Dialectic Principal

Position Purpose:            The Dialectic Principal works directly with the Dean of Education, fellow administrators, faculty, and staff to foster and cultivate a culture where students and teachers thrive in the common pursuit of academic and spiritual growth that is richly informed by the Gospel and upheld within the mission and vision of The Academy.

 Essential Functions

• Casts and protects the vision of The Academy and assists in integrating it into all facets of daily life

• Accurately demonstrates knowledge of The Academy, the classical Christian education model, and school procedures/protocols
• Consistently demonstrates the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion

• Demonstrates excellent written, oral communication, and presentation skills

• Coordinate with North Grammar Principal in areas of shared responsibility

 Leadership

     General:

• Provides leadership and oversight for the daily Dialectic activities of the campus
• Casts and protects the vision of The Academy and assists in integrating it into the daily classroom
• Cultivates rich interpersonal culture of trust with students, parents, and faculty.
• Empowers Dialectic staff to implement the school’s mission in the classroom
• Leads by example and cultivates a culture of collaboration and unity among colleagues
• Cultivates a rich student culture that is uniquely classical and Christian even as the campus grows.
• Partners effectively and harmoniously with all administrators, department heads, teams and committees within the Academy structure.

 Faculty and Support Staff Support:

• Provides counsel and support to teachers, students, and parents when challenging issues arise; clearly documents issues and discipleship/corrective actions taken and oversees communication and feedback given to parents. Serves as the “first responder” for disciplinary needs in the Dialectic school as needed.
• Mentors and shepherds Dialectic teachers; lends professional and spiritual support.
• Conducts annual Dialectic faculty evaluations
• Supports Dialectic faculty in scheduled curriculum activities
• Participate in annual and mid-year Staff/Faculty Inservice as needed
  • Spends time in all classrooms to observe Dialectic teachers with recommendations and encouragement noted

Students:

• Leads students and their families to love God and love others, by building authentic relationships with students, parents, and faculty

• • Builds rich, mentoring relationships with dialectic students, setting and promoting biblical standards of holiness by praising it both publicly and privately.
  • Models and participates in peer mediation and peacemaking process in grades 5-8

• Lead the daily Dialectic lyceum prayers; schedule and conducts the times of prayer during the day

Administration

• Oversees the screening and interview process for potential Dialectic faculty and support staff candidates. Coordinate with Grammar Principal, Administrators and Chairs regarding staffing decisions.
• Recommends updates to the Parent/Student Handbook, Employee Handbook, and other matters of school policy
• Partners with Grammar Principal and Culture and Events Coordinator to provide
• Special activities for dialectic classes and,
• Annual events (Lessons & Carols, Griffin Games, etc.) and,
• New school year events (House Sorting, Meet the Teacher, etc.)
• Connect with Director of District Education and Accommodations to review 504c plans.
• Coordinate with Grammar Principal to set up and maintain recess, Matins, Lunch and Evensong logistics for Dialectic
• Work with Grammar Principal to decide House Leaders and house lessons

• Enforces uniform policy to ensure appropriate compliance to the letter and spirit of the law.
• As it coordinates with schedule and availability, Dialectic Principal will step into class and continue to oversee the students’ studies if there is an emergency need for a substitute teacher.
• Oversee Dialectic students exit from the school; including the staffing schedule for dismissal of students. Step in when teachers are not available or when the Principal is not available to do the grammar dismissal.
• Participates in the “school day closure” rotation, supervising students and overseeing sport practices on the North campus as needed.
• Time Card and Paid Time Off Approval Process
  • Responsible for payroll review on a weekly basis for all employees that I supervise to ensure timely and accurate pay. This process includes:
    • Weekly: Approve timecards for hourly employees; ensure that all absences have been entered by employees and approved.
    • End of pay period: Check and approve each employee's timecard; make sure all absences have been requested by the employee in Paycom and approved
    • The principal is responsible to approve/request PTO that is in keeping with the circumstances of the employee absence.  The principal’s employee must personally request, and be granted by the principal, qualifying requests for Special Circumstances Leave (Bereavement & Maternity).  The principal must personally request this leave on behalf of the employee in Paycom

Curriculum

• Oversees implementation of Dialectic curriculum objectives under directive of the Headmaster and Curriculum Coordinator
• As requested, participates with Headmaster, Curriculum Coordinator and Department Chairs in the scope and sequence of course development
• Attend and participate in monthly Ed Team meeting
• Oversees standardized Dialectic testing
• Confirm that faculty Lesson Plans are posted in a timely fashion
• Recommends purchase of necessary teacher resources

 Admissions

• Attends information sessions and View Events for prospective families with Dialectic students
• Assists with new family interviews as requested

Financial

• Provide budget item recommendations or changes to the annual budget for Dialectic school
• Oversee the proper use of discretionary funds for Dialectic teachers
• Participates as requested in the fundraising activities of The Academy

Soft Skills Required

• Ability to problem-solve and think critically; individually and in community
• Strong communicator (Empathetic /Active-listening)
• Time/Priority management
• Team-builder and sustainer
• Ability to exhibit confident, yet humble leadership; teachable
• Organized and Punctual
• Ability to empower, motivate and inspire
• Social skills; self-awareness, ability to express openness and establish healthy connections

Physical Requirements

• Able to sit, talk, hear and maintain awareness of visitors to the classroom.
• Able to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Able to stand for extended periods of time as needed.
• Able to work at desk and computer for extended periods of time as needed.
• Able to turn, bend, reach and occasionally use a ladder if needed.