Principal

Principal Job Description

• Location: Fort Worth, TX
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Reports To: Head of School
• FLSA Status: Exempt

Goal

To provide mission-driven educational leadership for Hill School’s K–12 community by ensuring the integrity, alignment, and continuous improvement of academic programs, instructional practices, and school operations. The Principal serves as an instructional leader and steward of the school’s mission, working collaboratively with the Head of School, faculty, students, families, and the broader community to advance institutional priorities and accreditation standards.

As a visible, hands-on, and forward-facing leader, the Principal actively engages in daily campus life, models professional excellence, and builds a culture of trust, accountability, and high expectations. Through strategic oversight, relationship-centered leadership, and data-informed decision-making, the Principal ensures that all students are supported academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally within an inclusive environment that promotes growth, independence, and long-term success.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from a recognized, accredited college or university – Required
• Valid Principal Certification – Required
• Five or more years of teaching experience – Required
• Demonstrated experience with educational leadership and teacher evaluation (T-TESS; ILD or AEL)
• Prior experience working with children with special needs
• Exemplifies instructional leadership, personal scholarship, a collaborative leadership style, personal integrity, strong interpersonal skills, effective communication skills
• Visionary leader to work collaboratively with diverse students, staff, families, and community members

Skills & Knowledge

• Proficient computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and student information systems
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and leadership abilities
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, evaluate, and refine curriculum and instructional strategies
• Ability to collect, analyze, and disaggregate academic and behavioral data to inform instruction and interventions
• Working knowledge of continuous improvement processes, effective school operations, and compliance requirements
• Experience facilitating and leading Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
• Commitment to mission-driven leadership and collaboration with diverse stakeholders
• Willingness to actively participate in fundraising, development, and community engagement initiatives in support of long-term sustainability

Mission, Leadership & Compliance

• Ensure alignment between the school’s mission and all academic programs, instructional practices, and daily operations
• Support the Head of School and leadership team in advancing instructional quality and institutional priorities
• Uphold educational standards required by accrediting and regulatory agencies and prepare for inspections
• Participate in leadership meetings and serve on divisional and school-wide committees
• Participate in the admissions process as assigned
• Utilize approved financial processes and procedures to manage the school’s budget responsibly within Board-approved parameters

Curriculum & Instruction

• Serve as the instructional leader and consultant for pedagogy and classroom practice
• Oversee curriculum development, alignment, documentation, and review across grade levels and disciplines
• Partner with faculty to ensure curriculum resources are organized, accessible, and vertically aligned
• Lead curriculum review and improvement cycles to ensure rigor, relevance, and coherence
• Review instructional lesson plans and support implementation of research-based instructional strategies, including differentiation and literacy support

Assessment, Grading & Academic Data

• Coordinate and support standardized testing, including scheduling, accommodations, compliance, and reporting
• Support faculty in using assessment data to inform instruction and targeted interventions
• Implement and monitor instructional cycles focused on mastery and student growth
• Ensure accurate, consistent, and aligned grading practices
• Review grade reports and report card comments for clarity, professionalism, and accuracy

Faculty Supervision & Professional Development

• Observe, supervise, and evaluate faculty performance; document observations and conduct feedback conferences
• Serve as an instructional coach supporting classroom management, pedagogy, and assessment practices
• Model best practices in teaching, lesson planning, and student engagement
• Assist in faculty hiring, placement, retention, and professional growth
• Coordinate new teacher orientation and ongoing professional development
• Collaborate with administrators to design and facilitate professional learning opportunities

Student Support & Guidance

• Respond to student behavioral concerns and support teachers with disciplinary matters
• Collaborate with faculty, therapists, and administrators to design and monitor academic and behavioral interventions
• Ensure appropriate accommodations and supports for students with learning differences
• Counsel students on academic pathways, degree plans, and graduation progress

Upper School Programming & College Readiness

• Assist with master schedule development and student course placement
• Ensure students meet graduation requirements and maintain accurate academic records
• Facilitate dual credit partnerships with postsecondary institutions
• Serve collaboratively as campus testing coordinator
• Support college and career readiness through academic planning with students and families

School Operations & Campus Life

• Oversee daily building operations, including opening/closing and coordination with maintenance
• Monitor arrival and dismissal procedures, including carpool supervision
• Collaborate to develop and maintain school calendars and master schedules
• Support planning and logistics for field trips, special programs, and extracurricular activities
• Maintain and effectively use school systems such as the Student Information System

Communication & Community Engagement

• Respond to parent concerns and maintain strong family-school partnerships
• Prepare, review, and approve correspondence and communications to families
• Conduct conferences with staff, families, therapists, and support specialists
• Actively engage in campus life by attending school events and extracurricular activities
• Recognize and celebrate student, faculty, and staff achievement
• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and a professional appearance

Additional Duties

• Prepare agendas and materials for staff meetings
• Teach a class as needed
• Participate in in-service training related to supporting students with learning differences
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School

 

About Us

Hill School of Fort Worth is a K–12, college‑preparatory, full‑service school dedicated to supporting motivated students who learn differently. The school partners with families to provide an education that addresses the needs of the whole student in a supportive, respectful environment designed to help students grow in confidence and reach their full potential.

Belief Statement

Hill School believes that students thrive when they are taught in an environment grounded in mutual respect, small‑group, multi‑sensory instruction, and strong relationships. We believe that every learner deserves a community that honors their unique learning profile and helps them develop the academic, social, and personal skills needed for lifelong success.

Vision Statement

The vision of Hill School is to cultivate an inclusive and supportive learning environment where students who learn differently can maximize their potential, build confidence, and develop the independence needed to succeed beyond the classroom. We strive to empower each student through a holistic approach that balances guidance and independence, fosters personal growth, and celebrates the strengths and abilities of every learner.

If interested, please submit a resume to: hillschool@hillschool.org

• Job Type: Full-time
• Pay: $80,000 – $90,000 per year
• Contract Term: 12 Months
• Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Summer hours and holidays off
• Work Location: In person

Send cover letter, resume, and educational philosophy to: