Principal, Gr. 6-8

Young World Physical Education

Cambridge (MA)

On-site

USD 80,000 - 120,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Young World Physical Education is seeking a Principal for grades 6-8 in Cambridge, MA. The ideal candidate will serve as the instructional and operational leader, fostering a positive school culture and driving student achievement through effective instructional practices.

This full-time position requires extensive experience in instructional leadership and a Master's degree in education. The Principal will manage staff, operations, and build partnerships with families for student success.

Qualifications

Minimum five years of instructional leadership experience in relevant positions.
Demonstrated ability to improve student outcomes using data.

Responsibilities

Lead the implementation of high-quality instructional practices.
Oversee daily school operations and staff management.
Foster a positive and inclusive school environment.

Skills

Data-driven analysis

Instructional leadership

Communication

Culturally responsive practices

Education

Master's degree in education or related field

Valid Massachusetts DESE Administrator License

Job description

Principal, Gr. 6‑8

Job ID: 5722687
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: May 19, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: Jul 1, 2026

Job Description

The Middle School Principal serves as the instructional and operational leader of the campus, responsible for driving student achievement, fostering a positive and inclusive school culture, and ensuring the effective implementation of high-quality instructional practices. The Principal leads and develops staff, manages school operations, and builds strong partnerships with families and the broader school community. This role requires a data‑driven leader who can translate student performance data into actionable strategies that improve teaching and learning outcomes across all classrooms.

Essential Functions

Instructional Leadership & Student Achievement

Establish and communicate a clear vision for high‑quality instruction aligned to school and district priorities
Implement the academic vision, strategy, and multi‑year school improvement plans in collaboration with the Chief Academic Officer
Use student achievement data (formative, interim, and summative) to drive instructional collaboration and improve outcomes
Conduct regular classroom observations and provide actionable feedback to teachers and instructional leaders
Lead the implementation of curriculum, assessment systems, and instructional frameworks
Monitor progress toward academic goals and adjust strategies to ensure continuous improvement

Professional Learning & Instructional Systems

Organize high‑quality professional learning, coaching, and feedback loops to ensure rigorous, engaging, and culturally responsive instruction
Ensure effective team collaboration by embedding common planning time and data inquiry cycles that drive student achievement
Partner with school and district leaders to strengthen programming, share best practices, and monitor progress
Build staff capacity in culturally and linguistically responsive practices that affirm diverse student identities
Manage assessment, grading, and reporting systems
Manage campus‑wide professional learning calendars
Oversee and manage the programming and schedule for all staff orientation week at the start of each school year

Staff Leadership & Talent Development

Hire, develop, evaluate, and retain high‑performing staff
Coach and support teachers and instructional leaders through regular feedback and professional development
Build leadership capacity among assistant principals, coaches, and teacher leaders
Foster a collaborative and accountable professional culture

School Culture & Student Support

Create and sustain a positive, inclusive, and safe school environment for all members
Establish clear and consistent communication with staff through a weekly memo that shares key updates, events, and district news
Oversee student behavior systems and restorative practices in collaboration with the Assistant Principal
Ensure equitable outcomes for all students, with a focus on closing achievement gaps
Partner with Assistant Principal with disciplinary actions and re‑entry plans
Partner with student support to address academic, social‑emotional, and behavioral needs
Partner with the Multilingual Learner (MLL) department to ensure English learners receive equitable, high‑quality instruction and targeted supports that promote language development and academic success

Operations & Systems Management

Oversee daily school operations, including scheduling, staffing, and compliance
Ensure systems are in place for efficient school functioning and strong communication
Oversee campus facilities and safety plans in collaboration with Facilities Manager
Manage school‑based budgets and resources in alignment with priorities
Maintain compliance with district’s code of ethics and professional standards
Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations

Family & Community Engagement

Build strong relationships with families and serve as a visible, accessible leader
Communicate regularly with families about student progress and school initiatives
Oversee the campus Family Advisory Board (FAB) in collaboration with family leaders to ensure strong two‑way communication that informs school‑based policies, resource allocation, and supports student well‑being and learning
Partner with community organizations to support student success
Provide access to community and state resources to families in need in collaboration with Assistant Principal
Lead campus initiatives for prospective families in collaboration with Chief Advancement Officer including open house, recruitment events, and tours to prospective funders
Set expectations for two‑way communication with educators and families around student progress
Engage families through culturally and linguistically responsive, collaborative practices that foster strong partnerships and support student success including partnering with family liaisons to provide translation and interpreter services

Additional Responsibilities

Collaborate with campus and K–12 leaders to ensure alignment of vision, programming, and approach
Participate in district‑wide leadership meetings, board meetings (as requested), and key school events
Support organizational priorities through additional responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications

Education & Licensure

Master's degree required in educational, educational leadership or related field
Possess a valid Massachusetts DESE Administrator License (Principal/Assistant Principal or Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent) as a condition of employment after the first year

Experience

At least five (5) years of instructional leadership experience as a principal, assistant principal, or network/district academic leader, or equivalent
At least three (3) years of classroom teaching experience
Demonstrated knowledge of public charter education
Deep understanding of middle school pedagogy and curriculum
Demonstrated ability to analyze and act on data to improve student outcomes
Proven ability to coach and develop adults
Commitment to PHA’s mission and serving diverse student populations
Demonstrated ability to build and manage effective school‑wide systems

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

Strong commitment to restorative practices and approaches to student discipline and community building
Commitment to equity‑focused academic leadership and inclusive instructional practices
Exceptional communication, change management, and cross‑functional leadership skills

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in charter, urban public school, or multi‑school network settings
Experience leading large‑scale instructional improvement initiatives

Working Conditions

Travel between campuses as required
Participation in evening meetings, leadership retreats, or board presentations as needed

Position Type

Full‑time

Job Categories

Administration > Principal/Dean/Head of School

Welcome to Prospect Hill Academy: Middle School Campus

PHA’s Middle School Campus is located in Central Square, Cambridge, MA and serves grades 6‑8. The academic program at the Middle School is designed to prepare our students for success in High School, and to inspire a life‑long love of learning. We offer a rigorous curriculum in English, Math, Social Studies, and Science, and also give students the opportunity to pursue their interests through an electives program. During class, students are working to master academic content, but also build study skills that will help them in 9th‑12th grades, college, and beyond. At the Middle School we recognize that students have a variety of learning styles and needs, and therefore have programs in place to support struggling students, and push students who need an extra challenge.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Prospect Hill Academy Charter School is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, immigration status, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.

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