High School Principal - Private School for Special Needs

Principal - Montclair Campus (Ages 12-21) The Deron School The Deron School is seeking a dynamic, student-centered Principal to lead our Montclair campus, serving students ages 12-21 with diverse learning, behavioral, and developmental needs. This is an opportunity for a passionate educational leader to make a meaningful impact—both in the classroom and in the lives of students preparing for adulthood. At Deron, we don't just educate—we build independence, life skills, and confidence. Our teams are collaborative, supportive, and deeply committed to helping every student succeed beyond the classroom. About the Role The Principal serves as the instructional and operational leader of the Montclair campus, overseeing all staff, programs, and student services. This individual will foster a positive, structured, and engaging learning environment while ensuring high-quality special education programming aligned with student needs. This role requires a leader who is visible, hands-on, and solutions-oriented—someone who can balance big-picture thinking with day-to-day problem solving. Key Responsibilities Lead and supervise all professional and support staff to ensure high-quality instruction and services Oversee and continuously improve special education programming for students ages 12-21 Maintain a safe, structured, and positive school environment conducive to learning and growth Collaborate with cross-campus leadership to ensure consistency and alignment across programs Build strong relationships with families, sending districts, and community stakeholders Support staff development through coaching, feedback, and professional learning opportunities Ensure compliance with all state, district, and special education regulations Oversee scheduling, staffing, and daily school operations Qualifications Valid New Jersey Administrator Certificate with Principal Endorsement Minimum of 5 years of successful supervisory/administrative experience Experience in special education required Demonstrated leadership in building positive school culture and staff collaboration Strong communication and relationship-building skills with staff, families, and districts Experience with school operations including scheduling and student programming Working knowledge of Google Workspace for Education and Student Information Systems (e.g., Realtime, Genesis, PowerSchool) Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) preferred

EOE:

Equal Opportunity Employer Pay:

$120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Education:

Master's (Required)

Experience:

Administrative :

5 years (Required) Special education: 5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

Principal Certification (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Montclair, NJ 07042 (Required)

Work Location:

In person