Principal, North Hills Regional Catholic Elementary Schools, Inc., Diocese of Pittsburgh

CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL 
North Hills Regional Catholic Elementary Schools, Inc. - Diocese of Pittsburgh 
 
STATUS: FULL-TIME 12-Month Employee
Blessed Trinity Academy, Glenshaw
 
Basic Function:
The Catholic school Principal is, by the delegated authority of NHRCES and the Bishop, responsible for implementing the policies and practices of the 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. 
 
Responsibilities and Tasks
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, 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;

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

Religious Education, Pastor, advisory or school board, parish personnel, parents, faculty,
students, and civic community as appropriate;

4. Establishes a public relations committee to market the school; and

Establishes positive relationships with the civic community by encouraging the school
participation in local programs.
 
Administration
As administrator, instructional and faith leader, the Principal:

1. Observes and evaluates teaching personnel;
2. Consults with the Pastor(s), advisory or school board, parents, and faculty in

determining policies that are consistent with the regulations of the Department for
Catholic Schools;

3. Maintains close cooperation among those involved in the governance of the school.
4. Appoints an Assistant Principal when the enrollment of the school and the complexity of its

programs warrant it.

5. Articulates the philosophy and objectives of Catholic education as stated in the

teachings of the Church and by the diocesan bishop;

6. Monitors the acquisition of diocesan accreditation, religious certification, and

Pennsylvania Instruction II certification of teachers;

7. Prepares and submits required reports for the diocesan Schools Office, advisory or

school board and Pastor as applicable;

8. Oversees the maintenance and safety of school facilities;
9. Supervises the implementation of a program for Catholic Identity, the Middle States

Accreditation process, and diocesan curriculum guidelines;

10. Supervises and evaluates instruction according to Diocesan policy.
11. Plans and presents orientation for new teachers and paraprofessionals;
12. Participates in the preparation of the annual school budget and submits it for approval;
13. Assists in establishing the tuition policy of the school;
14. Cooperates with fundraising projects for the school;
15. Communicates with the local public school administration;
16. Monitors recruitment and retention of students; and
17. 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 are needed. The Principal should also relate well to children,
adolescents and adults, and can 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 governs the Catholic school;

2. Understanding, as an instructional leader, of the patterns of growth in children and adolescents

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.
Some of the guidelines include:

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

practicing Catholics who have knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith;

2. 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;

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

Certification (PRC)

4. 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.

 

 

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED: 

• Principal's Application
• Current Resume 
• Three Letters of recommendation from at least the following: 
• Pastor of affiliated Parish 
• Pastor of parish where employed, if applicable 
• Immediate past Principal or employer 
• One other person as a character reference 
• Other portfolio documents: 
• Copies of transcripts and Pennsylvania certificates 
• Paragraph or two regarding your Catholic Philosophy of Education/Administration 
• All documents and clearances required for employment by the Diocesan Office of Compliance as found on the diocesan website: https://diopitt.org/essential-documents

 

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: PA Certification: Elementary; Administrative K-6, K-12 

 All interested candidates should send all documentation to Mrs. Sharon Brown at [email protected].