The Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools serve more than 40,000 students in 150+ elementary and high schools in Cook and Lake counties. It is one of the largest private school systems in the United States. Its schools have received 96 Blue Ribbon awards from the U.S. Department of Education over the past 10 years.
Interim principals are hired to fulfill the role of principal during an extended leave or vacancy period. Interim roles may be for a few months, up to a full year. Based upon the needs of the school, an interim may work part or full time in order to assure that the school's needs are met.
Principal
The elementary school principal is the administrator, faith and instructional leader of the local school, and serves as the executive officer of the local governance board in a Catholic school of the Archdiocese of Chicago. In addition, the principal oversees the fiscal vitality of the school.
Accountability
The elementary school principal is hired by and is accountable to the pastor or the juridic person for the operation of the school. The principal is expected to abide by the established policies and procedures of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Office of Catholic Schools and the directives of the Superintendent of Catholic Schools. The principal participates in the annual performance review outlined by the Office of Catholic Schools.
General Responsibilities
The principal serves the school in a professional manner and acts in accordance with Catholic doctrinal and moral teachings. The principal ensures that the school is integral to the mission of evangelization of the parish/archdiocese by giving witness to Gospel living, spiritual and educational development, and a deepening of the faith in all members of the local community.
Catholic Identity
- Promotes and facilitates an environment which fosters the Catholic identify of the school
- Ensures that the faculty is current in the areas of theology, religious education and catechetical skills
- Promulgates and periodically revises the school mission statement and philosophy in collaboration with the school community
- Encourages and educates students, school families and faculty member to celebrate liturgies, including Sunday Mass, and the season/feasts of the liturgical year
- Promotes parent/guardian partnerships in advancing the mission of the school and the ministry of the Catholic education
- Implements conflict management procedures as necessary
- Promotes a culture of respect for each member of the community
Academic Excellence
- Ensures all students learn to their fullest potential, using data t inform decision-making
- Supervises implementation of the Office of Catholic Schools curricula in a rigorous, relevant, and age-appropriate manner that develops students' ability to continually succeed
- Assists faculty in utilizing effective learning strategies that integrate technology
- Acts as the instructional leader of the school by recruiting, hiring, supervising, evaluating, and providing quality professional development for highly qualified, certified staff members to improve student learning
- Oversees co-curricular activities (extended school day, sports, activity clubs) ensuring that the programs are in compliance with local and archdiocesan policies
General Administration
- Designs and implements communication strategies to ensure that the pastor, staff, parish school families, prospective families, and the community are informed about school matters and engaged in the school
- Develops appropriate handbooks for school families and school staff
- Works with the board to successfully complete school and system goals
- Utilizes teacher teams and shared leadership to delegate responsibilities
- Develops an organized work environment and adheres to deadlines and requests
- Oversees discipline in a respectful, proactive way according to Archdiocesan policy
- Maintains professional, working relationships with all members of the school community and involves them in the decision-making process of the school where appropriate
- Identifies, encourages, and mentors future school leaders
- Maintains accurate local files and records for each student and employee
- Attends required Archdiocesan, Office of Catholic Schools and local meetings
Environmental and Physical Demands
- The principal is expected to supervise and evaluate staff and student progress and school safety through regular site visits to the classrooms and all other areas of the school plant.
