Assistant Principal of Humanities (Grades 3-8) SY 25-26

About DC Scholars PCS

DC Scholars Public Charter School is committed to ensuring that every student achieves academic excellence through rigorous instruction, strong systems and structures, and a culture of high expectations. Serving students in grades PK3-8, we prioritize data-driven instruction, teacher development, and community partnerships to close the achievement gap and prepare students for future success.

Position Overview

The Assistant Principal of Humanities (Grades 3-8) is responsible for advancing student achievement in literacy by supporting teachers in delivering high-quality, standards-aligned instruction. This leader will oversee curriculum implementation, instructional coaching, and professional development for grades 3-8, ensuring coherence and rigor across elementary and middle school ELA.  The AP of Humanities will collaborate with the principal, leadership team, and teachers to drive student outcomes and ensure all scholars develop a strong literacy foundation.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership & Teacher Development

• Coach and develop upper elementary and middle school literacy/social studies teachers (Grades 3-8) through weekly intellectual prep and coaching sessions. 
• Conduct weekly observations with actionable feedback, aligned to data-driven analysis and planning.
• Lead professional development sessions, coaching cycles, and collaborative planning meetings to strengthen ELA instruction.
• Support the effective implementation of the DC Scholars ELA curricula (Expeditionary Learning). 
• Model exemplary literacy instruction through co-teaching, facilitate small-group interventions, and modeling  lessons. 
• Ensure that teachers differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners, including students requiring intervention and advanced students.
• Lead whole/small group instruction based on school wide analysis of data.

Data-Driven Instruction & Student Achievement

• Analyze student performance data (daily exit tickets, unit assessments, interims, iReady, DC CAPE) to drive instructional decisions.
• Implement literacy intervention strategies and monitor progress for students performing below grade level.
• Develop and execute action plans to achieve ambitious academic growth and proficiency goals across Grades 3-8.
• Ensure teachers effectively use formative and summative assessment data to adjust instruction and accelerate student learning.

Vertical Alignment & Math Culture

• Strengthen vertical alignment across Grades 3-8 to ensure coherence in ELA instruction, assessment practices, and skill progression.
• Foster a strong literacy culture, ensuring students develop confidence, perseverance, and critical thinking skills.
• Partner with teachers to implement engaging, real-world problem-solving experiences that make literacy meaningful for students.

School Culture & Family Engagement

• Collaborate with school leadership to align ELA instruction with broader academic goals.
• Engage families by providing resources, workshops, and updates on student progress.
• Support teachers in maintaining a structured, engaging, and student-centered classroom environment.

Schoolwide Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Serve as a key member of the instructional leadership team, contributing to school-wide initiatives.
• Support teacher hiring, onboarding, and retention efforts to build a high-performing ELA team.
• Work with the Principal and Chief of School Programs to lead and implement the DC Scholars approach to literacy instruction across 3rd-8th grade classrooms.
• Model and uphold school values, routines, norms, and processes, reinforce these expectations through words and actions.
• Be highly present and visible during arrival and dismissal, transitions, school events, and in classrooms.
• Facilitate schoolwide activities including: NTO/AO, family events, reenrollment, testing, etc.
• With manager support and approval, use progressive discipline system to hold teachers accountable to schoolwide expectations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience teaching literacy  in an urban, high-performing school environment (minimum 5 years).
• At least 2 years of instructional coaching or teacher leadership experience, preferably in a data-driven and standards-based environment.
• Deep knowledge of upper elementary and middle school ELA, Common Core State Standards pedagogy, literacy shifts, standards for ELA practice, and instructional strategies.
• Track record of raising student achievement in ELA, particularly for historically underserved students.
• Experience analyzing and using student data to inform instruction.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with high-impact tutoring models and intervention strategies.
• Familiarity with curricula such as Expeditionary Learning, Wit and Wisdom, Reading Mastery.

Compensation & Benefits

• The salary range for this role is $114,000 to $135,000 annually in alignment with the DC Scholars Assistant Principal salary band and our compensation philosophy. Starting salaries for new hires will be determined based on a combination of the new hire's relevant experience and market demands.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.

DC Scholars encourages individuals of all identities and backgrounds to apply for this position. We are an equal opportunity employer fully committed to hiring a talented and diverse group of individuals. DC Scholars does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law.