Description

POSITION : Assistant Principal, Annie Fisher STEM Magnet School (Grades K-8)

REPORTS TO : Principal of the School and/or the Superintendent of Schools and CEO's designee

POSITION SUMMARY : Hartford Public Schools seeks an assistant principal with a passion for educating children, a commitment to closing achievement gaps, and the ability to maximize learning for all students. We invite applications from innovative professionals dedicated to urban education who understand the academic, social, and emotional needs of students at every stage of development.

The assistant principal will design, organize, and model effective instruction, communication, discipline, and intervention while promoting a positive school culture and climate, and will assume full responsibility for the administration, supervision, and operation of the program, staff, and building in the principal's absence. Ideal candidates bring a proven track record in instructional leadership centered on student-centered learning, along with experience fostering a positive school culture and engaging families and community partners to promote equity and excellence.

We are looking for a leader who brings the following strengths and expertise to our community:

• Evidence-Based Literacy Leadership: Strong working knowledge of the Science of Reading, foundational literacy skills, and evidence-based reading practices across grades K-8. Practical experience guiding Literacy MTSS cycles, analyzing student achievement data to pinpoint instructional gaps, track progress, and implement targeted interventions. Skilled in enhancing Tier 1 instruction and coaching teachers in data-driven methods that ensure every student receives rigorous, differentiated support.
• NGSS, Mathematical Progressions, and Inquiry-Based Learning: Solid understanding of K-8 mathematical learning progressions and conceptual thinking development, along with strong familiarity with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and their interdisciplinary connections. Adept at supporting standards-based STEM instruction and helping teachers build student-centered classrooms driven by inquiry, productive struggle, and meaningful discourse. Experienced in leading Math MTSS cycles to support struggling learners while challenging and accelerating those on or above grade level.
• Strong Organizational, Technical, and STEAM Expertise: Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining strong systems for communication, operations, and compliance. Comfortable using data and technology to support decision-making, with a passion for developing and expanding innovative STEAM programming that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving.
• Positive School Culture and Climate: Dedicated to student well-being, committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive environment where high academic expectations and a strong sense of belonging go hand in hand. Builds positive relationships with staff, students, and families through proactive communication and community collaboration. Embraces a restorative approach to discipline - viewing behavioral challenges as opportunities for reflection and growth - while inspiring students to display "STEM Pride everyday."

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE :

• Partner with the principal and instructional staff to continuously evaluate, refine, and strengthen academic programs that meet the diverse needs of all students
• Shape and communicate the school's philosophy, vision, and policies, building a shared sense of purpose among staff, families, and the broader community
• Lead and support Literacy and Math MTSS cycles, using student achievement data to identify instructional needs, monitor progress, and implement targeted interventions that accelerate learning for all students
• Coach and support teachers in strengthening Tier 1 instruction, deepening evidence-based literacy practices and inquiry-based mathematics instruction across grades K-8
• Champion the school's STEAM identity by supporting the development, sustainability, and expansion of innovative, interdisciplinary programming that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving
• Foster a positive school culture and climate grounded in relationship-building, restorative practices, and high expectations for both students and staff
• Recommend and implement programming changes that reflect best practices and the evolving needs of the school community
• Collaborate with special education staff to ensure IEP services are delivered in a manner that is compliant, equitable, and fully integrated with the school's instructional programs
• Use data to drive instructional decisions, coach staff on high-leverage academic strategies and positive behavioral interventions, and connect improvement efforts to measurable outcomes
• Lead school improvement planning and implementation, driving the systemic changes needed to advance academic achievement
• Organize roles and assignments for specialized staff, structuring teams for maximum effectiveness and high morale
• Identify vacancies, recommend strong candidates for teaching positions, and support the principal in building a talented, mission-aligned team
• Provide consistent supervision and evaluation of all personnel within the scope of supervisory responsibility
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with public and private partner agencies, keeping the school an active and trusted community resource
• Implement collective bargaining agreements and maintain open, respectful communication with bargaining unit members
• Make budgetary recommendations, pursue funding opportunities, and participate in developing grant proposals to support school programs
• Ensure timely, accurate reporting and support implementation of the school's Plan for School Excellence and Accountability
• Uphold applicable federal and state regulations, Board of Education policies, and administrative guidelines
• Perform assigned duties that may fall outside the regular workday when school-related; these duties, excluding paid duties, will be distributed as fairly and equitably as possible among administrators
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Principal and/or the Superintendent and CEO's designee

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/ABILITIES OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE :

• Instructional experience at the elementary and middle grades level in urban and multicultural settings, with a deep understanding of the needs and opportunities unique to magnet schools
• Strong, collaborative leadership style that is honest, transparent, and inclusive - consistently focused on high student outcomes and educational excellence
• Outstanding communication skills and a visible, approachable presence that builds authentic relationships with students, staff, families, and the broader community
• Unwavering commitment to the academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and whole-child development of every student
• High personal accountability for student growth, academic results, and staff performance, paired with a persistent, data-informed approach to continuous improvement
• Demonstrated success leading and motivating adults - whether as a grade-level or department chair, instructional coach, or administrator
• Proven equitable leadership practices with measurable impact on instruction, school culture, and climate
• Deep knowledge of pedagogy, curriculum development, and assessment design that centers student learning and advances equitable outcomes
• Passion for developing, sustaining, and expanding innovative, interdisciplinary STEAM programming that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving
• Experience with MTSS frameworks that use data to identify instructional needs, monitor progress, and implement targeted interventions across literacy and mathematics
• Knowledge of financial management and the ability to align resources strategically in support of school priorities
• Fluency in leveraging technology as a tool for teaching, learning, and operational effectiveness
• A genuine ability to inspire excellence in others and unite all school stakeholders around a common vision and shared goals
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and PowerSchool (or comparable student information systems)

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS : Connecticut Certification in Intermediate Administration or Supervision (092) is required.

UNION AFFILIATION : Hartford Principals' and Supervisors' Association (HPSA)

SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT : Salary is in accordance with the Hartford Principals' and Supervisors' Association's 2026-2027 Schedule: Assistant Principal Group 19 with a salary range of $138,539 - $155,174 (12-month work year).

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: To be considered, all internal and external applicants must fully complete a Hartford Public Schools' online application, which can be accessed through our Applicant Tracking System, Nimble, at https://app.hirenimble.com/jobs/hartford . Internal applicants should use a personal email address when applying. Please do not use your hartfordschools.org email. The code word for the internal application is hartford (lowercase "h"). Candidates' application and supporting documents will be reviewed. Candidates who advance will be contacted directly by hiring managers for interviews.

Benefits

We Value Our Staff...And It Shows

Hartford Public Schools is seeking excellent candidates and wants to provide the best experience for you.

We have put together a comprehensive package of benefits and incentives.

Financial Incentives

• Tuition Reimbursement : Up to $3,000 annually
• Residency Differential : 3% of base salary for certified administrators (HPSA members) living in Hartford
• Differential for Doctorate in Education : $2,500 annually

Additional Benefits

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
• Board contribution of 50% of the applicable Health Savings Account (HSA) deductible
• 5 Personal days per year; 20 Sick days per year
• Life insurance (2x annual salary)
• Loan forgiveness (State & Federal)
• Professional learning
• Career growth opportunities