• How do we learn?”
• “What can we create?”
• “What does it mean to lead?”

These three essential questions form the basis of instruction at the Science Leadership Academy Middle School (SLA-MS), a new Philadelphia neighborhood middle school proposed to open in September 2016. SLA-MS is built on the notion that inquiry is the very first step in the process of learning. Developed in partnership with Drexel University, The School District of Philadelphia and Inquiry Schools, SLA-MS has been designed as the middle school for the Powel Elementary School catchment area and the two schools will share a single campus. SLA-MS will provide a vigorous, well-rounded curriculum in all subjects with a focus on science, technology, mathematics and the entrepreneurial spirit. Students at SLA-MS will learn in a project-based environment where the core values of inquiry, research, collaboration, presentation and reflection are emphasized in all classes.

SLA-MS will serve as a model program for meeting the specific needs of middle level learners while embracing an inquiry-driven, project-based, technology-infused instructional model. An ethic of care will guide all systemic, assessment and curricular decisions for the school.  

The principal will be on special assignment for the 2015-16 school year as she/he plans for a September 2016 proposed opening.

Job Summary:
To work with the SLA-MS Leadership Team to plan and create and open an inquiry-driven, project-based modern middle school for the Powelton and West Powelton communities in West Philadelphia. The creation of this school is in alignment with the School District of Philadelphia’s goal of creating a diverse portfolio of high-performing schools for the children of Philadelphia.
 
The first year will include time spent at both Science Leadership Academy (SLA) and the Powel School, as the candidate will need to do a deep dive into the SLA educational model and learn the Powel School community and educational practices. The first year will also include collaboration with Drexel, The Franklin Institute, and the Academy of Natural Sciences to best leverage partnerships with these organizations. Finally, the first year will include work with the design and facilities teams to prepare to open the school in temporary space for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 schools years, and to plan for the design and construction of a new school facility that would house both SLA-MS and Powel as of school year 2018-19. At the end of the planning year, SLA-MS will open with its first class of fifth graders, with a powerful educational framework that can both be a national model and a benefit to the local community.

Essential Functions:

• Creates the implementation plan, in consultation and collaboration with Inquiry Schools, for an inquiry-driven, project-based neighborhood middle school that leverages modern tools to provide an authentic and empowering education for its students.
• Co-designs and outfits a state-of-the-art K-8 facility that would serve SLA-MS and the Powel School as of School Year 2018-19.
• Creates a sustainable budget that takes into account the grade-by-grade growth of the school.
• Implements a web-based technological infrastructure to serve as a model for a blended learning school web-site using tools such as GoogleApps for Education, Canvas and SLATE.
• Collaborates with School District of Philadelphia to create an innovative project-based benchmark system that mirrored the SDP benchmarks.
• Works with Drexel University, The Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and Inquiry Schools to create deep partnerships between primary community partners and the school.
• Works with the Powel School and the Science Leadership Academy to ensure a seamless academic and social/emotional transition between elementary and middle school.
• Develops four-year advisory program that allows students, teachers and parents to work together to ensure student success. 
• Provides leadership in the recruitment, development, and retention of staff.
• Hires and manages all founding faculty and staff.
• Transitions from a planning process to an implementation process after the planning year.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated knowledge of:

• the unique challenges and opportunities if the middle school environment.
• technology infusion into the classroom as well as happening both on and offline.
• developing a school with a rich after-school life.
• current educational trends and research.
• the unique needs and characteristics of students.
• personnel management and supervision techniques.
• curriculum theory and development.

Demonstrated ability to:

• commit to the idea that we teach students first and our subjects second.
• challenge students to work in an inquiry-driven, project-based environment.
• work collaboratively in an educational complex shared by multiple schools.
• administer all aspects of an educational facility.
• coordinate the provision of professional development activities.
• work in a diverse environment with students who reflect the rich heritage of Philadelphia.
• be energetic, flexible, and a strong desire to work with community partners, fellow administrators, teachers, parents and students create a school that reflects SLA-MS core values.
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s Degree from an accredited educational institution
• Seven years full-time, paid, professional educational experience, two of which have been as a Principal or assistant Principal, illustrating successful experience in teaching, school administration, or significant leadership roles.

Certificates/Licenses
Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Administrative Certificate for K-12 School Principal. 
                        OR

Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Administrative Certificate for Elementary and Secondary School Principal.

(Candidates with out of state certificates should contact the Certification Department at 215-400-4670 or compliance@philasd.org for conversion information)

Selection Process
Interviews may be conducted to determine how well a candidate meets the established criteria.  Note that not all qualified candidates may be selected for an interview. The selected candidate must have no anecdotal record on file and have not been subject to any disciplinary action within the past eighteen (18) months, and have an excellent record of attendance and punctuality during the last three (3) years (defined as no more than eighteen (18) occasions of lateness or absence for personal illness in the last three years (3) years with the exception of one extended long-term absence).

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.