Lower School Principal
Job Type
Full-time
Description

Primary Objectives:

The Lower School Principal leads the faculty, staff and students in all of the spiritual, educational and administrative aspects of fulfilling Whitefield’s mission to bolster Christian families in rearing young people who go on to college and life with a passion for learning, for others ahead of self, and for the living and active Jesus. This leader also serves as a key connection point, coordinating across the school for the betterment of the Lower School and helping to lead the entire Whitefield campus and community.

  

Key Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the academic quality of the Lower School ensuring that students receive an exemplary elementary education.  This will include ongoing assessment and continuous refinement of the curriculum scope, sequence, texts, and resources.  
  • Ensure robust and on-going professional development of the Lower School teachers including, but not limited to, ongoing classroom observation and feedback, mentoring and equipping teachers, regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings, assisting in the articulation of educational goals, oversight of regularly scheduled staff meetings, coordination of teacher training, oversight and guidance related to teacher/parent communications.
  • Lead the cultivation of a warm and orderly culture and community (students, parents, staff) where iron sharpens iron, where delight and diligence connect with the Gospel within grace-filled relationships.
  • Conduct rigorous evaluations of Lower School teachers and staff and provide impactful developmental feedback.
  • Provide oversight of all administrative aspects of the Lower School. This will include, at a minimum, management of the Lower School teaching schedule and the Lower School calendar.
  • Support and guide the summer programs, Club Cub program and the After School programs.
  • Ensure effective ongoing communication among all members of the Lower School community (principal to teacher, principal to families, teacher to families, etc.).
  • Help plan and oversee the weekly Lower School chapel service.
  • Ensure coordination of all parent volunteer involvement and activities in collaboration with the Whitefield Parent Association leadership for the Lower School.
  • Supervise and develop the Lower School faculty and Lower School support staff.
  • Oversee student discipline, in accordance with the school policy ensuring that student discipline is addressed in a consistent and timely manner.
  • Work with the director of admission in the recruitment of new students.  This includes, but is not limited to, familiarizing prospective families with the philosophy of the curriculum and the attributes of the school that are distinctive.
  • Participate in weekly leadership meetings with the school’s administration.
  • Attend Instructional Leadership Team meetings, and serve on committees as needed, and be a visible presence in all areas of school life.
  • Assist with accreditation processes and other strategic planning initiatives as needed.
  • Collaborate with other division principals to provide programs for teacher orientation, in-service training, and review of policies in the parent/student and employee handbooks. 
  • Oversee maintenance of students’ academic records, attendance, conduct and dress, and make annual class assignments.
  • Recruit and hire strong talent for Lower School positions (faculty/staff) who fit with the mission.
  • Adhere to the bylaws, policies and procedures, and to all laws that govern the school and its actions, and operate within the budget allotment for the Lower School.
  • Additional duties as assigned by administration.
Requirements

Required Professional and Personal Attributes, Skills, Knowledge and Experience: 

  • A master’s degree in education from an accredited postsecondary institution.
  • Elementary level teaching experience with a minimum of five years of successful classroom teaching experience.
  • A minimum of three years of school leadership experience, preferably in a Christian context
  • Demonstrates self-awareness, is teachable and is open to constructive feedback.
  • Shows mature reliance on the Holy Spirit and is comfortable leading the spiritual development of others. 
  • A servant leader who values others in word and deed.
  • Demonstrates excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Demonstrates a high level of energy, a strong work ethic and resilience
  • Approaches guidance, direction, and discipline with children demonstrating commitment to both accountability to maintaining high standards of behavior and loving compassion toward children and families
  • A committed educator who loves elementary-aged children and exudes excitement for the learning and development of Lower School children and empowers and encourages teachers to create engaging classrooms that focus on the best interest of the children, their learning and character development. 
  • Demonstrates the ability to be courageous, collaborative, and engaging within the Lower School and across the campus.
  • Skilled in handling conflict, motivating, coaching, and training, faculty and staff
  • Possess high emotional and social intelligence, be an empathic listener and relate well to students, parents, faculty and staff.
  • Demonstrates the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and have deep planning and organization skills  
  • Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, e-mailing, internet use, presentation software, Google platform, online grade book programs, and interactive boards.

In addition, the person should:

  • Commit to living his/her life under the lordship of Christ
  • Model a consistent daily walk with Jesus Christ, and be a Christian role model in speech, actions, and attitudes, which contributes to the spiritual atmosphere of the school
  • Believe and affirm the school’s Statement of Faith
  • Commit to exhibiting Whitefield’s core value for our students to experience diversity that reflects the body of Christ and support the school’s diversity vision that aims at unity in Christ
  • Demonstrate evidence of consistent spiritual activities such as worship at a local church, fellowship with the body of Christ, personal devotional time with the Lord, and individual study of scripture
  • Evidence the fruit of the Spirit in the nurturing of relationships with other staff members, students, families, and the community at large
  • Be actively involved in a local church

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. A request for reasonable accommodations must be submitted to the HR department.


Work for this position will take place primarily in an office, and secondarily in a classroom. The physical demands of this position include lifting up to 10 pounds often, 25 pounds intermittently, and up to 50 pounds rarely; carrying up to 10 pounds often, 25 pounds regularly, and up to 50 pounds intermittently; crawling rarely; climbing/balancing and kneeling intermittently; pushing/pulling and crouching regularly; reaching, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, and walking often. To perform this job the person must be able to work for extended periods of time at a computer/keyboard; must be able to talk, hear, stand, sit, and/or walk for extended periods of time; and must possess normal manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.


Nothing in this job description restricts the School’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.


This position will begin July 1, 2026. To apply please go to www.whitefieldacademy.com under About/Employment Opportunities. Whitefield Academy is an equal opportunity employer.