About the Organization:

DCP's success with first-generation college students is at the forefront of a national movement for college access and educational equity. The first charter high school in Silicon Valley, Downtown College Prep (DCP) was founded in San Jose in 2000 with the belief that all students, regardless of background and prior academic achievement, can and should be prepared for college success.

The first charter high school in Silicon Valley, Downtown College Prep (DCP) was  founded in San Jose in 2000 with the belief that all students, regardless of background  and prior academic achievement, can and should be prepared for college success. Through our singular commitment to college success, we ensure our largely low income Latino students and families are fully supported in the pursuit of a college  degree. 

Our vision is to ensure that more first-generation students have the vision, confidence,  and academic skills to succeed in college and beyond, realizing their fullest potential  and harnessing their power to become leaders in their field and community. 

About the Opportunity

The Assistant Principal is viewed as a future principal. As such, the Assistant Principal role is intended to provide a wide range of experiences that will successful prepare individuals to eventually serve as principal. The Assistant Principal is an instructional leader with three broad areas of responsibility.The first is to ensure that DCP’s academic programs are successfully preparing students to for college admittance and completion. This includes supporting the general academic program as well as coordinating interventions for students that are struggling either behaviorally or academically.

Secondly, the Assistant Principal coaches, monitors and evaluates teacher practice to ensure maximum student achievement. The Assistant Principal conducts classroom observations and evaluations, and is also responsible for ensuring that teachers get the resources and support they need to be successful. The Assistant Principal is also responsible for holding teachers accountable to school wide and personal goals.

Lastly, the Assistant Principal plays a critical role in shaping the culture of the school, amongst students and adults. The Assistant Principal leads in the area of school culture and supports the development and implementation of a school wide student behavior system. The Assistant Principal also plays a critical role in ensuring that families understand the expectations at DCP and is invested in the school’s mission.

Responsibilities:

School Culture:

• Ensure a high-performing, college-going culture consistently demonstrates practices, activities, and events that promote DCP’s values and serve the mission.
• Manage, at the direction of the principal, the student discipline system to support and promote the values of the school and maintain transparency and consistency across the organization
• Coordinate staff, family, and student communication to ensure that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of expectations and procedures as outlined in the student handbook
• Attend school wide events on a rotating basis

Instructional Program

• Further the ongoing development and implementation of the instructional program.
• Deepen, in assigned areas, the development of an effective instructional program that is consistent with DCP core pedagogical beliefs and the needs of the DCP target student
• Support and/or lead academic interventions, summer school, and programs for students with special needs as assigned
• Maintain knowledge of current research and practice with respect to the DCP target student
• Lead or support development of master schedule, bell schedule, teaching assignments, etc.

 Staffing

• Support staff recruitment and selection process as assigned.
• Provide coaching for assigned teachers that supports the ongoing growth and development of their teaching practice.
• Complete all assigned evaluations of teaching and non-teaching staff.
• Support implementation of site-based professional development that aligns to organizational and site-based priorities.

 Assessment and Student Data

• Work closely with other administrators and Central Office to collect, analyze, and utilize student achievement data to improve student achievement and the academic program.
• Support teachers in using assessment results to engage in data-driven instruction.

 Family and Community Outreach

• Support an environment where parents feel welcome on campus
• Collaborate with staff to ensure programs and processes are in place to help families be full participants in the success of their students
• Meet with families regarding student progress, discipline, college acceptance, or other issues
• Support Student Recruitment Plan and outreach to prospective families
• Lead and/or participate in parent leadership groups such as SSC/ELAC as assigned.

Requirements:

• Background in a coaching or similar school leadership role
• Experience working with students who have a background of limited resources.
• Ability to lead teachers in a demanding work environment
• Teaching experience at the middle school level, especially in urban middle schools and ideally in a math or science field
• Deep familiarity with the Common Core Standards
• Bachelor’s Degree Required; Masters Degree in Education or a related field preferred
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Administrative Credential preferred
• Fluent in written and spoken Spanish highly preferred

 Physical Demands:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Physical requirements include ability to push, pull, bend, twist, stoop, reach, communicate, and transport instructional and/or presentation materials.

Work environment:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those in a normal office, building, classroom/school setting which one might encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

FLSA: Exempt

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position.  It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities.  The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. Also, this job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; and nothing in this herein restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.