Principal

Kulanu Academy, a Jewish private school serving individuals with disabilities, seeks a dedicated Principal to lead our educational and administrative team. This leader will foster a nurturing, academically rigorous environment in both secular and Judaic studies, support social-emotional well-being, and ensure equity for all students. The Principal will collaborate with faculty, therapeutic staff, parents, and the community to deliver a comprehensive program aligned with New York State standards and the school’s vision.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Special Education.
• Minimum 3 years of school leadership experience.
• Fluency in Modern Orthodox Jewish culture and subject matter.
• Strong moral character, integrity, and commitment to student rights and well-being.
• Knowledge of current best practices in special education.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in school improvement and data-driven decision-making preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• NYS Teaching Certification.
• Professional Diploma/SAS in Educational Leadership or related field.
• Experience in private middle/high school settings.
  

Leadership Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the school’s vision, mission, and values.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with staff, students, parents, and community stakeholders.
• Model ethical conduct, accountability, and respectful communication.
• Ensure clear goals, high expectations, and progress monitoring.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and student-centered school climate.
• Address challenges with sound decision-making, problem-solving, and mediation skills.
• Demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.
  

Educational Leadership

• Align curriculum, instruction, and assessment with state standards.
• Lead data-driven instruction to support growth and close achievement gaps.
• Oversee evidence-based interventions, enrichment, and progress monitoring systems.
• Support faculty with feedback, coaching, and professional learning.
• Promote positive behavior supports, SEL frameworks, and culturally responsive practices.
• Ensure compliance with special education regulations and effective transition planning.
  

Operations and Management

• Manage fiscal resources responsibly.
• Oversee scheduling, staffing, and operational systems to maximize learning.
• Maintain safe, secure, and efficient school environments.
• Lead hiring, supervision, and retention of qualified personnel.
• Prepare documentation and testimony for tuition reimbursement litigation as needed.
• Ensure effective use of technology for communication, data, and administration.
  

Program Growth and Professional Development

• Lead admissions and collaborate on recruitment and marketing to increase enrollment.
• Develop innovative programming to meet evolving student needs.
• Create a school-wide professional learning plan with differentiated growth opportunities.
• Mentor new staff and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk, sit, stand, climb stairs, and move throughout the school day in classrooms, hallways, and outdoor spaces.
• Ability to bend, kneel, or crouch when assisting or supervising students.
• Ability to clearly communicate with students, staff, and parents, and to perceive speech and sounds for safety and instruction.
• Sufficient vision to read documents, monitor student activity, and operate equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry light objects (e.g., books, materials) as needed.
• Ability to operate computers and office equipment, and perform fine motor tasks such as writing and signing documents.
• Capacity to tolerate a busy, sometimes noisy school environment while remaining attentive and responsive.
• Willingness to participate in physical activities with students during events or recess (encouraged but not required).
  

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kulanu Academy provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, or other protected status.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not exhaustive; additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary.

Application Process:

To learn more or apply, please reach out to the Scott Goldberg Consulting search team at search@scottgoldbergconsulting.com.