TITLE: Elementary School Principal Ocean Avenue Elementary School POSITION OVERVIEW:Ocean Avenue Elementary School (OAES) is currently (this school year) hiring a Principal who is deeply committed to great student outcomes. For this role, the school specifically seeks:
- A collaborative instructional leader, who can forge a shared, equity-oriented vision for the school that ensures all students have access to grade-level instruction, resources and support to achieve at high levels;
- A strong partnership-builder with students, staff, families and the community, who sees OAES as a place where students, families and educators feel safe and feel a sense of belonging.
- A school leader with keen interest and/or experience in the International Baccalaureate learning model, the Primary Years Program.
The Principal is responsible for administering and supervising the overall school program and providing educational leadership for the students and staff members consistent with the educational goals of the community and our 5-Year Strategic Plan. This individual will recruit, retain and develop high-quality faculty and staff, and support all members of this diverse community in a culturally responsive manner with an emphasis on respect and inclusion. The position reports to the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools and supervises an Assistant Principal, Instructional Coach, Culture & Climate Coordinator, Special Education Coordinator, educators and other staff.
The Principal must demonstrate exceptional leadership and administrative skills. In addition, this individual will be skilled at forming and maintaining relationships with a broad range of individuals and across areas of difference in cultural background, linguistic heritage, race, class, socio-economic status and family structure. They will be able to balance the urgency of problem solving in the moment with the need to establish enduring systems so the school can run efficiently over the long-term. They will be an exceptional people manager who inspires those who work for them, and helps staff identify areas for growth and opportunities to support them in their professional development.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:- Builds and maintains a great team by recruiting, selecting, and retaining an outstanding faculty and staff. Coaches and supports educators on strong instructional practices, and hold them to high standards and expectations. Leads efforts to analyze and use school-level data to personalize instruction, and to inform the practices of educators. Models a growth mindset and an openness to new approaches.
- Manages effective teams to drive results in service of the school's mission and vision. Implements the school's vision for instructional excellence and ensures alignment with that vision for faculty members, students, families, and the community. Leads the implementation and refinement of all school systems, schedules, structures, and operations.
- Ensures the school provides adequate student services that meet students' academic and social emotional needs and those related to school safety, including developing and staffing these functions appropriately and measuring results to ensure their effectiveness.
- Fosters a culture of excellence, characterized by high levels of transparency, shared leadership, collaboration, organization and efficiency. Leads by example. Cultivates a school community that is reflective, collaborative, and inspiring for students, families, faculty, and community partners, and one that values innovation, accountability, and performance. Coordinates the development and implementation of a school discipline policy that is consistent with the PPS policy on Student Rights and Responsibilities and state law.
- Builds strong family and community partnerships in support of student learning. Creates a welcoming environment for all students and families. Promotes effective communication between staff, families, students, and community members.
- Serves as a collaborative leader within PPS by serving on PPS task forces and committees, participating in district collaboration structures and ensuring that PPS policies and procedures, as well as state and federal laws are followed.
- Performs related work as needed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:- An experienced school leader and educator, with a proven record of success who is well versed in high-impact instructional practices and believes deeply in setting high expectations for all students.
- A proven collaborator and inspirational leader devoted to coaching and developing colleagues while holding them accountable to measurable results.
- A reflective leader who understands the effects of race, class, ethnicity, income, disability, gender identity, and other areas of difference in our society and has personally worked in similar communities to ensure that all students have an opportunity to achieve their personal dreams of college and career success.
- A culturally-responsive leader who is knowledgeable about the academic and social emotional needs of students, especially those of different racial, linguistic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
- A strong written and oral communicator who is able to engage students, families, and faculty in dialogue and speak in a clear and authentic manner about the school's goals.
- A seasoned professional and experienced manager who knows how to recruit, coach, and develop educators and staff at all levels.
- An experienced administrator who is (or can quickly become) familiar with Portland Public Schools (PPS) policies and procedures, the 5-Year Strategic Plan, and has a thorough knowledge of pertinent state and federal regulations and laws.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:- Master's degree from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in supervision, educational administration.
- Minimum of 5 years in teaching, administration or supervision of which at least 3 years must have been teaching in an Elementary classroom (equivalent experience will be considered).
- Completion of an administrative internship program is preferable.
- Experience as a principal is preferable.
- Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:- Maine State Administrator Certificate 040 (Building Administrator) (more info)
- Maine State CHRC authorization (more info) **
- **if you already have an active administrator certification, you do not need a separate CHRC as this clearance is tied to your admin cert
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:- Schedule: Year-round, full-time, 1.0 FTE position
- Assignment: Permanent
- Start Date: December 1, 2026
- Overtime: Not eligible for overtime
- Contract:
- Salary: Based on education and experience as per CBA (25-26 range was 107,241-135,968; 26-27 range will be higher)
- Benefits: Generous benefits package, including 25 vacation days per year and full health and dental benefits (see here)
- Reports to: Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools
ABOUT OCEAN AVE:Located in beautiful Portland, Maine, Ocean Avenue Elementary School is a vibrant Pre-K through 5th grade school serving approximately 350 students. Our incredible staff and students make OAES a truly special place to learn and grow. We provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where every child is supported on their educational journey.
We are proud to be a diverse learning community, with approximately one-third of our students identifying as multilingual learners. Our robust ESOL team works collaboratively to ensure all students are engaged and successful. Around 20% of our students access special education services, and OAES is home to the district's specialized ASD program. We believe deeply in equity, inclusion, and educating the whole child?academically, socially, and emotionally.
We are proud of our diverse population of learners from around the world, who speak a total of sixteen different languages. It has 21 classrooms. Our building is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, with sustainable design features such as ample natural light, and a roof garden for natural cooling. We are proud to be Maine's first International Baccalaureate IB WORLD SCHOOL offering the Primary Years Program (IB PYP.)
