PRIMARY FUNCTION:
The Principal of Charles Ellis Montessori School serves as the instructional and operational leader of a American Montessori Society(AMS)-certified school. The Principal is responsible for upholding the core tenets of the Montessori philosophy while ensuring alignment with SCCPSS goals and Georgia Department of Education standards. This role promotes a child-centered, developmentally responsive approach to teaching and learning, and fosters a collaborative culture for students, staff, and families.
REPORTS TO: School Support Officer
SALARY SCHEDULE: Principal
WORK DAYS: 229
REQUIREMENTS:
Educational Level: Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
Preferred: Earned Doctorate
Experience, Skill and Certification:
- Eligible for Georgia Leadership certification, Tier II.
- Willing to enroll and pursue additional graduate course work in administration and supervision
- At least six years successful experience in education
- At least two years of administrative or supervisory experience in education and at least one of these years as an Assistant Principal OR two years principal experience.
- Internal candidates must not be on a professional development plan at the time of application.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Montessori Leadership & Vision
Promotes and protects the integrity of the Montessori Method in a public-school setting.
Partners with instructional staff and district leaders to integrate Montessori curriculum within state and district accountability frameworks.
Ensures all classrooms meet Montessori Prepared Environment standards and supports fidelity to multi-age groupings, uninterrupted work cycles, and the use of Montessori materials.
- Student-Centered School Culture
Fosters a peaceful, and respectful learning environment where students develop independence, critical thinking, and a love for lifelong learning.
Implements restorative practices aligned with Montessori principles for student discipline and conflict resolution.
- Collaborative School Governance
Facilitates a shared leadership model, supporting the School Council, Family Engagement team, and staff committees.
Encourages staff voice in decision-making and cultivates authentic family-school partnerships.
- Instructional Leadership
Supports a coaching culture among Montessori-trained teachers, interventionists, and support staff.
Leads data-informed practices that respect whole-child development and guide individualized instruction.
Partners with district academic services to ensure instructional rigor and compliance.
- Organizational Management
Oversees operational functions including budgeting, scheduling, facilities, and school safety with efficiency and transparency.
Develops the master schedule to support uninterrupted Montessori work cycles, enrichment programs, and teacher planning.
- Professional Development
Facilitates ongoing Montessori-specific and district-required training for staff.
Coaches and evaluates certified and classified personnel with an emphasis on reflection, growth, and development.
- Data & Compliance
Monitors and reports student progress using district and Montessori-aligned assessment tools.
Ensures all records, staffing, testing, and accountability reports are completed accurately and on time.
- Community Engagement
Serves as the school’s ambassador to parents, the community, and national Montessori networks.
Celebrates student learning through exhibitions, events, and outreach that reflect the Montessori mission and school priorities.
- Other Duties
Performs additional responsibilities to advance the effectiveness and mission of Charles Ellis Montessori Academy and SCCPSS.
Terms of Employment
Incumbents will receive an annual contract. The work calendar will be 229 days. Salary will be determined based on level of certification and allowable experience.
Non-Essential Responsibilities
A responsibility is considered to be “non-essential” (for the purposes of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) if:
- it is shared between multiple incumbents in the job; or
- it could be performed by an employee in another job within the workgroup.
Note the responsibility number from the list in the “Duties and Responsibilities” section for those responsibilities that could be considered “non-essential” based on this definition.
Physical and Sensory Demands
Most jobs in the District have physical and sensory demands that can be described by one of the two categories noted below. For jobs that require more physical or sensory effort, please list the requirements in this section. The category applicable for this position is listed below.
OFFICE Employees in this category are normally exposed to a typical environment. The employee has some control over the length of time sitting, standing, or ambulating. There are occasions that require the lifting or pulling of equipment or supplies, as well as bending, stooping, or stretching. There is frequent use of computers, telephone, and other standard office equipment, which includes reading, listening, writing, or speaking. There are few exceptional physical or sensory demands.