Principal, Explorer Elementary Charter School

Explorer Elementary Charter School, an independent public school in San Diego, is seeking a Principal to continue its tradition of academic rigor and emphasis on social-emotional learning.  The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to developmentally appropriate learning and a clear vision of academic leadership that values collaboration with teachers, parents, the Board of Trustees, and the San Diego community.

Explorer was founded in 2000, and serves 340 children in grades K-5 who are enrolled from throughout San Diego.   Explorer has been recognized as a Distinguished School by the California Department of Education.  Explorer is affiliated with the High Tech High network of charter schools and is located on the HTH central campus.  While Explorer maintains an autonomous charter from San Diego Unified School District and is governed by a volunteer board, the principal benefits from collaboration with the CEO and Directors of HTH schools.

Explorer is a highly sought after school, averaging over 1,200 student applications annually in recent years.  We value small class sizes, and have maintained 22 students in K-3 and 24 students in 4-5.  The school has 33,000 sf of space, including 15 classrooms, an art studio, science lab, and library.  The annual operating budget is $2.7 million, 10% of which is privately raised.  There are 37 school employees.  We value and have been building our diversity through a zip code based lottery, with 19% of students eligible for free or reduced lunch and 9% qualifying for Special Education services.

Mission

It is the mission of Explorer Elementary Charter School to successfully blend a child-centered, socially intelligent approach to education with exemplary curriculum and high standards for its students.  Explorer is committed to providing an environment that emphasizes learning as an interactive process focusing on individual needs of students.   The school strives to develop critical thinkers who are caring, confident and lifelong learners in a diverse community that is sensitive to the needs of each child.

What Sets Explorer Apart?

Social Emotional Learning is at the root of every aspect of Explorer.  We use empathy training and positive communication skills, teaching children to work out conflicts through specific problem solving steps.  Teachers are expected to have knowledge and training in Responsive Classroom and other similar methodologies.  Parents are encouraged to read books and attend classes held each week at our school so that the social emotional learning at school can continue in the home.

Explorer teachers are reflective practitioners who create their own curriculum, weave together social, emotional, and intellectual learning, and collaborate to build the school wide culture and practices that make Explorer the unique school that it is. Our curriculum allows for choice and reflection, and uses a balance between teaching new skills and applying them in new and creative ways. Our teachers are trained in gifted and talented educational methods and strategies, which are valued for teaching children to think deeply and in complex ways, and are included for all students in all subjects. We include both project based and service learning for integrating subject areas, authenticity, and collaboration and differentiation. 

Explorer participates in HTH institutes for educators which help to spread Explorer’s best practices to schools nationally and internationally. Explorer faculty members have the opportunity to participate in the HTH Graduate School of Education and credentialing programs.

Parents are invested, connected and involved in our school community.  They volunteer in a variety of ways, including direct classroom involvement, community building events and fundraising.

Required Qualifications

• Passion for Explorer’s mission and practice, including commitment to a social-emotional curriculum and an understanding of child development and social-emotional behaviors.
• Masters or Doctoral degree in a relevant field.  Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and advanced training in teaching or administration may be considered for the position and are encouraged to apply.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, teachers, peers, other charter schools, district staff, and community representatives, both individually and as a group.
• Ability to facilitate group processes, including consensus building and conflict resolution.
• Innovative, creative and collaborative thinker.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in classroom teaching.
• Leadership experience in an educational setting.
• Experience in budget development, financial management, and fundraising.

Compensation

Competitive wages and benefits, based on experience (includes 8.25% contribution by school to California State Teachers’ Retirement System).

Additional Detail

The deadline for applications is January 31, 2012.  Responsibilities to begin midsummer 2012.  Inquiries may be made to the Search Committee, at principalsearch@explorerelementary.org.  

Explorer Elementary Charter School is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. 

How to Apply

All application materials must be submitted electronically to our secure and confidential site: https://secure.jotform.com/form/13125053069.  In addition to completing an online application, please upload the following items: 

1. Cover letter addressing the qualifications listed above
2. Resume
3. Contact information for three references 
4. Statement of leadership philosophy focused on one or more of the following:

• A significant moment(s) that influenced your leadership philosophy
• A significant teaching or learning experience(s) that shaped your philosophy of education
• A brief autobiography that tells us about you and where you came from