About Mastery:
Founded in 2001, Mastery Schools is a public charter network of 23 K-12 schools in Philadelphia and Camden, serving more than 14,000 students.
At Mastery, we’re on a mission to provide all students with the academic and personal skills they need to succeed after graduation and pursue their dreams. Student achievement is not just a goal for our organization; it's the reason we exist, and every member of our team is dedicated to securing student success. We are also committed to pursuing equity, actively disrupting systemic racism, and addressing the disparities that limit our students' choices.
Our culture is built on respect, service, and the belief that the success of our students, their families, and the communities we serve will help us achieve our mission. We foster a positive, open, and inclusive environment where honesty, humor, and continuous improvement are celebrated.
Join us in creating a model urban school district that serves all students with excellence. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
This role is eligible for up to $10,000 in bonuses as well as up to $5,000 for relocation expenses! Positions available in both Philadelphia and Camden!
New-to-Mastery Assistant Principals can expect a starting annual salary of between $105,000-$133,000 based on years’ experience and level of education.
The Opportunity:
As an Assistant Principal of School Culture (APSC) at Mastery Schools, you will play a pivotal role in creating and maintaining a welcoming school environment that enables students to reach their highest potential.
Collaborating closely with your principal, you will spearhead the implementation of restorative practices, shaping a culture that prioritizes achievement and positive outcomes. You will also coach teachers on effective classroom management, design and manage academically-aligned extracurricular activities for students, and foster strong connections with parents and community members.
Your ability to build relationships across diverse backgrounds, combined with exceptional organizational and project management skills, will be crucial. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact on education and be a driving force behind academic excellence, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of our students.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Drive and support implementation of Mastery Charter Schools’ vision and guiding principles to ensure a positive, achievement-focused school culture among teachers, staff and students
- Create and implement a robust and effective merit-based system of accountability and positive reinforcement
- Manage disciplinary processes and records for up to 700 students within a restorative justice model that empowers students and promotes positive discipline
- Oversee scheduling and implementation of extracurricular activities (including sports and academic clubs) and school community events
- Supervise weekly, student-led community meetings and classroom circles to promote healthy dialogue, as well as social and emotional learning among students
- Coach teachers in the delivery of effective classroom management strategies, and provide professional development opportunities for all staff
- Engage parents and other community members in the creation of a safe, supportive, and cooperative school environment that enhances the learning process
- Maintain and monitor safety and order by being accessible and visible to the school community
Qualifications:
- Interest in providing only the highest quality educational, social and emotional experiences for students and their families
- Superior grasp of effective, research-based behavioral methods and strategies for urban youth, including a restorative justice model
- Proven ability to influence and enhance cooperative working relationships within a team environment
- Ability to lead within a fast-paced, dynamic, and rapidly-changing environment
- Ability to leverage computer software programs and other technology that will support the learning environment
- Zest and a sense of humor that contributes to enhancing the positive school culture
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in social work, counseling, education or related field preferred
- Experience in and/or understanding of the public school system or charter schools is desirable; Teaching experience preferred
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience with urban communities; at least three (3) years of demonstrated success in an urban school administration role or in a direct-service role as counselor or youth worker
Physical Requirements
- Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required such as maneuvering in classrooms and office space-reaching file cabinets, filing, faxing, scanning, coping, typing, mailing, and making phone calls; Must be able to sit for up to two (2) hours looking at a computer monitor, using a keyboard/mouse and typing.
Mastery's Benefits Package:
We offer a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Some of our most popular benefits include our 403(b) retirement plan for PA employees (with a 5% match from Mastery), enrollment in the State of New Jersey Pension Plan for NJ employees, a robust Employee Assistance Program, mental health and counseling programs, an annual Professional Development Fund, and discounts and perks at a myriad of retailers, travel organizations, insurance providers, and so much more, as well as a Benefits VIP Helpdesk to help you navigate various benefits-related topics.
Please go here to see all of our Benefits offerings!
Annual Calendar:
As you plan to make Mastery your new work home, please feel free to review our
Calendar for the 24/25 School Year. We like to think our calendar is a benefit of working here too!
Why You Should Apply:
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. Mastery may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
