2025-26 Principal (Middle/High School)
Principal Job Overview
As a Principal at Magnolia Public Schools (MPS), you’ll lead with purpose—driving academic excellence, equity, and innovation at your school. You’ll set a clear vision for success, cultivate a positive and inclusive campus culture, and coach educators to ensure exceptional teaching and learning for all students. In this role, you'll partner with passionate educators and engaged families to close opportunity gaps and create a high-performing, student-centered environment.
MPS offers growth-focused leadership pathways, collaborative and empowered teams, and a deep commitment to equity and innovation in public education.
Cover Letter Guidance
We are seeking a transformational leader to guide MSA-3 into its next chapter. In your one-page cover letter, please speak to the heart of your leadership journey by addressing the following:
- Your Why: What drives your commitment to urban education and serving historically underserved communities?
- Your Impact: Share one powerful example of how your leadership has transformed a school or team—especially in instruction, equity, or culture.
If applicable, feel free to briefly share your vision for building on MSA-3’s recent renewal and deepening its long-term impact.
Leadership Responsibilities
Instructional Leadership
- Lead a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
- Observe, coach, and support teachers to improve instructional quality.
- Facilitate PLCs and implement high-impact, research-based teaching strategies.
- Analyze academic data to drive instructional decisions and improve outcomes for all learners.
Organizational Leadership & School Culture
- Foster a school-wide climate of belonging, academic excellence, and mutual respect.
- Implement school-wide systems for student discipline, safety, attendance, and operations.
- Promote restorative and trauma-informed practices aligned with student success and well-being.
- Uphold and model Magnolia’s core values: Innovation, Connection, and Excellence.
Talent Management
- Recruit, hire, and retain mission-aligned educators and staff.
- Lead performance management through ongoing feedback, coaching, and formal evaluations.
- Build leadership capacity among staff through distributed leadership and shared ownership.
- Collaborate with the Home Office on staffing, development, and HR processes.
Operational Excellence
- Manage school budget and operations in collaboration with Home Office partners.
- Ensure a clean, safe, and supportive learning environment.
- Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Coordinate schedules, reporting, and administrative systems effectively.
- Lead strategic enrollment and retention efforts by analyzing trends, engaging families, and promoting the school in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.
Family & Community Engagement
- Partner with families as advocates for student success.
- Communicate regularly and transparently with families and stakeholders.
- Build strong community partnerships to support student learning and enrichment.
- Represent the school at community, district, and charter authorizer events.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEAM-related field required; Master’s degree in Education preferred.
- Demonstrated success as a school leader or instructional coach with clear results.
- California Administrative Services Credential or eligibility preferred.
- Deep knowledge of curriculum, instruction, data analysis, and school culture building.
- Commitment to equity, student-centered leadership, and community partnership.
Position Details & Work Environment
- Reports to: Principal Manager and/or Chief Schools Officer
- Location: Assigned Magnolia Public School Site
- Schedule: Full-time, exempt, 12-month position
- Environment: Requires ability to lead and supervise across a school campus for extended periods
- Physical Demands: Able to lift up to 50 lbs., escort students, and respond to physical/emotional student needs
- Support: Reasonable accommodations available to support individuals with disabilities
Why Magnolia?
Magnolia Public Schools (MPS) is a network of public charter schools committed to preparing students to succeed in college and beyond while nurturing minds that value inquiry, innovation, and compassion. We serve diverse communities with a focus on STEM, character development, and equitable access to quality education. At MPS, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and high-performing learning environment.
Total Rewards at Magnolia
- Competitive pay + stipends for experience & degrees
- 100% paid health coverage (incl. eligible family members)
- Generous time off – sick, holidays, vacation & more
- Tuition & credential support for your professional growth
- Retirement plans (STRS/PERS/403(b)) + disability & life insurance
- Employee Assistance Program for wellness and support