Principal

MISSION

Through the use of social and restorative justice principles, Five Keys provides traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to improve their lives through a focus on the Five Keys: EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, RECOVERY, FAMILY, COMMUNITY.

FIVE KEYS CHARTER SCHOOLS OVERVIEW

Five Keys is one of the country's most unique non-profits, operating adult serving charter schools across nine counties in California. We provide free high school education to anyone 15 years or older and we focus on youth who have been pushed out of traditional high schools and returning citizens and adults who were unsuccessful in mainstream academic settings. We support students in county jails and low-income communities where our trauma informed approach makes a positive impact on the people and communities we serve. We meet students where they are at in their educational journey and provide support online, in-person, via text, calls or video sessions. We are also fortunate that we provide some one-on-one education and small group instruction.

We are seeking potential candidates to join our charter school leadership team. We currently operate in 7 different counties in the San Francisco Bay Area: ALAMEDA, SAN FRANCISCO, SANTA CLARA, SAN MATEO, SOLANO, SONOMA, MARIN.

POSITION SUMMARY

Our Principals report directly to the Regional Superintendent and are essential in leading the teachers and staff and managing the day-to-day operations of our classrooms. The position will provide leadership to the Five Keys teachers and staff and will assist with curriculum development, student tracking systems, and student behavior management and intervention. This position provides support to staff in community-based classrooms and in-custody settings. They also assist with on-the-ground collaboration with program and Five Keys partners. Our Principals support the Five Keys mission by creating a learning and work environment of mutual respect and fairness while encouraging creative and critical thinking through an equity lens. In addition, they contribute to our appreciation of diversity and foster a climate of multicultural understanding.

If this job is for you, you are passionate about ensuring everyone has access to a high quality education, are extremely organized, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. You're self-driven and like having some autonomy, while collaborating with a diverse group of people and you're happy to follow the direction and vision provided by our school executives. Experience with standardized educational assessments and knowledge of how to interpret assessment results are essential, as is an understanding of how educational barriers affect work and training.

Our Principals travel consistently throughout the school year to visit the local classrooms and support our teachers and students. They also work remotely (from home) or in one of our local offices as needed.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct supervision and evaluation to teachers
• Oversee and ensure compliance of all independent study and whole group instruction regulations, including; evaluating student progress in the instructional program by means that include the maintaining of permanent files and work progress reports
• Supervise and appraise the performance of the school staff
• Ensure Special Education laws and requirements are being met and students are being identified and served and participate as part of the Response to Intervention team
• Serve as liaison between the school executive team, the school board and the community
• Provide activities that facilitate the professional growth of the school staff and enhance the quality of the instructional program
• Provide organizational leadership regarding creation, development, and maintenance of connections for Five Keys students, including liaising with city and community partners to develop vocational continuum of care for students
• Implement, or facilitate the implementation of, standardized reading and math assessments and tests at assigned locations (including CASAS, high school equivalency, and state testing)
• Support teachers with high school equivalency curriculum and strategies
• Conceptualize the broad goals of the school and plans accordingly to ensure that procedures and schedules are implemented to support the success of the total school
• Monitor and facilitate the aggregation of academic gains and other information for students placed in school and skills training for external contracts
• Work collaboratively with the College and Career team to develop and implement the Five Keys college/career curriculum that aligns with successful matriculation to college
• Encourage teachers to set and maintain appropriate standards of behavior in their classroom
• As a central part of the school administration, be available for periodic school-wide tasks such as assessment proctoring, graduation and event planning, emergency class coverage and staff training
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
• Knowledge of how to teach to California State and Common Core standards, general learning theories and curriculum development
• Knowledge of how to educate students who have been determined to be at risk of not graduating high school
• Knowledge of and proficiency in effective methodology and techniques used to instill student confidence and self-respect
• Comfortable, mature, and professional interacting with diverse community partners, school district representatives, the local Sheriff's Department and Five Keys staff
• Adept at using Google Workspace, phone, internet/email, student information systems, and other technology as needed
• Willing and able to expand skills, grow professionally and adapt to school environments
• Ability to maintain strong and appropriate boundaries while ensuring confidentiality
• Ability to simultaneously handle multiple deadlines from multiple stakeholders
• Advanced problem-solving skills; tactfully address and resolve questions/concerns
• Work harmoniously with others and communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) with students, teachers, administration, and community partners
• Communicate with individuals of varied cultural and educational backgrounds

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• Masters degree required
• 2-4 years or more of leadership experience required
• Possession of a valid California Commission on Teaching Credential preferred
• 3-5 years or more of classroom teaching experience preferred
• Administrative Services Credential preferred
• Successful experience working with justice-involved populations preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• To promote the health and safety of its employees, those we serve and our local communities, Five Keys requires that all employees hired into the Principal position must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or request and receive approval for an exemption from this policy by September 30. Exemptions are granted to accommodate a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief. For further information about this policy, please contact HR at 415-610-3373.
• Valid CA drivers license and reliable transportation
• 30-50% travel required to Five Keys sites, community-based and in-custody locations
• Must wear provided PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and adhere to all safety guidelines and requirements, when needed
• Moderate to extensive degree of physical and emotional stamina
• Travel to multiple sites may be required
• Frequent and prolonged standing, walking, and sitting
• Frequent talking and hearing conversations
• Occasional reaching with hands and arms
• Occasionally lifting up to 25 lbs
• Ability to follow oral directions in emergency situations
• Clear TB test results submitted within 10 days of hire required
• Willingness to show proof of COVID-19 vaccine or sign waiver accepting on-site, in-person work assignment if choosing not to vaccinate

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Must be willing and able to work in a correctional facility and travel state-wide to various locations or meetings as needed
• There can be some personal safety risk when working in-custody, in community locations with at-risk population and/or justice-involved locations
• Work environment varies from site to site
• Moderate to high noise level

BENEFITS

Wonderful benefits package!

• Medical insurance monthly costs are very low
• Deductible and out of pocket expenses paid by Five Keys
• Dental, vision and life insurance premiums paid by Five Keys
• Pre-Tax Flexible Spending Accounts (transit, parking, medical, child and adult care)
• Retirement account options (STRS and 403b)
• Generous paid time off
• Annual $100 gym membership reimbursement
• Annual $100 towards smoking cessation program
• Annual $100 towards weight loss program
• Annual $50 towards athletic event participation
• Annual $50 towards a massage (after 6 months of employment)
• Free access to wellness-related apps
• Free Employee Assistance Program

This job description is not a complete statement of essential functions and responsibilities. Five Keys Schools and Programs retains the discretion to add or change typical duties of a position at any time.