K-8 Principal - Arkansas Connections Academy

School Summary

Arkansas Connections Academy (ARCA) is a tuition-free, virtual public charter school serving students in grades K-12 statewide. ARCA is authorized by the Arkansas Charter Authorizing Panel and the State Board of Education, and is governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school contracts with Connections Education to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED.

Arkansas Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Position Summary and Responsibilities

This position is working with Arkansas Connections Academy. From our office or from your home office within the state, the K-8 Principal will manage teachers as they use the phone and internet to consult regularly with parents and students, ensuring that each child successfully completes their instructional program. The K-8 Principal is responsible for the overall elementary and middle school operation working with parents, students, support staff and certified teachers who virtually facilitate a home-based student instructional program.

Other key responsibilities include the following:

• Manage the implementation of the proven Connections Academy curriculum and school operation protocols;
• Ensure that teachers exhibit and maintain a high level of professionalism, instructional support and customer service;
• Ensure the academic success of individual students by utilizing all levels of academic support available and by maintaining a high level of communication with parents to deliver program information and address individual student needs;
• Implement and monitor the school improvement plan,
• Deliver school outcomes based on a list of annual goals including student academic achievement;
• Assist teaching staff with implementing any program changes and/or new software application introductions;
• Exhibit high quality communication with all staff, students and families;
• Participate in parent outreach activities (for new and existing families) through informational meetings around the state and through virtual meetings;
• Handle any student problems escalated by parents and teachers;
• Support the implementation and coordination of state standardized testing process and ensure high student participation rates;
• Serve as the hiring manager for elementary school instructional positions;
• Provide assistance to families in need of additional support and encourage a high level of participation;
• Participate in student recruitment efforts including in-state trips, presentations, Q & A sessions and responding to the press;
• Support a robust “school community” through a program of in person field trips around the state and virtual activities;
• Supervise and evaluate elementary and middle school staff as required by the state, authorizer and Connections Academy;
• Serve as a member of the Connections Academy team to develop and evolve best practices for distance education; and
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements: 

• Arkansas Administrative credential required
• Minimum of 5 years administrative or management experience
• Strong leadership qualities and a commitment to goal directed management and accountability
• Please note 2-step authentication is required to set-up to login to all systems if given a job offer.
• An interest in advancing educational delivery through leveraging technology in every aspect of instructional delivery and school management
• Advanced degree is preferred
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Overnight travel required for state testing, information sessions, and meetings as scheduled
• Customer focused approach
• High degree of flexibility, excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast paced environment
• Team player
• Technologically proficient (especially with use of the Internet and Microsoft Office products)