About this role
ELC
Estherville
High School Principal – Estherville Lincoln Central High School
Location: Estherville, Iowa
Position Type: Full-Time, Administrative
Start Date: July 1, 2027 (or as negotiated)
Application Deadline: First review of applications will occur on December 9, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.
About the Position
Estherville Lincoln Central (ELC) Community School District is seeking a student-centered instructional leader to serve as Principal of Estherville Lincoln Central High School, serving grades 9–12. The principal will lead staff in strengthening classroom instruction, supporting students through graduation, and expanding opportunities for students to prepare for college, careers, and life after high school.
The successful candidate will build strong relationships with students, staff, and families, set clear expectations, and lead ongoing district work in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and literacy across content areas.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the implementation of high-quality Tier 1 instruction across content areas and support teachers through coaching, feedback, and professional learning.
- Guide PLCs in setting common learning expectations, reviewing student work, and responding to student needs.
- Use assessment, course performance, attendance, and behavior data to identify students who need support and monitor their progress toward graduation.
- Lead buildingwide MTSS practices for academics, attendance, and behavior, including interventions and progress monitoring.
- Oversee daily building operations, including the master schedule, student supervision, school safety, and student discipline.
- Supervise and evaluate staff, provide actionable feedback, and maintain clear expectations for professional practice.
- Collaborate with counselors, teachers, and community partners to strengthen career and technical education, work-based learning, and college credit opportunities.
- Partner with middle school leadership to support the transition to ninth grade and expand access to high school programs and pathways.
- Oversee the building's implementation of special education services and work with staff and families to ensure students receive the supports identified in their IEPs and Section 504 plans.
- Maintain a safe, welcoming school climate and communicate clearly and proactively with students, families, staff, and the community.
- Work with district leadership, instructional coaches, and building teams to align high school priorities with district goals.
The Ideal Candidate Will
- Be visible, approachable, and actively involved in the daily life of the school.
- Build trust with students and staff while following through on expectations for learning, attendance, and behavior.
- Support teachers across departments and connect professional learning to classroom practice.
- Make sound, timely decisions and communicate them clearly, including in difficult situations.
- Help students see a clear connection between their high school experience and their plans after graduation.
- Lead with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Qualifications
Required
- Valid Iowa administrator license with an endorsement appropriate for serving as a high school principal, or ability to obtain it by the start date
- Master's degree in educational leadership, educational administration, or a related field
- Successful experience in secondary education
- Demonstrated knowledge of effective secondary instructional practices, including Tier 1 instruction
- Experience using student data to guide instructional and organizational decisions
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
- Working knowledge of school law, including student discipline, IDEA, and Section 504
Preferred
- Building-level leadership experience as a principal or assistant principal, preferably at the secondary level
- Experience leading PLCs, implementing MTSS, or guiding school improvement efforts
- Experience supervising and evaluating staff and leading professional learning
- Experience with secondary scheduling, graduation planning, or interventions for students who are off track for graduation
- Experience developing or supporting career and technical education, work-based learning, or college credit opportunities
- Experience supporting or overseeing special education programming and building-level compliance responsibilities
- Experience working in or with rural school communities
Compensation
Salary and benefits will be competitive and based on experience. The district is committed to offering a regionally competitive administrative salary.
Application Process
Interested candidates should apply through Teach Iowa and submit the following materials.
- Letter of application
- Résumé
- Credentials and licensure
- Three letters of recommendation
- Professional references