Assistant Principal (12 Month)

About Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School

School History:

Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School, located in Alexandria's West End, opened its doors in 2000. The school is named in honor of Samuel Wilbert Tucker (1913-1990), a distinguished civil rights attorney renowned for organizing a 1939 sit-in at Alexandria's then-segregated public library. The school community takes pride in its rich cultural diversity, with students and families representing a multitude of backgrounds. This diversity is reflected in the 35 languages spoken by the student body.

Samuel W. Tucker is a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that serves approximately 700 students in grades K-5. Named after Alexandria civil rights attorney Samuel Wilbert Tucker, the school is deeply rooted in principles of equity, academic excellence, and community engagement.

Key school demographics include:

• Over 35 languages spoken by students and families
• Approximately 50% of students eligible for free/reduced meals
• 40% of students identified as English Learners
• 15-20% of students receiving special education services

Tucker operates on a Modified Academic Calendar, starting in late July and incorporating periodic intersessions for personalized enrichment, intervention, and staff collaboration. This model allows for a more continuous learning cycle and supports innovation in academic programming and student services. These intersessions provide students with opportunities for remediation and enrichment, supporting problem-based learning and real-world experiences. The school community is committed to building strong relationships and developing the whole child through effective collaboration in an inclusive learning environment that focuses on real-world applications of knowledge and leads our students to global success

Description

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is seeking a student-centered, equity-driven Assistant Principal with strong special education leadership experience to join the administrative team at Samuel W. Tucker Elementary.

This role will support school-wide leadership responsibilities, with a targeted focus on:

• Special education program leadership
• Inclusive instructional practices
• Student support services
• Collaborative school improvement efforts

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for equity, proven experience in special education compliance and instructional supervision, and a commitment to supporting the whole child through culturally responsive practices.

Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree in Educational Leadership or a related field

Licensure:

• Valid or eligible Virginia licensure in Administration & Supervision, PreK-12

Experience:

• Minimum of three years of successful instructional or administrative experience
• Demonstrated leadership in special education programming, including IEP development, LRE compliance, and team-based service delivery
• Experience supporting diverse student populations, including English Learners, gifted students, and those receiving compensatory education
• Proven ability to lead with a focus on equity, collaboration, and innovation
• Commitment to working in a Modified Academic Calendar environment

• A performance record that demonstrates high integrity, vision, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to diverse schools.

• A performance record grounded in the ACPS Core Values of Welcoming, Equity Focused, Empowering, Innovative, and Results Driven.

Core Responsibilities

• Supports the principal in articulating a clear instructional vision with a school-wide focus on teaching and learning that is data-driven, standards-aligned, and rooted in the ACPS Strategic Plan.
• Demonstrates knowledge of how to use instruction to reach student achievement goals.
• Able to identify and describe effective instructional practices and how to provide feedback, coaching, and professional development to teachers and assistant principals to improve the quality of instruction throughout the school.
• Demonstrates knowledge of educational theory and practices, including a focus on standards-based instruction.
• Supports the principal in implementing consistent school-wide instructional practices that are clear, results-oriented, and research-based.
• Supports the principals in creating opportunities for ongoing learning and staff development that are informed by data in alignment with division foci.
• Guide differentiated instruction, intervention planning, and implementation of behavior supports

• Serve as the building administrator for special education and lead compliance with IDEA and VDOE regulations
• Promote evidence-based co-teaching and inclusion models across grade levels
• Facilitate ongoing analysis of student performance data to inform instruction and student supports
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  Demonstrates a belief in student possibility, promise, and potential in every student.
  
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  Focusing on evidence-based growth and results to drive the school towards annual and long-term goals.
  
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  Assures the proper evaluation of student progress and the effectiveness of the program to determine what practices or objectives to maintain or modify.
  
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  Collaboratively develops and implements a school improvement plan in support of increased student success.
  
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  Utilizes a variety of data sources to make informed decisions for enhancing student/employee/program performance.
  

• Support school scheduling and staffing to ensure equitable access for all learners
• Manage student behavior and safety procedures through restorative and trauma-informed approaches
• Contribute to school-wide operations, including supervision, emergency planning, and policy implementation
• Executing results-focused school operations and resource management that ensure minimal disruptions to teaching and learning and promote the success of all students and staff.
• Supports the principal in developing and maintaining a purposeful school culture that supports a safe and effective learning environment.
• Supporting and implementing a safe and inclusive school environment.
• Supports the principal in communicating a clear vision of excellence and pursues that excellence in a manner that provides consistency with the goals of the school division.
• Coordinates and supervises all extracurricular programs to maintain high standards of student conduct and enforce discipline.
• Supports the principal in maintaining the school philosophy and educational program in consistency with community characteristics and school division goals and practices, and implements and enforces School Board policies and regulations.
• Practices ethical standards appropriate to the profession to ethically resolve issues and promote a climate of collaboration and collegiality.
• Supports the principal in selecting, supporting, and evaluating the retention of quality instructional and support personnel.
• Uses problem-solving techniques in identifying, analyzing, and resolving problems.
• Performs other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as may be required to ensure an efficient and effective work environment.

• Partner with families and community organizations to address academic and behavioral needs
• Maintain open, transparent, and culturally responsive communication with all stakeholders
• Support a welcoming and inclusive school climate through community-building events and outreach
• Communicates with parents, employees, and the community to establish and maintain professional relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership experience in an urban, high-needs elementary school
• Deep knowledge of inclusive practices and special education legal compliance
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus

Clearances

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.