Assistant Principal in Lakeland, Florida at MI ESCUELA MONTESSORI INC

Mi Escuela Montessori | Polk County, FL

The Opportunity: Shaping the Future of Public Montessori

Mi Escuela Montessori is a diverse charter school moving into a brand-new facility next year, expanding to a full Toddler through Adolescent continuum. We are home to a MACTE-accredited training program and are officially beginning our journey toward formal Montessori accreditation.

We are seeking a Montessori Leader who believes that high-fidelity Montessori is a vehicle for educational equity. Our student population truly represents our community; we need a leader who deeply understands and advocates for multilingual learners, neurodivergent children, and typically developing students alike.

Position Details
Salary: $55,000 – $70,000
Schedule: 11-month contract (224 days)
Reports to: Executive Director

Commitment to Excellence: As a key leader in our "lab school" environment, this role requires a high level of presence. Candidates should be prepared for a demanding schedule that, while averaging 40 hours a week, often exceeds this during peak periods such as state testing windows, facility transitions, and community events.

Primary Purpose
The Assistant Principal bridges the gap between administrative requirements and Montessori philosophy. You will oversee campus operations, ensure the integrity of the state assessment system, and serve as the primary coach for instructional staff.

Major Responsibilities

1. Respectful Student Management & Discipline

• Positive Discipline Framework: Develop and implement a student discipline system that replaces traditional punitive measures with "Grace and Courtesy," restorative practices, and logical consequences.
• Supportive Environments: Ensure students are supervised and supported during non-instructional periods, maintaining a culture of mutual respect and safety.
• Intervention Plans: Develop and monitor individualized support plans for students struggling with behavior expectations.

2. Instructional Coaching & Montessori Fidelity

• Teacher Mentorship: Act as a hands-on coach, helping teachers implement trauma-informed social-emotional curriculum, ESOL strategies, and dual-language Montessori practices.
• Accreditation Leadership: Play a key role in our pursuit of formal Montessori accreditation, ensuring all environments meet the highest standards of the method.
• Personnel Growth: Observe employee performance, conduct evaluations, and assist in selecting new staff who align with our mission of justice and inclusion.

3. Assessment & Operations

• Testing Coordinator: Oversee the fidelity, training, and implementation of the State Assessment System, ensuring all students have the accommodations and environment they need to succeed.
• Data-Driven Success: Support teachers in analyzing academic data to support planning while maintaining a holistic Montessori view of the child.
• Campus Operations: Supervise daily activities, safety-drill practices, and student attendance in compliance with Polk County Public Schools and board policy.

Qualifications
Education: Master’s degree (Required).
Certification: Florida Teacher Certification (or eligibility to obtain).
Montessori Expertise: Montessori Credential (Elementary 6-12 strongly preferred) and a commitment to authentic practice.
Experience: 3+ years as a classroom teacher (Montessori preferred) and experience in leadership or instructional intervention.
The "Heart" Factor: A deep understanding of neurodiversity and a passion for serving multilingual learners and for supporting teachers.

Our Culture & Values
At Mi Escuela Montessori, we see our staff as involved, responsible changemakers. We actively promote: Independence | Inclusion | Justice | Courage | Creativity | Bilingual Communication

How to Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience with Montessori leadership, your approach to respectful student discipline, your support for students with varying educational needs, and your strategies for coaching teachers in providing a rigorous education.