Assistant Principal (Grades 5-8)
Solomon Schechter Day School
Position Overview
The Assistant Principal is a member of the Educational Leadership Team and plays a central role in the administration, organization, safety, supervision, and educational leadership of the school. This role leads student life and culture in grades 5-8 and works closely with the Principal to ensure that daily school operations and longer-term priorities are aligned and moving forward.
Our Mission:
We work diligently to ensure that our work is aligned with our mission: “At Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago, we ignite our students’ Jewish souls, educate them to their highest potential, and empower them to use their knowledge, skills, and creativity to enrich our world.”
Our Core Values:
Our work is grounded in the following values, which shape how we lead, teach, and work together: In the image of God, Responsibility, Israel, Celebration, Community, Exemplary, Journey.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
In coordination with other members of the Educational Leadership Team, the Assistant Principal:
- Demonstrates a clear commitment to student achievement, school improvement, and ongoing professional growth
- Leads student culture and behavior systems, ensuring a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment
- Implements and upholds school policies, including those outlined in the Family Handbook
- Ensures adherence to school policies, state regulations, and legal requirements
- Maintains confidentiality and handles student and personnel matters with professionalism and discretion
- Builds and sustains strong relationships with students, faculty, and families
- Communicates with families with clarity and care, including during complex or challenging situations
- Supervises and supports faculty, including observation, feedback, and evaluation
- Leads and supports professional development, particularly in student development, classroom culture, and instructional practice
- Demonstrates commitment to best practices in teaching and learning and stays current with educational research
- Uses data to guide decisions and supports teachers in using data to inform instruction
- Supports strong teaching and learning across both General and Judaic Studies
- Helps ensure that daily school life reflects Schechter’s mission and commitment to meaningful Jewish learning and community
- Collaborates closely with student support services, including social workers and counselors, to meet a range of student needs
- Oversees student attendance and works with the main office on follow-up as needed
- Coordinates student supervision, including co-creating and managing schedules
- Maintains a consistent and visible presence throughout the school day to support students and staff
- Coordinates special schedules and supports school-wide programming
- Supports staffing needs, including substitute coverage
- Participates in hiring and onboarding and supports staff growth and development
- Ensures consistency, accountability, and follow-through across school systems and expectations
- Supports teachers who facilitate student clubs and extracurricular activities
This position reports to the Principal.
Benefits
Schechter offers medical, dental, and vision insurance; disability coverage; a 403(b) retirement plan; paid time off; professional development; early dismissal for Shabbat; and the opportunity to work within a collaborative leadership team and a deeply values-driven community.
- Master’s Degree
- Completion of a leadership preparation program through an accredited institution
- Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with General Administrative Endorsement
- Leadership experience preferred
- Ongoing commitment to professional growth