operations, facilities, and safety; supervise the Assistant Principal.
• Manage the budget, Title I funds, and donor resources; report to the School Board.

Skills

Leadership

Instructional leadership

Staff development

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Educational Leadership

Illinois Type 75 administrative certification

Job description

The Opportunity

We are looking for a leader who sees this role as more than a job. Our next principal will be passionate about Jesus, committed to academic excellence, and eager to invest in children, families, and the South Peoria community.

The ideal candidate will lead with both grace and high expectations, support and develop teachers, build strong relationships with families, and foster a school culture where students are loved, challenged, and equipped to fulfill their God-given potential. The Principal works closely with an Assistant Principal, who leads much of the day-to-day student behavior, arrival and dismissal, and family engagement work.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide Christ-centered leadership for staff and students through devotions, prayer, and discipleship
• Hire, coach, evaluate, and retain high-quality teachers and staff
• Set high academic expectations and use data and intervention to drive student growth
• Ensure curriculum meets state standards and integrates a biblical worldview
• Lead a positive school culture built on PBIS and restorative practices
• Build strong partnerships with parents, guardians, and community organizations
• Supervise the Assistant Principal and oversee daily operations, facilities, and safety
• Manage the budget, Title I funds, and donor resources, and report regularly to the School Board

Qualifications

Heart and Calling. The ideal candidate will:

• Have a personal faith in Jesus Christ and affirm SSCA's Statement of Faith
• Be an active member of a local church and comfortable leading prayer and devotions
• Demonstrate a genuine heart for serving children and families in an underserved community
• Encourage and hold staff accountable while maintaining a Christ-centered, supportive culture
• Value family partnerships, academic growth, spiritual formation, and student development

Education and Experience

• Masters degree in Educational Leadership or a related field
• Illinois Type 75 administrative certification (Principal endorsement) preferred, or the ability and willingness to pursue one
• Teaching experience and proven success in instructional leadership, staff development, and school operations
• Experience in an urban, low-income, or turnaround school setting strongly preferred; faith-based school experience a plus
• Strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills

Salary/Benefits

Salary Range based on experience: $65,000-80,000

Retirement and Holiday bonuses

Additional Notes

About South Side Christian Academy

Founded in 2016, SSCA is a tuition-free Christian school serving students in grades K through 8, primarily from the 61605 ZIP code. Our mission is to reach and transform children and families for Christ by establishing a solid biblical worldview, confirming value and hope in Christ, and preparing each young person through a high-quality education for a life of service to God and others.

We believe every child has God-given value and potential. We come alongside families to provide an excellent Christian education in a safe, nurturing environment where students grow academically, spiritually, and personally. Many of our students come from families without a church background, which makes SSCA both a school and a mission field.

As a fully faith-funded school and an advocate ministry of Lifesong for Orphans, we trust God to provide through the generosity of those who share our vision.

For more information, please call Missy at 309-369-0229 or Cassie at 309-222-7558.