Summer Academy Principal at Foundation Academies

<p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p>Foundation Academies seeks a highly effective and results-driven Summer Academy Principal to lead the execution of our Summer Academy program. This leader is responsible for ensuring that summer programming delivers strong academic outcomes, aligned instruction, and a structured, engaging scholar experience. This role requires both pre-program planning and post-program follow-through in addition to program execution. Success in this role will be measured by student academic growth, instructional quality, scholar attendance, and overall program execution.</p> <p>The Summer Academy Principal owns both instructional quality and daily operations, ensuring that all systems—from staffing to data tracking—are tightly aligned and executed with excellence. This role requires a leader who can set a clear vision, manage adults effectively, and ensure scholars are making measurable academic progress throughout the program.</p> <p><strong>Reports To</strong></p> <p>Senior Director of Academic Operations</p> <p><strong>Program Details</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Dates:</strong> July 13 – August 6</li> <li><strong>Schedule:</strong> Monday–Thursday, 8am-3:30pm</li> <li><strong>Location:</strong> Trenton, NJ</li> </ul> <p><strong>Must be available in person for all Summer Academy dates</strong></p> <p><strong>Compensation</strong></p> <ul> <li>Total Stipend: $5,000</li> <li>Payment Structure:</li> <ul> <li>50% ($2,500) paid prior to the start of Summer Academy in recognition of responsibilities including:</li> <ul> <li>Staffing the program</li> <li>Ensuring invited scholars are enrolled and committed to attend</li> <li>Supporting pre-program planning and readiness</li> </ul> <li>50% ($2,500) paid upon successful completion of the program, contingent upon:</li> <ul> <li>Full execution of program responsibilities</li> <li>Submission of all required data, reports, and materials</li> <li>Meeting program expectations for operations and instructional leadership</li> </ul> </ul> </ul> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p> <h3><strong>Instructional Leadership</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Set and communicate clear expectations for high-quality, standards-aligned instruction across all classrooms</li> <li>Ensure strong alignment between standards, objectives, instruction, and assessment (including daily checks for understanding)</li> <li>Review lesson plans and provide actionable feedback to ensure rigor and alignment</li> <li>Monitor classroom instruction through walkthroughs and ensure consistent implementation of instructional expectations</li> <li>Lead data analysis cycles and ensure teachers are using student data to adjust instruction in real time</li> </ul> <p><strong>Staffing &amp; Program Planning</strong></p> <ul> <li>Collaborate with school leaders to determine staffing and student enrollment</li> <li>Ensure strong scholar enrollment and attendance by actively supporting outreach and follow-through with families</li> <li>Lead staff onboarding and provide training on program expectations, instructional priorities, and systems</li> <li>Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to plan enrichment opportunities and special programming</li> </ul> <p><strong>Operations &amp; Program Management</strong></p> <ul> <li>Oversee all aspects of daily program operations, including:</li> <ul> <li>Attendance and scholar engagement</li> <li>Behavior systems and expectations</li> <li>Food service Assistant coordination</li> <li>Field trips and special events</li> </ul> <li>Ensure compliance with Summer Food Program requirements, including training and implementation</li> <li>Supervise and coordinate staff and volunteers to ensure smooth daily execution</li> <li>Step in to provide coverage as needed to maintain continuity of instruction</li> </ul> <p><strong>Data &amp; Progress Monitoring</strong></p> <ul> <li>Establish and oversee systems for daily and end-of-program progress monitoring</li> <li>Ensure consistent collection and analysis of student data across classrooms</li> <li>Monitor progress toward program goals and make adjustments as needed</li> <li>Communicate clear, data-informed updates to staff on scholar performance and next steps</li> </ul> <p><strong>Communication &amp; Culture</strong></p> <ul> <li>Maintain strong communication with staff, families, and leadership throughout the program</li> <li>Share weekly updates highlighting student progress, program successes, and key announcements</li> <li>Build and sustain a positive, structured, and engaging program culture aligned to Foundation Academies’ values</li> </ul> <p><strong>Qualifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>NJ Certification required</li> <li>Demonstrated experience in instructional leadership and adult management</li> <li>Proven ability to:</li> <ul> <li>Drive strong instructional outcomes</li> <li>Analyze data and lead data-driven decision-making</li> <li>Manage school-based operations effectively</li> </ul> <li>Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills</li> <li>Commitment to equity and experience working with diverse student populations</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p>