Job Description

The Principal at Rooted School Indianapolis is the steward of both instructional excellence and the lived experience of the ROCK—our shared commitment to community, and financial freedom. In a small, intentionally designed high school, this role is deeply personal and highly visible. The Principal ensures that every student is known, challenged, and supported, and that every classroom reflects rigorous, high-impact instruction aligned to a clear pathway toward financial freedom. More than a manager of systems, the Principal is the leader who brings coherence to the school, aligning culture, academics, and daily operations so that students experience consistency, purpose, and belonging in every moment of their day.

Working in close partnership with the Executive Director and Rooted leadership team, the Principal leads the development of staff, the strength of the instructional program, and the execution of school-wide systems that make a small school thrive. From coaching teachers and developing emerging leaders to ensuring strong advisory structures and seamless daily operations, the Principal translates vision into action and outcomes. This is a role for an experienced leader who thrives in a relational, high-accountability environment, someone who can build people, refine systems, and uphold a culture where our values are not just stated, but practiced, ensuring every student is prepared for success beyond graduation.

Requirements

Fit:

• Demonstrates a passion for and commitment to Rooted's mission
• Thrives in a highly dynamic, startup environment (comfort with change, strong initiative)
• At least five years' experience in successfully leading charter high schools with high needs populations
• Holds advanced degree in education (Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job)
• Shows unwavering commitment to transparency and open-mindedness
• Exhibits exceptional ability to hold leaders, teammates, partners, and stakeholders accountable while concurrently building secure relationships rooted in authenticity and genuine connection
• Deeply invested in, and has experience in, creating and executing innovative educational models
• Record of success in coaching, growing and managing adults
• Record of success in creating and managing efficient, trusting and highly effective teams
• Strong skills in analyzing student data, coupled with a deep commitment to data-driven decision making
• Extraordinary initiative in creation, iteration and improvement of systems and structures
• Committed to researching and remaining abreast of relevant best practices in curriculum and instruction, restorative practices, adult development, blended learning models, operational health and any others that may advance our mission

Areas of Responsibility:

The list of responsibilities/specific duties below is not comprehensive. At the discretion of the Executive Director, specific responsibilities, actions and/or tasks may vary:

• Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the school's curricula, programs and services
• Ensure that the curricula, programs and services offered by the school contribute to the organization's mission and reflect the priorities of the Executive Director, the Board of Directors and the Rooted School Foundation
• Develops and executes a system-wide plan for measuring and analyzing curriculum and implementing improvements or changes consistent with the vision, goals and policies of Rooted School
• Leads all aspects of the school’s instructional program and curriculum development plan, including instructional execution coaching & training
• Leads all aspects of school’s integration of technology
• Collaborates with the Executive Director to update and implement school policies and programs
• Supervises and evaluates leadership team and oversees the evaluation of all faculty and staff
• Oversees and schedules staff for special duties (i.e. cafeteria duty, hall duty, etc.)
• Oversees the organization and execution of school culture such as ceremonies and celebrations
• Be knowledgeable of district and school goals and programs
• Collaborates with the Executive Director and Director of Student Services in designing and delivering all professional development and in-service workshops
• Supports the Director of Student Support and Data in the administration and analysis of all state and local testing within the school, including the creation of an annual school-wide assessment calendar
• Represents the school in authorizer and compliance meetings related to curriculum and instruction, assessment and technology
• Reports to the Board on all curriculum, instruction and assessment matters and as directed by the Executive Director
• Makes recommendations pertaining to policy and procedure to the Executive Director
• Coordinate and collaborates on Tier 2 instructional support, including execution of a consistent 7-12 Multi Tiered System of Supports
• Provide leadership and direction for the development, revision and continuous improvement of as it relates to implementation of technology of the school’s Tier I curriculum
• Supports all aspects of district instructional and curricular integration of technology
• Conducts formal and informal observations, and coaches and supervises instructional staff
• Manages teachers, including any teachers placed on a professional improvement plan (PIP)
• Assists in the the delivery of teacher induction and onboarding activities ( Base Camp and The Climb)
• Promotes and participates in the public relations program, including the school’s parent newsletter, website and web pages
• Ensures that assigned school programs and curricula conform to federal, state, and district guidelines
• Keeps informed on the latest research, trends and developments in all areas of education and interpret for staff as necessary
• Creates and/or edits the publication of all curriculum guides and instructional materials to be distributed to the instructional staff
• Plays a significant leadership role in fostering professional growth and building staff morale throughout the school
• Analyzes student instructional data to identify and set school, teacher and student learning goals
• Monitors goal setting and goal attainment consistent with the direction of the Executive Director/School Leader
• Administers the setup and implementation of the master schedule in collaboration with Leadership Team
• Assists in the scheduling and supervision of pupil activities (dances, proms, plays) which may occur during the evening or on weekends
• Oversees attendance and discipline