Principal Elementary (Anticipated 2026-2027)

Springfield Public Schools (Massachusetts); Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 123,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Springfield Public Schools in Springfield, Massachusetts, is seeking a visionary elementary school principal to lead a diverse, high‑performing campus serving students from over 60 languages.

You will champion rigorous instruction, use data to drive improvement, foster a safe and inclusive school culture, recruit and develop staff, and build authentic partnerships with families and the wider community to ensure every child thrives.

Qualifications

• Master's degree is required.
• Massachusetts Principal licensure or eligibility is required.
• At least 5 years of successful teaching experience is expected.
• Proven leadership with measurable student achievement gains.
• Experience working with diverse, multilingual student populations is required.
• Strong knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and data‑driven practices is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead instructional leadership, champion rigorous, engaging teaching and use data to drive decisions.
• Create a safe, welcoming, student‑centered environment and recruit/develop a diverse staff.
• Engage families and communities to build lasting impact beyond the classroom.
• Inspire equity and culture of continuous learning and collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Data-driven practices

Equity focus

Diversity/multilingual experience

Curriculum knowledge

Education

Master's degree

Massachusetts Principal licensure (or eligibility)

Job description

Principal (Elementary School)

Springfield Public Schools Springfield, Massachusetts

Lead Bold Change. Inspire Every Child. Shape the Future. What if your leadership could impact 24,000 students, representing over 60 countries and 44+ languages, in a district where diversity is not just present – it's celebrated?

At Springfield Public Schools, we are on a powerful trajectory of growth and achievement. In recent years, our schools have made measurable academic gains in literacy and math, expanded early literacy success initiatives, and increased graduation rates – all while deepening our commitment to equity and culturally responsive teaching. We are proud to be the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts, and even prouder of the progress our students and educators are making together.

Now, we're looking for a visionary leader ready to build on this momentum.

Why This Role Matters

As a Principal, you are more than a school leader – you are a community builder, instructional innovator, and champion for equity. You will shape a joyful, high‑performing learning environment where every student thrives and every educator grows.

This Is Your Opportunity To

• Lead a school where student growth and achievement are accelerating
• Empower educators through coaching, mentorship, and data‑driven practices
• Partner with families and communities to create lasting impact beyond the classroom
• Drive a vision where every child is seen, heard, and prepared for success

What You'll Do

Instructional Leadership

• Champion rigorous, engaging, and inclusive teaching practices
• Use data to drive decisions and accelerate student growthProvide meaningful feedback and coaching to elevate teaching and learning

School Culture & Operations

• Create a safe, welcoming, and student‑centered environment
• Recruit, develop, and retain a high‑performing, diverse staff
• Manage resources strategically to support student success

Family & Community Engagement

• Build authentic partnerships with families from all backgrounds
• Foster a school community where every voice matters
• Communicate openly, respectfully, and consistently

Professional Culture

• Inspire a shared vision of excellence and equity
• Cultivate a culture of continuous learning and collaboration
• Lead with integrity, empathy, and high expectations

What Makes Springfield Public Schools Different?

• Diversity is our strength: A vibrant, multicultural community that enriches learning every day
• Real support for leaders: Access to instructional leadership specialists, coaching, and tailored professional development
• Career growth: "Grow Your Own" programs and leadership pathways
• Data that drives impact: We invest in strategies that show real results for students

We are a district where educators feel valued, supported, and empowered to lead.

Who You Are

You are a passionate, equity‑driven leader who believes deeply in the potential of every child and educator.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (required)
• Massachusetts Principal licensure (or eligibility)
• At least 5 years of successful teaching experience
• Proven leadership experience with measurable student achievement gains
• Experience working with diverse, multilingual student populations
• Strong knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and data‑driven practices

Compensation

$123,192 - $144,931 annually

Comprehensive benefits package included.

Our Commitment to Equity

Springfield Public Schools is committed to building a team that reflects the rich diversity of our students. We strongly encourage candidates of all races, ethnicities, genders, identities, abilities, and backgrounds to apply.

We believe: Great schools are built by diverse leaders who bring bold ideas, lived experiences, and a shared commitment to excellence.

About Our District

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence.

In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting‑edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in "Grow our Own" and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways.

Discrimination & Equal Opportunity

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status.

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools' Title IX Coordinator, [e-mail], the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr, or both.

The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Jeremy Saint Laurent, Chief Legal Counsel in Legal Services, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55325, [e-mail].

Springfield Public School's sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located on the Springfield Public Schools website, www.springfieldpublicschools.com/non-discrimination

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to [e-mail]