Principal - Charles Ellis Montessori Academy (K8)

Charles Ellis Montessori Academy is a thriving and stable environment of united staff who work to meet the dual standards of SCCPSS and the American Montessori Society. The school and its community have heavily invested time and financial resources to uphold its distinct Montessori philosophy and pedagogy that undergird its choice school designation and is a draw for the Savannah-Chatham community. The ideal candidate will continue to lead and support ongoing progress to obtain AMS accreditation.

1. Deep Understanding of Montessori Philosophy: A Montessori principal should be equipped with extensive knowledge of Maria Montessori's philosophy, principles, and methodologies. This understanding enables them to guide teachers, families, and students in line with Montessori principles. Absent extensive knowledge, the principal should be open and committed to supporting Charles Ellis teachers in order to uphold Montessori pedagogy and philosophy in the classroom and community.

1. Passion for Education: A genuine passion for education and child development is crucial. Montessori principals should be committed to creating an environment that fosters curiosity, independence, and love for learning in both students and staff.

1. Strong Leadership Skills: Effective leadership skills are essential for guiding the school community toward common goals. This includes the ability to inspire, motivate, delegate tasks, and make difficult decisions when necessary.  It also requires the ability to filter SCCPSS directives through the Montessori framework at Charles Ellis. The principal must act as a unifying force between the school and the broader SCCPSS community, and be willing and able to serve as an advocate for the school at the district level. 

1. Excellent Communication Skills: Clear and open communication with teachers, families, and students is vital in a Montessori environment. Principals should be able to listen actively, provide constructive feedback, and facilitate dialogue among stakeholders.  Effective communication skills and empathy are critical to the success of Charles Ellis’ relationship with the school board and broader SCCPSS community.
   
   
2. Flexibility and Adaptability: Montessori principals need to be flexible and adaptable in their approach to education.  They should be able to make adjustments based on the needs of the students and the school community, while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to Montessori core values. They should be open to observing and learning from our staff before making changes to the systems already in place. 

1. Empathy and Compassion: Understanding the individual needs and differences of students, teachers, and families requires empathy and compassion. Montessori principals should be supportive and empathetic listeners, fostering a nurturing and inclusive school culture.

1. Commitment to Professional Development: Continual learning and growth are essential for Montessori principals to stay up to date on best practices in education. They should actively seek opportunities for professional development, and encourage the same for their staff.  

1. Organizational and Administrative Skills: Managing the day-to-day operations of a school requires strong organizational and administrative skills. Principals should be adept at budgeting, scheduling, resource management, and other administrative tasks. A strong background in both administrative and teaching experience can help the candidate understand the needs in the classroom, and the needs of the school as a whole.

1. Team Building and Collaboration: Building a strong team of teachers and staff is essential for the success of a Montessori school. Principals should foster a collaborative and supportive work environment where everyone feels heard, valued and respected. They should demonstrate a commitment to consultation and transparency in decision-making processes, taking into account that we are a large and increasingly diverse school. 

1.  Visionary Thinking: Montessori principals should have a clear vision for the school's future, both in academic and operational terms, and the ability to inspire others to work towards that vision. They should be forward-thinking, innovative, and willing to explore new ideas that align with the core principles of Montessori education. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Higher from an accredited U.S. university.
• Montessori Teacher Credential earned through an AMS, AMI, or MACTE accredited course with Montessori Administrator Credentials.
• Commitment to achieve Montessori Inclusion Endorsement (MIE) within 2 years upon hire.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a School Administrator, Assistant Head of School, Education Director/Curriculum Director, Montessori certified teacher, or related Non-profit Leadership management experience.
• Additional qualifications may include Montessori teaching experience, AMS membership, and current professional development hours as required by AMS.

Apply here: https://savannahccs.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=5071