SY26-27 Van Sickle Prep Assistant Principal

Grade Level: 6-8

Full Time Start Date: July 1, 2026

Base Salary: $101,906.81 - $129,315.53 (commensurate with experience)

Role Overview

Administrators in the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership are responsible for ensuring that students have access to strong instruction and school services, experience a deep sense of belonging in school, and are prepared for meaningful academic and life opportunities.

SEZP administrators lead school communities that value strong relationships, clear expectations, and continuous improvement—for students and for adults.

SEZP leaders are expected to:

• Create a safe, purposeful school environment that prioritizes learning for all students


• Collaborate with other leaders, teachers, and partners to ensure instruction is meeting the needs of all students


• Ensure that instruction meets the needs of all students, including students with special needs, English Language Learners, and students performing below grade level


• Build relationships and communicate regularly with students and their families to solicit input and share academic progress


• Participate in and learn from regular professional development opportunities before and during the school year

In addition, the Assistant Principal will act in the capacity of a school administrator and assist the Principal in the performance of duties noted under the following categories:

Leadership 

• Articulates the vision and mission of the school and the district


• Reviews, evaluates, and revises instructional programs using elevant data.


• Knows and encourages appropriate uses of instructional technologies.


• Involves staff in preparing and implementing professional development plans that are related to high student achievement.


• Understands the principles of mentoring and peer coaching.


• Promotes activities that honor academic excellence.


• Implements the school's and district's goals.

Administration

• Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills.


• Uses effective methods of personnel selection, supervision, and evaluation.


• Identifies, implements, and evaluates content-based instruction based on the MA Curriculum Frameworks.


• Practices relevant fiscal management policies and procedures.


• Uses technology appropriately: as an organizational tool for record keeping and scheduling; as a communication tool; data collection and accountability; and educational research.


• Assists in the improvement of instructional programs. 


• Provides support and leadership in implementing standards-based classrooms.


• Understands plant facilities and equipment management.

Access

• Assures presence and quality of educational practices and programs that address the needs, interests, and abilities of all students.


• Understands, models, and encourages the belief that effort is a key factor in achievement.


• Helps all students see themselves as unique individuals responsible for their own actions.


• Follows and helps train teachers to use the district’s Code of Conduct.


• Understands, uses, and supports the use of intervention services for students.


• Assures high academic expectations for all students.


• Holds teachers, students, and self to high standards of performance and behavior.

Community Relations

• Involves families and other community members in developing the vision, goals, School Improvement Plans, and programs for the school/district.


• Promotes partnerships among staff, families, the business community, and other 
  community groups and uses community resources to enhance instruction.

Professional Responsibilities

• Is familiar with the district’s student support services.


• Knows multiple strategies to assess student performance.


• Understands organizational change, school-based management, and school restructuring.


• Understands federal, state, and local laws and regulations including laws on disability, civil rights and responsibilities, issues of liabilities, and requirements of due process.


• Participates in parent conferences, PTO work, and community relations.


• Takes an active part in professional organizations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred


• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required


• Appropriate content/program area (Principal / Assistant Principal) and grade level  license from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education required (Educators who are not yet licensed by MA DESE in the appropriate content/program area and grade level may be eligible for a licensure waiver and are still encouraged to apply.)


• A minimum of five (5) years of successful classroom teaching experience preferred


• Leadership experiences-chairman of teacher’s committees, school counselor, officer of professional or community organizations, school administration, SEA career ladder positions, etc. preferred


• Experience in positions of responsibility in professional and community groups preferred

If you meet many—but not all—of the qualifications above, we encourage you to apply. SEZP values leaders who are reflective, collaborative, and committed to continuous growth.

We encourage you to reach out to us at info@sezp.org if you have questions about the role or your qualifications. We are happy to help you feel ready to apply! 

Benefits 

Selection as an administrator in SEZP recognizes an individual for their outstanding vision, capacity, and commitment to students. Administrators in SEZP are eligible for the same competitive benefits available to Educators in the Springfield Public Schools.

About the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership: 

While Massachusetts is consistently ranked as one of the top states for education results in the country, we have one of the highest and most persistent opportunity gaps. The Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (SEZP) - established in 2015 as a collaboration between Springfield Public Schools (SPS), the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and the Springfield Education Association (SEA) – seeks to improve the longitudinal life outcomes of the more than 2,500 students in our 8 middle schools. 

SEZP combines district-based public education with the flexibility of autonomous school models, granting schools meaningful control over curriculum, staffing, scheduling, and budgeting—while maintaining clear accountability for student learning and growth.

Across all of its work—including school improvement and educator preparation—SEZP is guided by three core values:

• Access: Expanding access to strong learning environments, skilled mentors, and clear pathways for students and educators
  
  


• Belonging: Building communities where people are known, supported, and accountable to one another
  
  


• Opportunity: Preparing students and educators to learn, lead, and thrive over time

NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status.

NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATION

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools’ Title IX Coordinator, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr, or both.

The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Jeremy Saint Laurent, Chief Legal Counsel of Legal Services, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55325, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com.    

Springfield Public School’s sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located on the Springfield Public Schools website, www.springfieldpublicschools.com/non-discrimination

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com