CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
South Regional Catholic Elementary Schools, Inc. - Diocese of Pittsburgh

STATUS: FULL-TIME 12 Month Employee Archangel Gabriel School - Robinson Township

BASIC FUNCTIONS:
The Catholic school Principal is, by the delegated authority of the SRCES Board and Bishop, responsible for implementing the policies and practices of the Board and Department for Catholic Schools. The role of the Principal is primarily one of spiritual and instructional leadership. The Principal endeavors to create a school climate that focuses on the development of Gospel values, positive self-image and academic excellence. The Principal acts as a catalyst in fostering a Community of Faith among clergy, teachers, staff, parents and students.
The Principal, as leader in the Catholic school, has the unique privilege and responsibility for providing a Christ-centered school atmosphere in which each child can progress spiritually, academically, socially and physically in accordance with the God-given gifts of the individual student.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Worship

The Principal:

1. Collaborates with other appropriate members of the staff to assure quality prayer and liturgical celebration opportunities for the school community;
2. Oversees the appropriate provision of sacramental preparation programs and of sacramental reception for students of the school community where applicable.

Education

The Principal:

1. Provides opportunities for in-service in spiritual and educational development for the staff;
2. Directs, supervises, and evaluates and improves all areas of the curriculum; and 3) Provides staff development for the faculty.

Pastoral Services The Principal:
1) Encourages interaction between and among faculty, staff and students by encouraging a climate conducive to the development of spiritual, personal and professional growth; 2) Collaborates with parish and/or diocesan personnel in planning and implementing programs for a total integrated approach to catechesis;

1. Communicates effectively with the Department for Catholic Schools, Department for Catholic

Identity, SRCES office, parents, faculty, students, and civic community as appropriate;

1. Establishes a public relations committee to market the school; and
2. Establishes positive relationships with the civic community by encouraging school participation in local programs.

Administration

As administrator, instructional and faith leader, the Principal:

1. Observes and evaluates teaching personnel;
2. Consults with the diocesan and regional school’s office, parents, and faculty in determining policies which are consistent with the regulations of the Department for

Catholic Schools;

1. Maintains close cooperation among those involved in the governance of the school.
2. Appoints faculty to oversee areas of need;
3. Articulates the philosophy and objectives of Catholic education as stated in the teachings of the Church and by the diocesan bishop;
4. Monitors the acquisition of diocesan accreditation, religious certification and Pennsylvania

Instructional II certification of teachers;

1. Prepares and submits required reports for the diocesan Schools Office, advisory or regional board and Regional Administrator, as applicable;
2. Oversees the maintenance and safety of school facilities;
3. Supervises the implementation of a program for Catholic Identity, the Middle States

Accreditation process, and diocesan curriculum guidelines;

1. Supervises and evaluates instruction according to Diocesan policy.
2. Plans and presents orientation for new teachers and paraprofessionals;
3. Participates in the preparation of the annual school budget and submits it for approval;
4. Assists in establishing the tuition policy of the school;
5. Cooperates with fundraising projects for the school;
6. Communicates with the local public school administration;
7. Monitors recruitment and retention of students; and
8. Establishes and participates in the long range planning committee for the school.

Qualities

Effective functioning in this ministry requires a love for learning. An openness to differing opinions and views, especially concerning the Principal's role as administrator of curriculum, pedagogy, and educational policies is needed. The Principal should also relate well to children, adolescents, and adults, and have the ability to coordinate a staff of dedicated teachers to achieve mutually agreed-upon goals.

Competencies and Skills

1. Understanding of the philosophy of Catholic education, and the policies and programs which govern the Catholic school;
2. Understanding, as an instructional leader, of the patterns of growth in child and adolescent development and possessing a workable knowledge of learning theories;
3. Proficiency in curriculum development;
4. Knowledge of personal and interpersonal leadership styles; and
5. Understanding and appreciation of evaluation techniques for self and other personnel.

FORMATION, TRAINING, AND CRITERIA FOR READINESS

Preparation for this ministry must follow the guidelines of the Department for Catholic Schools.

1. Since the Principal is faith leader as well as academic leader, all Principals shall be practicing

Catholics who have knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith;

1. All Principals shall have a minimum of five years of successful teaching, preferably in a

Catholic school, a master's degree in administration, and certification in administration;

1. All Principals shall be required to obtain Diocesan Accreditation or Preliminary Religious

Certification (PRC) within two years of initial employment;

1. All Principals shall have a valid Pennsylvania Principal certificate.

Safe Environments for Children

As with all positions that involve contact with children in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, this ministry comes under the Safe Environment Policy of the diocese which requires clearances, i.e.
criminal, child abuse history, fingerprinting, a Protecting God’s Children attendance certificate and a signed copy of the Code of Pastoral Conduct.

Catholic Identity And Mission Clause

A signed copy of the Catholic Identity And Mission Clause must be kept on file for all Elementary School Principals.
To apply, email Carlos Leyva Regional Business Manager at [email protected] with a letter of interest and resume.