Assistant Principal for School Culture

The Horizon Science Academy Belmont Elementary is a K-6 charter school in the Belmont-Cragin neighborhood with approximately 540 students.

Job Description:

Primary Role and Purpose:

Assist the Principal in instructional program administration and school level operations.

Skills:

Working knowledge of public/charter school operations. Exceptional organizational, communication and interpersonal skills. Capable of coordinating school's discipline related operations. Working knowledge about following discipline codes and student progress. Required Qualifications Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) Minimum of 3-5 years of successful teaching experience in an urban or diverse school setting Previous experience in school leadership, dean, behavior intervention, MTSS, or student culture roles preferred Strong knowledge of: PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Restorative practices Student discipline procedures Attendance interventions Illinois school code and student compliance expectations Experience using student behavior and attendance data to drive decision-making Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff Strong communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills Ability to supervise and support staff while maintaining high expectations for school culture and professionalism Commitment to equity, inclusion, and maintaining a safe learning environment Experience coordinating school-wide systems, events, incentives, and behavior supports Ability to collaborate with the Principal, Assistant Principals, counselors, MTSS teams, and teachers to improve student outcomes Preferred Qualifications Illinois Principal Endorsement Experience working in a charter school or STEM-focused school environment Bilingual abilities (Spanish preferred) CPI or de-escalation training experience Experience leading

PBIS/SEL

initiatives schoolwide Familiarity with restorative circles, behavior intervention plans, and trauma-informed practices Demonstrated success improving attendance, student behavior, and school climate metrics Desired Leadership Traits Visible and student-centered leader Consistent, fair, and solutions-oriented High level of professionalism and accountability Strong work ethic and ability to multitask in a fast-paced school environment Ability to motivate students and staff while maintaining a positive school culture

Responsibilities and Duties:

The Assistant Principal of School Culture is responsible for building and maintaining a positive, safe, structured, and student-centered learning environment that supports the academic and social-emotional success of all students. This role works closely with the Principal, teachers, counselors, MTSS teams, students, and families to ensure strong school culture systems are consistently implemented across the building. School Culture & Climate Lead and oversee the implementation of the school-wide culture vision and behavior expectations Promote a positive, safe, respectful, and inclusive school environment Develop systems that reinforce student accountability, character development, and professionalism Serve as a visible leader throughout classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, arrival/dismissal, recess, and school events Build positive relationships with students, families, and staff Coordinate school-wide assemblies, incentive programs, spirit events, and culture-building activities Support and reinforce the mission, vision, and expectations of the school Student Behavior & Discipline Oversee student discipline systems in alignment with the student handbook and Illinois school code Conduct investigations related to student behavior incidents Facilitate restorative conversations, conflict resolution, and behavior interventions Maintain accurate discipline records and documentation Analyze behavior trends and implement proactive intervention plans Coordinate re-entry meetings, behavior contracts, and parent conferences Support teachers with classroom management strategies and behavior supports Collaborate with counselors, social workers, and MTSS teams to support student needs Attendance & Student Accountability Monitor and improve student attendance and tardiness systems Implement attendance interventions and family outreach plans Conduct attendance meetings and coordinate truancy prevention efforts Track attendance data and communicate concerns to families and staff Work collaboratively with school teams to improve chronic absenteeism rates PBIS, SEL, & Student Supports Lead implementation of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Support school-wide SEL (Social Emotional Learning) initiatives Coordinate student recognition systems and incentives Assist with crisis prevention and de-escalation strategies Promote restorative practices and trauma-informed approaches Support development of behavior intervention plans for students requiring additional supports Staff Leadership & Collaboration Supervise assigned staff, including deans, paraprofessionals, security staff, recess staff, or culture teams Provide coaching and feedback related to classroom culture and student management Assist with professional development related to behavior systems, school culture, and student engagement Collaborate with instructional leadership teams to ensure culture supports academic achievement Participate in leadership meetings, MTSS meetings, IEP/504 meetings, and problem-solving teams Family & Community Engagement Communicate regularly with families regarding student behavior, attendance, and school expectations Build positive partnerships with parents and guardians Support family engagement events and community outreach initiatives Respond professionally to parent concerns and conflict situations Operations & Safety Assist in maintaining a safe and orderly school environment Support emergency procedures, drills, crisis response, and safety protocols Coordinate supervision schedules and duty coverage Help ensure compliance with school policies and procedures Support daily operational needs as assigned by the Principal Additional Expectations Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times Uphold high expectations for staff and students Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness in a fast-paced school environment Perform additional duties assigned by the Principal or network leadership This role is typically highly visible and operationally hands-on, with a strong focus on student relationships, consistency, systems implementation, and maintaining a culture that supports both academic achievement and student growth.

Job Related Conditions:

Maintain control in stressful situations. Travel may be required. Extended and irregular hours.

Position start date:

Aug 1, 2026

No of Work Days:

215/yr

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Experience:

Teaching:

1 year (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person