DIOCESE OF PATERSON

JOB DESCRIPTION – ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

The responsibilities of the principal include, but are not limited to, the following:

Religious

1. Ensures that the school’s mission, vision, and philosophy reflect Church teaching.
2. Supervises the religious education program.
3. Invites and coordinates the involvement of parish clergy into the life of the school.
4. Provides for the ongoing spiritual development of students, faculty, and parents.
5. Strives to build an active faith community among teachers, parents, and students.

 Administration

1. Administers the spiritual, academic, athletic, and extra-curricular programs of the school.
2. Oversees and provides for a safe environment and a well-disciplined student body.
3. Maintains adequate records.
4. Provides for the professional development of the faculty.
5. Attends professional meetings, Diocesan and local.

Personnel

1. Interviews and recommends teachers to be hired.
2. Supervises and evaluates teachers and staff.
3. Delineates faculty responsibilities and expectations in a faculty handbook.
4. Schedules regular faculty meetings and establishes internal channels of communication.

Curriculum

1. Understands the scope and sequence of the present Diocesan curriculum.
2. Reviews curriculum in relation to school philosophy, needs of present students, and continuity.
3. Involves faculty in selecting texts and materials.

Finances and Government Aid

1. Cooperates in the budget-planning process with the pastor and education council.
2. Carefully keeps all financial records.
3. Oversees the financial program of the school.

Public Relations and Community-Building

1. Oversees and supports the endeavors of the Parent Association.
2. Plans for regular communication with parents and other constituents.
3. Organizes a volunteer program to invite parent involvement in the school.
4. Works with the Parent Association and the Education Council to strengthen the school community.

Principal Qualifications

1. A practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church.

2. A commitment to the development of a Christian spirit and a Catholic community of faith within a school.

3. A Master’s degree, preferably in educational administration.

4. A minimum of five years of teaching experience, preferably in Catholic Schools. Such experience should be sufficiently broad to provide an understanding of the Pre-K – 8 structure and the roles and responsibilities of an educational leader in an elementary school.

5. Hold appropriate New Jersey administrative certification.

6. Participation in the Catholic Schools Office Program for new leaders, wherein a principal works with a mentor for a period of two years and attends quarterly meetings to discuss Diocesan policies and practices.

7. Leadership ability as evidenced by performance in educational assignments, i.e., have the capacity, enthusiasm, intelligence and patience to inspire teachers, children, parents, clergy, and local school community leaders.