About this role
Summary of position: The Middle School Principal serves as the site-based instructional and operational leader for the middle school program (grades 6–8) and designated schoolwide secondary functions. The Principal is responsible for the implementation and continuous improvement of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP), leadership of Multi-Layered System of Supports (MLSS) Layers 1 and 2 for grades 6–8, supervision and evaluation of middle school faculty and staff, student discipline for grades 6–8, coordination of selected schoolwide programs, and the overall culture, climate, and daily functioning of the middle school. The Principal reports to the Head of School and functions as a member of the school's executive leadership team. This is an executive leadership postion. Click here for the school's organizational chart to see how this position fits in with other positions at the school. Role Scope and Authority: The Middle School Principal exercises site-based leadership authority over the middle school instructional program, student life, and daily operations for grades 6–8. This role is responsible for instructional supervision, staff evaluation, student discipline, and implementation of schoolwide systems at the middle school level. The Middle School Principal provides oversight of instructional, assessment, intervention, and student leadership systems and holds staff accountable for performance and compliance. Program coordination and facilitation responsibilities may be delegated to instructional leaders, including the Middle School Program Coordinator, while accountability for outcomes remains with the Principal. The Middle School Principal reports to the Head of School and serves as a member of the school's executive leadership team. FLSA Status: Exempt (executive) School Personnel Act Classification: Administrative Immediate supervisor: Head of School Compensation: Salaried, set annually. $110,000 - $120,000 depending on experience Hours: Full Time Middle School Principal must be present on campus during core school hours, with schedule flexibility aligned to compliance, supervision, and leadership responsibilities. Required on-campus dates are all teacher work days plus additional days before and after the school year, as established by the Head of School prior to the commencement of each year. Duties may extend beyond required on-campus hours and days. Standards of Performance Review: NMIS Middle School Principal Evaluation Receives Paid Personal Leave under NMIS Policy: Yes Certification/Educational Qualifications:
• Current New Mexico PED-issued administrative license appropriate to assignment
• Current trainings in accordance with NMIS Employee Handbook and Governing Council Policy
• Current background check in compliance with school policy
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in middle grades instruction and adolescent development
• Working knowledge of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP)
• Familiarity with New Mexico academic standards, assessment systems, and instructional data
• Working knowledge of the school's student information system (SIS) and reporting systems
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency preferred but not required
Physical/Mental Qualifications
• Ability to effectively use relevant technology to support instruction and communication
• Ability to interpret instructional and assessment data in multilingual learning environments
• Ability to lead in dynamic, high-interaction school settings
Job Duties Essential functions: The Middle School Principal is responsible for the following, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• General Systems Leadership
• Be physically present on campus and at school functions as required to fulfill leadership, supervision, and operational responsibilities.
• Abide by all NMIS policies, procedures, Employee Handbook provisions, and all applicable sections of New Mexico Statute (NMSA) and Administrative Code (NMAC).
• Maintain strict confidentiality of student, family, and employee information in accordance with state and federal law.
• Model professional conduct, ethical decision-making, and collegial leadership in all interactions.
• Ensure that middle school faculty and staff adhere to NMIS policies, professional standards, and instructional expectations.
• Design, maintain, and continuously improve systems and procedures that support effective middle school instruction, student support, and site operations.
• Ensure effective functioning of the Pedagogical Leadership Team (PLT), with facilitation led by the Elementary and Middle School Program Coordinators, and hold coordinators accountable for meeting structure, focus, and outcomes.
• Serve as a member of the school's executive leadership team and contribute to schoolwide planning and decision-making.
• Ensure budgetary responsibility for the middle school program and appropriate use of allocated resources.
• Instructional Leadership
• Serve as the primary instructional leader for grades 6–8.
• Ensure full implementation of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) with fidelity to IB standards and practices.
• Monitor curriculum alignment, instructional quality, and assessment practices.
• Lead data-informed instructional improvement cycles.
• Ensure instructional practices support student readiness for high school and post-secondary pathways.
• Ensure effective implementation of the K–8 testing program (excepting testing required under the BMEP program), with operational coordination led by the Middle School Program Coordinator.
• Use assessment results to inform instructional improvement and high school readiness planning.
• Professional Learning and Staff Development
• Lead the design and implementation of site-based professional learning aligned to school priorities, IB standards, and instructional data.
• Ensure professional development supports effective instruction for adolescent learners.
• Coordinate grade-level, team, and individual professional learning opportunities.
• Monitor the impact of professional development through classroom observations, feedback, and instructional outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Head of School, Elementary Principal and Special Services Director to ensure alignment between site-based professional learning and schoolwide initiatives.
• MLSS Implementation
• Lead implementation of MLSS Layers 1 and 2 for grades 6–8.
• Ensure fidelity of core instruction and targeted classroom interventions.
• Ensure progress monitoring and timely communication with families.
• Collaborate with the Special Services Director (MLSS Coordinator) to escalate students to MLSS Layer 3 when appropriate.
• Faculty Recruitment, Evaluation and Supervision
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate middle school faculty and staff.
• Ensure appropriate licensure and training compliance prior to recommending hires.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide instructional feedback to ensure instructional quality and program fidelity.
• Develop and monitor professional growth plans as needed.
• Recommend rehire, non-rehire, and disciplinary actions to the Head of School
• Student Discipline and School Culture
• Serve as the primary disciplinarian for students in grades 6–8.
• Investigate student misconduct and implement discipline in accordance with school policy.
• Communicate discipline decisions with families in a timely and professional manner.
• Establish and maintain a safe, orderly, inclusive, and supportive middle school environment.
• Site Operations and Scheduling
• Develop and maintain the middle school master schedule.
• Develop, publish, and maintain the schoolwide (K-8) supervision and duty schedule, ensuring equitable coverage and alignment with instructional priorities.
• Oversee field trips, assemblies, and campus events for grades 6-8 ensuring compliance with school policy.
• Maintain high visibility throughout the school day to support students and staff.
• Family and Community Engagement
• Serve as the primary administrative contact for 6-8 families.
• Build strong partnerships with families and the school community.
• Represent NMIS at recruitment, outreach, and community events as assigned.
• Student Life, Activities and Transitions
• Serve as the school's athletic director, overseeing student athletics programs.
• Coordinate student council and student leadership activities.
• Coordinate student travel and off-campus learning experiences.
• Ensure implementation and completion of all 8th-grade transition requirements, including New Mexico “Next Step Plans.”
• Collaborate with families, receiving high schools, and counseling staff to support successful student transitions to high school.
Additional functions: The Middle School Principal is expected to do the following additional functions to adequately complete the duties of the position.
• Provide input on school policy drafts and revisions as requested by the Head of School.
• Participate in professional development and leadership meetings as directed.
• Serve as co-chair of the School Equity and Advisory Committee (SEAC) with the Elementary School Principal, as assigned.
• Perform other reasonable duties as assigned by the Head of School.