Principal

Mott Hall Charter School

Location: 1260 Franklin Avenue, Bronx, NY 10456 (Morrisania, South Bronx)

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Start Date: To be determined

Application Deadline: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until filled; early applications encouraged]

About Us

Mott Hall Charter School (MHCS) is a small public middle school serving grades 6–8 in the South Bronx. Our mission is to prepare our scholars in mind, body, and character to succeed in top high schools, college, and careers by becoming inquisitive, open-minded, and compassionate citizens of the world. We accomplish this through a whole-child approach including enhanced counseling and character development, 21st-century technology infusion, and our career- and college-readiness program.

We live by our motto, “RISE to the Challenge,” grounded in our core values of Responsibility, Integrity, Scholarship, and Excellence.

About the Position

MHCS seeks an energetic, experienced, and visionary instructional leader to guide the school into its next chapter. The Principal will ensure that MHCS continues to thrive academically, culturally, and operationally while advancing its mission. As the next Principal, you will lead a close-knit Bronx community of scholars, families, and educators — raising achievement, strengthening culture, and preparing every student to RISE to the challenges of high school, college, and beyond.

Who We're Looking For

Our ideal leader is a hands-on instructional coach and a steady operational manager who thrives in a high-need urban middle school. They are deeply committed to equity, skilled at developing teachers, fluent in data, and energized by the work of guiding a standalone charter through accountability and renewal. Above all, they believe — as we do — that every Bronx scholar deserves an education that ignites their potential.

Key Qualifications

Candidates should demonstrate strength in many of the following areas:

Proven Leadership & Instructional Oversight

• Demonstrated success as a principal or comparable school leader with a strong record of instructional leadership
• Experience in middle or elementary school settings, preferably within a charter environment
• Proven ability to drive academic rigor while maintaining a supportive, positive environment
• Experience leading or implementing the AVID/WICOR college-readiness model and conducting classroom observations using the Danielson Framework

Curriculum & Instruction

• Deep knowledge of the Science of Reading and evidence-based literacy instruction
• Strong command of the NYS Next Generation Learning Standards and standards-aligned curriculum design
• Knowledge of NYS standards and charter-school compliance

Data-Driven School Improvement

• Skilled in gathering, analyzing, and using academic and proficiency data to inform instruction, guide interventions, and move the school forward

Support for All Learners

• Experience supporting students with IEPs through ICT, SETSS, and 12:1:1 service models
• Experience supporting ENL/MLL (English as a New Language / Multilingual Learners) students, including NYSESLAT progress and culturally responsive instruction
• Experience supporting students experiencing housing insecurity, including familiarity with McKinney-Vento protections and wraparound supports

Faculty Recruitment, Development & Support

• Demonstrated ability to identify, support, develop, and retain a talented and diverse faculty and staff
• Commitment to professional growth, collaboration, and positive faculty dynamics

Family, Student & Community Engagement

• Exceptional communication and partnership skills with a multilingual, multicultural community
• Experience building trusting relationships with families and partnering with them to support student success

School Operations & Resource Management

• Experienced in managing scheduling, assessments, budgets, and resource allocation across grade levels
• Experience leading charter renewal processes preferred

Credentials

• Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field
• NYS School Building Leader (SBL) / School District Leader (SDL) certification (or eligibility)
• 5+ years of teaching experience; prior school leadership strongly preferred

Scope of Responsibilities

• Set and drive a vision for academic excellence grounded in evidence-based instruction, including Science of Reading–aligned literacy practices across content areas
• Ensure curriculum is rigorously aligned to the NYS Next Generation Learning Standards across the content areas
• Conduct frequent classroom observations using the Danielson Framework and provide timely, actionable feedback that improves instruction
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of teachers; oversee data-driven professional development tied to observation trends and student performance
• Use student assessment and progress-monitoring data to guide instructional decisions and intervention planning
• Cultivate a positive, structured school culture that reinforces RISE values, enhanced counseling, and age-appropriate behavior expectations; improve attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism
• Lead faithful implementation of the AVID/WICOR model, including the AVID elective, high school placement, and SHSAT preparation, ensuring curriculum coherence across grades 6–8
• Ensure strong outcomes for all learners, including students with IEPs served through the ICT, SETSS, and 12:1:1 service models, ENL/MLL students, and students experiencing housing insecurity
• Champion language-development supports, NYSESLAT progress, and culturally responsive instruction that affirm our multilingual scholars and families
• Manage budget, staffing, compliance, and charter accountability in coordination with the Board of Trustees; lead charter renewal, including evidence compilation and authorizer engagement
• Build family engagement and community partnerships, including mentoring organizations and enrichment programs
• Integrate technology meaningfully across instruction in the school’s one-to-one device environment (i-Ready, Amplify, Google Classroom)
• Oversee day-to-day operations — safety, logistics, scheduling, and school environment — and perform additional duties aligned with the mission and growth of the school

Early Success Indicators (First 1–2 Years)

• Growth in student proficiency in ELA and mathematics against academic benchmarks
• Improvement in state/DOE accountability metrics, aligned with charter renewal goals
• Measurable gains in attendance and reductions in chronic absenteeism
• Strong faculty retention and professional development
• High family retention and community satisfaction, supported by clear multilingual communication
• Operational stability in scheduling, budget, and curriculum coherence across grades

Compensation & Terms

• Salary range $140,000–$180,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Benefits: health, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plan / 403(b); paid time off
• Full-time, 12-month administrative position

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials by email to mhcsboard@motthallcs.org with the subject line: “Principal Application – [Your Name].”

Application materials:

• A current résumé or CV
• A cover letter describing your interest in MHCS and your relevant leadership experience
• Names and contact information for three professional references
• Optional: copies of relevant certifications or credentials (NYS SBL, SDL, SAS, or equivalent)

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Mott Hall Charter School is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay: $140,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person