TOSA – School Leadership

HILLCREST ELEMENTARY; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 51,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

HILLCREST ELEMENTARY is seeking a TOSA – School Leadership in Lawrence, KS to participate in a principal pipeline program. The role focuses on instructional leadership, coaching, data-driven improvement, and building operations aligned with district priorities.

The position includes mentorship from the principal and district leaders, plus structured leadership experiences across instruction, culture, operations, and family engagement, with a commitment to attend the District Leadership Academy

Qualifications

• Holds a current Kansas teaching license, or other appropriate state license, and is eligible for employment in the district.
• Enrolled in an approved building leadership program of study, such as a principal preparation program, or holds a Kansas Initial Building Leadership License, or equivalent initial administrative license.
• Demonstrates success as an educator and evidence of leadership potential.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the principal to advance the school’s instructional vision and continuous improvement goals.
• Support high-quality instruction through coaching cycles, including planning, modeling lessons, co-teaching, observing, and providing feedback.
• Use student learning data, walkthrough trends, and other evidence to identify instructional priorities and professional learning needs.
• Support PLC structures and content or grade-level teams through agenda planning, facilitation support, and follow-through.
• Contribute to professional learning efforts aligned with district curriculum, assessment, and instructional expectations.
• Learn and support core building systems, including daily operations, schedules, supervision plans, routines, and procedures.
• Collaborate with office staff and building teams to ensure systems are efficient, student-centered, and aligned with district expectations.
• Strengthen school culture through visibility, relationship-building, and consistent implementation of building expectations.
• Build relationships with families and community partners to strengthen trust, communication, and engagement.

Skills

Leadership potential

Instructional coaching

Data-driven decision making

Communication

Education

Kansas teaching license or equivalent

Enrollment in building leadership program / Initial Building Leadership License

Job description

Lawrence Unified School District (KS) HILLCREST ELEMENTARY - Lawrence, Kansas Open in Google Maps

TOSA – School Leadership

Lawrence Unified School District (KS) HILLCREST ELEMENTARY - Lawrence, Kansas Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5860585

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Jul 29, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 3, 2026

Job Description

SomeHiring Administrators do not wait for positions to close beforethey begininterviewing. We hireas quickly as possible to be sure we get the most highly qualified candidates as soon as we see them. Please be sure to apply as soon as you can!

TITLE: TOSA – School Leadership

Reports to: Building Principal, with support from District Leadership and HR as applicable

Position Purpose:

The TOSA – School Leadership is a leadership development role designed to strengthen the district’s internal pipeline of future school leaders. In this role, the TOSA develops and demonstrates capacity as an instructional leader while gaining hands‑on, mentored experience in instructional coaching, building operations, school culture and climate, and family engagement. The position includes a structured program of study, coaching cycles, and performance‑based leadership experiences aligned with district priorities.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Holds a current Kansas teaching license, or other appropriate state license, and is eligible for employment in the district
• Is either:
• enrolled in an approved building leadership program of study, such as a principal preparation program, or
• holds a Kansas Initial Building Leadership License, or equivalent initial administrative license
• Demonstrates success as an educator and evidence of leadership potential

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with instructional coaching, mentoring, PLC facilitation, or other teacher leadership roles
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and use data to improve instruction
• Experience supporting culture and climate initiatives, Multi‑Tiered System of Supports, restorative practices, or family engagement efforts

Program Overview:

This position provides a structured leadership experience that includes:

• Ongoing mentorship from the building principal and, when applicable, district leaders
• Planned leadership experiences across key areas, including instruction, operations, culture and climate, and family engagement
• Mandatory attendance and active participation in the District Leadership Academy, which meets monthly and may include required sessions, assignments, and coaching components
• An expectation that monthly Leadership Academy sessions are prioritized; absences must be communicated in advance and any make‑up requirements must be completed

Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities:

The TOSA will engage in leadership development across four primary strands:

• Instructional Leadership and Coaching
  • Partner with the principal to advance the school’s instructional vision and continuous improvement goals
  • Support high‑quality instruction through coaching cycles, including planning, modeling lessons, co‑teaching, observing, and providing feedback
  • Use student learning data, walkthrough trends, and other evidence to identify instructional priorities and professional learning needs
  • Support PLC structures and content or grade‑level teams through agenda planning, facilitation support, and follow‑through
  • Contribute to professional learning efforts aligned with district curriculum, assessment, and instructional expectations
• Building Operations and Systems Leadership
  • Learn and support core building systems, including daily operations, schedules, supervision plans, routines, and procedures
  • Assist with operational coordination as assigned, such as coverage plans, duty schedules, transitions, arrival and dismissal routines, and event support
  • Collaborate with office staff and building teams to ensure systems are efficient, student‑centered, and aligned with district expectations
  • Support safe and orderly learning environments through proactive systems and clear communication
• Culture, Climate, and Student Supports
  • Strengthen school culture through visibility, relationship‑building, and consistent implementation of building expectations
  • Collaborate with counselors, social workers, and other support staff to implement student support systems.
  • Assist with restorative practices, behavior supports, attendance strategies, and positive climate initiatives
  • Support student voice and belonging efforts that help create a safe, inclusive environment for all learners
• Family and Community Engagement
  • Build relationships with families and community partners to strengthen trust, communication, and engagement
  • Support family outreach efforts, including events, communication strategies, meetings, and feedback opportunities
  • Partner with families to identify and reduce barriers to student success and access to school resources

Learning Outcomes and Competencies

The TOSA will demonstrate growth and readiness in the following areas:

• Instructional leadership and feedback
• Data‑informed decision‑making
• Team leadership and collaboration
• Systems thinking and operational execution
• Culture, climate, and student support leadership
• Family engagement and communication
• Professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical leadership

Critical Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to speak clearly to various groups expressing ideas in a logical and forthright manner
• Demonstrate leadership skills and the ability to apply leadership skills within a shared decision‑making model
• Possess composition skills suitable for producing written communication for a variety of readers
• Ability to quickly analyze a situation and provide prompt advice
• Ability to perform job responsibilities using appropriate software on district computer system and communication equipment
• Ability to manage job responsibilities while meeting established deadlines
• Ability to work constructively and cooperatively with others
• Travel as needed
• Demonstrate positive attitudes toward the education profession and maintain positive relationships with district employees

Work Expectations and Schedule:

• Works the teacher contract calendar plus 10 additional days, scheduled in collaboration with the principal to support the leadership experience, such as summer planning, opening of school, data days, family events, and end‑of‑year planning
• May participate in occasional evening events related to family engagement or school programming, aligned with the role and within contractual expectations

Additional Notes:

This position is designed as a principal pipeline role and does not guarantee placement into an administrative position. Successful completion of the role provides strong evidence of readiness for future administrative opportunities within the district.

Length of Contract: Certified contract plus 10 additional days

Salary Range: Certified salary schedule; additional days at the contract daily rate

Position Type: Full‑Time

Salary: $51,000 to $82,942 Per Year