Junipero Serra High School

Gardena, CA

Job Announcement - High School Principal

The Department of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is accepting applications for the position of Principal of Junipero Serra High School. Junipero Serra High School believes that students from all faiths and backgrounds deserve an academically challenging and spiritually enriching Catholic college preparatory education that forms them to become generous, responsible citizens and leaders. Serra is a Center of Excellence in Applied Math, Science & Engineering with multiple offerings for those interested in the sciences. The school benefits from a strong and committed alumni community that is deeply involved in the advancement of the school. Serra’s Catholic tradition, based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, educates the whole person, emphasizing the importance of developing the individual spiritually, academically, socially, and physically. This emphasis instills the self-motivation for success in life now and in the future.

Reporting to the President, the Principal is the chief educational leader of the school. The Principal is responsible for exercising independent judgment in the implementation of a broad array of programs and functions. These responsibilities encompass the areas of spiritual development, realization of the school's philosophy, curriculum, co-curricular activities, fiscal policies, discipline, personnel practices, and school plant operations. Additionally, the Principal collaborates with the President to assist with marketing and community relations. The start date for the Principal is July 1, 2023.

Essential Leadership Attributes: 

1. Faith-filled and Focused: Rooted in a well-formed Catholic identity and grounded in a Catholic worldview, practices critical reflection and makes mission-driven and data-informed decisions 
2. Hopeful and Entrepreneurial: Imagines, articulates, and executes an innovative vision 
3. Inspirational: Capable of inspiring, recruiting, and growing a faculty of educational excellence playing from the same play book
4. Growth Mindset: Assesses and adjusts, creates and advances a vibrant and collaborative culture of excellence, prioritizing action items in order to achieve the mission 
5. Academic Excellence: Leads the school community in delivering the highest quality curriculum and instruction yielding academic successes and holistic achievements for all students     
6. Equity-Minded: Strives for equity of educational opportunity, culturally inclusive practices
7. Fiscally Responsible: Demonstrates common sense stewardship and financial management
8. Collaborative: Values, engages, and connects parents, the parish and local community, and other partners in supporting programs and opportunities to maintain and grow the school’s presence and impact
9. Relatable and Trustworthy:  Communicates appropriately and effectively with all stakeholders

Qualified candidates should submit the following:

• Compelling letter of interest indicating how your skills, knowledge, and experience match the philosophy and values of Catholic education and St. Pius X-Matthias Academy
• Complete résumé
• A list of professional references with telephone numbers; written reference letters may also be provided

Completed Archdiocese of Los Angeles Employment Application

Please submit the requested information to:

Dr. Thom Gasper, Regional Superintendent

Email: SerraPrincipalSearch@lacatholicschools.org  

Subject: Serra Principal Position

Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledgeable and practicing Catholic with a thorough understanding of Catholic school philosophy
• Completed or is willing to complete basic catechist training
• Commitment to modeling the values of Catholic educational leadership
• Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, Secondary Education, or related field OR California Administrative Services Credential
• Three years of successful school administrative experience

Preferred Qualifications (in addition to the minimum qualifications listed above):

• California Teaching Credential (Single Subject)
• Master’s Degree in Educational Administration
• Five years of successful administrative experience in a Catholic high school

About Archdiocese of Los Angeles

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE • Personalized classroom interaction • Balanced, inclusive, and academically challenging curriculum • Technology integration and extracurricular activities • Students become prepared for college, career, and heaven • Specialized learning programs such as STEM, Dual Language Immersion, Blended Learning and more

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