Elementary (K-4) Principal Fellow Full Time NEW

Persistence Prep, a new K-8 charter school in Buffalo, invites passionate and committed educators to apply to the position of Principal Fellow. Persistence Prep is founded on the belief that all students, regardless of race, disability, home language, SES status, or zip code can learn and achieve at high levels when held to the highest expectations. It is our mission to ensure that all students are firmly on the path to succeed within a four-year college and create positive change within their communities. We are looking for high capacity, energetic, detail oriented, and dedicated individuals to join our Founding Team.

Job Summary

The K-4 Principal Fellow is a mission-driven, emerging school leader who partners closely with the Principal to ensure strong academic outcomes, a joyful and structured school culture, and operational excellence. This role is a leadership pipeline position within the charter network, designed to prepare high-performing educators for future roles as Assistant Principals or Principals.

The Principal Fellow plays a critical role in advancing the school’s mission by supporting instructional quality, using data to drive decisions, and holding high expectations for all students and staff.

Essential Functions

Instructional Leadership

• Drive the implementation of rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum and instruction across K-4
• Conduct frequent classroom observations with actionable, real-time feedback
• Use student achievement data (formative, interim, and state assessments) to inform instructional decisions and interventions
• Lead data meetings and support teachers in analyzing trends and adjusting instruction
• Co-plan and facilitate high-impact professional development aligned to school priorities

School Culture & Scholar Experience

• Uphold and model the school’s behavior systems and high expectations for student conduct
• Support consistent implementation of school-wide routines and procedures
• Lead or assist with student discipline, restorative practices, and family communication
• Foster a joyful, structured, and inclusive learning environment for all scholars
• Serve as a visible and active presence throughout the school day

Operations & School Systems

• Support daily school operations including arrival, dismissal, transitions, and coverage
• Assist with assessment administration, scheduling, and reporting
• Ensure systems and procedures are executed with fidelity and urgency
• Contribute to problem-solving and continuous improvement of school systems
• Support compliance with charter, district, and state requirements

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with families aligned to the school’s mission
• Communicate proactively and consistently regarding student progress and needs
• Support and participate in family meetings, events, and outreach efforts
• Serve as an ambassador of the school within the broader community

Leadership Development (Fellowship Component)

• Participate in ongoing coaching and leadership development with the Principal and Leadership Team
• Engage in leadership seminars focused on instruction, culture, and operations
• Take ownership of strategic projects aligned to school goals (e.g., literacy initiative, attendance improvement, MTSS systems)
• Gradually assume increased leadership responsibilities, including leading teams or school-wide initiatives
• Receive regular performance feedback aligned to leadership competencies

Competencies

• Commitment to uphold and execute upon the mission of Persistence Prep.
• Unwavering, high expectations for all scholars, with a belief that all children deserve access to a college education
• Clear and effective communication skills for diverse audiences including students, staff, families, and the local community.
• Solutions-focused style that encourages teamwork and collaboration to support the development students.
• Willingness to foster creativity and innovation with enthusiasm for work, and ability to motivate and unite others in the work.
• Persistence in the face of obstacles, productive problem-solving to counter setbacks, initiative to seize opportunities to make change and solicit feedback.
• Belief in student empowerment and willingness to allow students to play an active role in supporting the school’s vision and climate.
• Commitment to results-driven approach, with strong ability to analyze data and use it to inform decision-making.
• Ability to reflect on how to improve, self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses, willingness to take responsibility for actions and mistakes.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.
• At least three years of successful school experience, with a proven record of scholar achievement (urban setting preferred)
• Hiring preference to candidate with three or more years of teaching experience
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team, especially with parents and community members.
• Experience working in a high-performing or high-expectations school environment (charter experience preferred)
• Proven ability to use data to drive instructional improvement
• Ambition and desire to grow as a leader

Please make sure to complete an application by clicking here for this job posting.

Job Attachment : View Attachment

Salary: From : 85000.00

Salary Competitive : Y

Appointment Status : Permanent

Position Status : Full time

Start Date : July 20,2026

Required Certification Type : School Building Leader {1012}, Inst Admin Principal {1050}, Elem Administrator {1092}

Contact Person’s Name : Joelle Formato

Contact Person’s Phone : 7162351520

Contact Person’s Email : jformato@persistenceprep.org