Principal, Betances STEM Magnet School, Grades 5-8 (C129-2526)

Hartford Public Schools; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 143,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Hartford Public Schools seeks a visionary principal for Betances STEM Magnet School (Grades 5-8) to lead STEM integration, equity, and student achievement in an urban setting. The candidate will guide instruction, foster collaboration with families and staff, and advance a culture of respect and belonging.

The ideal applicant brings PLTW familiarity, data-driven decision making, restorative practices, and a track record of elevating diverse students’ outcomes while aligning with Hartford’s

Qualifications

• Extensive instructional experience in urban/multi-cultural settings
• Knowledge of magnet school enrollment policies, procedures, and legal requirements
• Experience integrating STEM education with project-based methodologies and real-world problem-solving
• Strong and collaborative leadership with an inclusive style
• Understanding of adolescent development and age-appropriate programming for grades 5-8
• Demonstrated use of technology in instruction, management, and communication
• Record of leading and motivating adults and students
• Knowledge of curriculum design and assessment
• Data-driven focus on student achievement
• Equitable leadership practices impacting instruction, culture, and climate
• Knowledge of federal and state mandates (IDEA, 504, Title IX, MTSS)
• Diverse staff recruitment and development
• Ability to develop professional capacity of school personnel
• Excellent communication to foster relationships with students, families, and staff
• Experience building partnerships with community organizations
• Commitment to high academic achievement and whole-child development
• Experience with restorative practices and student-centered learning
• Knowledge of school operations and resource management
• Inspiring leadership with accountability for growth
• Five years of teaching experience
• One year as assistant principal
• One year as building principal preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional leadership focused on student learning and growth
• Lead magnet school initiatives and STEM integration across content areas
• Collaborate with families, faculty, and staff to foster a culture of belonging
• Ensure equity-focused practices and community engagement
• Oversee program implementation and compliance with policies
• Build partnerships and secure resources for the school
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness across student populations

Skills

Urban education experience

Equity-focused leadership

STEM integration

PLTW familiarity

Project-based learning

Data-driven instruction

Restorative practices

Family engagement

Curriculum development

Instructional leadership

Staff development

Communication skills

Adolescent development

Education

CT Intermediate Administration and Supervision certification

Tools

PLTW curriculum

Job description

REVISED SALARY RANGE

POSITION

Principal, Betances STEM Magnet School (Grades 5-8)

REPORTS TO

Superintendent of Schools/Deputy Superintendent of Schools and Academic Excellence/Executive Director of Instruction

POSITION SUMMARY

Hartford Public Schools seeks a visionary educational leader who brings both heart and expertise to guide our Betances STEM Magnet School. This dynamic middle school integrates traditional core subjects with an advanced academic focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, preparing students with 21st-century skills to become confident problem solvers and critical thinkers.We're looking for a principal who demonstrates:

• A genuine passion for educating young people and unlocking their full potential
• Deep commitment to closing achievement gaps through equity-focused practices
• Proven ability to create learning environments where all students thrive
• Extensive experience in urban education settings with understanding of diverse community needs
• Understanding of the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of adolescents during this critical development stage
• Track record of providing strong instructional leadership centered on student learning and growth

The ideal candidate will combine innovative thinking with practical experience, partnering authentically with families, faculty, and staff to cultivate an environment where students develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed for future success. This leader will build a culture of respect, joy, and belonging that creates conditions for both student and staff to flourish.Additionally, we seek candidates with:

• Comprehensive understanding of magnet school practices, laws, and legal settlements specific to Hartford’s student enrollment requirements
• Demonstrated track record of academic success with diverse student populations
• Knowledge of programming across middle grades
• Experience applying STEM curricular connections to project-based learning and real-world problem-solving, including familiarity with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) curriculum and implementation
• Understanding of how STEM integration across all content areas deepens student understanding and extends learning beyond the classroom

This leadership role offers the opportunity to guide a school community committed to building strong background knowledge in STEM fields while fostering the critical thinking skills that will serve our students throughout their educational journey and beyond.To learn more about Betances STEM Magnet School, please click here.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES OF IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Extensive instructional experience in urban/multi-cultural settings and cultural responsiveness
• Skills in monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness across diverse student populations
• Knowledge of and experience with the opportunities and challenges of magnet schools
• Specific knowledge of magnet school enrollment policies, procedures, and legal requirements
• Experience integrating STEM education with project-base methodologies and connecting theoretical concepts to real-world applications and problem-solving, including experience with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) curriculum and implementation
• Strong and collaborative leadership with an honest, transparent, and inclusive style that supports high student outcomes and educational excellence
• Understanding of adolescent development and age-appropriate programming for grades 5-8
• Demonstrated knowledge and effective use of technology in instruction, management, and communication
• Record of success leading and motivating adults (as a director, chair, coach, or administrator) and students
• Knowledge of pedagogy for development of curriculum and assessment that supports student learning
• Persistent use of data and researched-based focus on student achievement
• Demonstrated equitable leadership practices that impact instruction, culture, and climate
• Knowledge of all federal and state mandates and regulations (IDEA, 504, Title IX, MTSS, etc.)
• Demonstrated skill in diverse staff recruitment, development, supervision, evaluation, and retention
• Ability to develop the professional capacity and practice of school personnel to promote student achievement
• Outstanding and visible communication skills with the ability to foster strong relationships with all members of the school community (students, teachers, families, staff) to advance the school’s mission and vision
• Demonstrated experience building partnerships and resources for a school and a willingness to work with various community partners
• Unwavering commitment to high academic achievement, social-emotional, and whole child development of all students
• Experience with multiple approaches to address behaviors and instructional practices that empower students, such as restorative practices, student centered learning, etc.
• Knowledge of financial management and ability to manage school operations and resources to promote each student’s academic success and well-being
• Ability to inspire excellence in others and hold staff accountable for student growth, academic results, performance, and culturally responsive practices
• Five (5) years of successful teaching experience
• One (1) year of successful experience as an assistant principal, required
• One (1) year of successful experience as a building principal, preferred

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Connecticut certification in Intermediate Administration and 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 for twelve-month positions: K-8 Principal, Salary Range of $143,077 to $162,873.