Assistant Principal of School Culture – 2026/2027 School Year
About Mastery: Founded in 2001, Mastery Schools is a public charter network of 23 K-12 schools in Philadelphia and Camden, serving more than 14,000 students. At Mastery, we’re on a mission to provide all students with the academic and personal skills they need to succeed after graduation and pursue their dreams. Student achievement is not just a goal for our organization; it's the reason we exist, and every member of our team is dedicated to securing student success. We are also committed to pursuing equity, actively disrupting systemic racism, and addressing the disparities that limit our students' choices. Our culture is built on respect, service, and the belief that the success of our students, their families, and the communities we serve will help us achieve our mission. We foster a positive, open, and inclusive environment where honesty, humor, and continuous improvement are celebrated. Join us in creating a model urban school district that serves all students with excellence. Together, we can make a lasting impact. The Opportunity: The Assistant Principal of School Culture (APSC) plays a key role in fostering a positive, achievement-oriented environment that supports student success. This role leads the implementation of the Mastery School Culture Model, ensuring a strong sense of belonging, high expectations, and student accountability. The APSC coaches teachers on classroom management, designs and manages academically-aligned extracurricular activities for students, and engages families and the community to strengthen school culture. Duties and Responsibilities: Lead the implementation of Mastery’s school culture model to create a safe, inclusive, and achievement-focused environment. Manage and develop a culture team (Deans of Students, Attendance Coordinators) to drive outcomes in attendance, student behavior, and school climate. Establish and oversee systems for positive reinforcement, accountability, and student discipline. Manage student discipline through a restorative justice approach that emphasizes accountability and personal growth. Oversee the planning and execution of extracurricular programs, clubs, and school events that promote student engagement and leadership. Strengthen parent and community relationships to enhance student support and engagement. Coach teachers on effective classroom management strategies and school-wide behavior expectations. Provide professional development to support a positive and structured learning environment. Partner with instructional leaders to align culture strategies with academic goals. Ensure a consistent leadership presence throughout the school to monitor and reinforce a positive climate. Lead school-wide crisis prevention and de-escalation efforts, including staff training on safety interventions. Perform other duties as assigned to support school operations, culture, and student achievement. Qualifications: Strong leadership and coaching skills to support teachers in classroom management and student engagement. Deep understanding of restorative practices, SEL frameworks, and behavior intervention strategies. Ability to build strong relationships with students, families, and staff in a diverse school community. Ability to leverage student data to drive school-wide behavioral strategies and interventions. Proficiency in conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, and crisis intervention. Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills. Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced, high-energy school environment. Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in social work, counseling, education, or a related field preferred. Minimum of five (5) years of experience in an urban school setting; at least three (3) years in a leadership, counseling, or youth development role. Teaching experience preferred. Physical Requirements This role may involve standing for extended periods, moving throughout the school building, observing classrooms, facilitating school operations, and participating in school events. Reasonable accommodations will be made as needed. Salary and Bonus Information: New-to-Mastery Assistant Principals can expect a starting salary between $106,600 and $123,500, based on experience and education. The full salary range for this role is $106,600 to $135,000, with opportunities for growth as your career progresses. All offers are reviewed individually to ensure equity in compensation and to reflect relevant experience. Mastery's Benefits Package: We offer a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Some of our most popular benefits include our 403(b) retirement plan for PA employees (with a 5% match from Mastery), enrollment in the State of New Jersey Pension Plan for NJ employees, a robust Employee Assistance Program, mental health and counseling programs, an annual Professional Development Fund, and discounts and perks at a myriad of retailers, travel organizations, insurance providers, and so much more, as well as a Benefits VIP Helpdesk to help you navigate various benefits-related topics. Please go here to see all of our Benefits offerings ! Annual Calendar: As you plan to make Mastery your new work home, please feel free to review our Calendar for the 25/26 School Year . We like to think our calendar is a benefit of working here too! Why You Should Apply: Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. Mastery may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
