Job Description Cincinnati Public Schools Middle School Assistant Principal Pool About Cincinnati Public Schools Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) serves nearly 36,000 students in more than 65 schools across a 90-square-mile district in Southwest Ohio. As Ohio's highest-performing large urban school district, CPS ranks among the top districts statewide for student learning and growth while offering families high-quality school choices and innovative academic programs.
The district's investment in exceptional educators, innovative programming, and strong community partnerships has accelerated student achievement and school performance to the highest levels in decades, ensuring students graduate prepared for success in college, careers, and life.
Cincinnati Public Schools seeks creative, innovative, passionate problem-solvers who are committed to making a positive impact on students, families, and communities every day. We invite talented educational leaders to join our team and help shape the future of Cincinnati Public Schools.
Position Overview Cincinnati Public Schools is establishing a Middle School Assistant Principal Pool to identify and develop a strong pipeline of highly effective school leaders. Candidates selected for the pool may be considered for current and future Assistant Principal vacancies throughout the district's middle schools.
Selection into the pool does not guarantee placement; however, candidates may be considered for vacancies as they become available during the life of the pool.
Middle School Assistant Principals serve as instructional leaders who support student achievement, school culture, teacher development, operational excellence, and family engagement. Working collaboratively with the principal and school leadership team, Assistant Principals help create safe, inclusive, and academically rigorous learning environments where students develop the academic, social-emotional, and leadership skills necessary for success in high school and beyond.
Assistant Principals support the implementation of district initiatives while ensuring equitable opportunities and outcomes for all students.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Applicants should demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the Ohio Standards for Principals, including:
Student Learning and Achievement- Instructional leadership
- Curriculum implementation
- Assessment and accountability
- Adolescent development
- Middle grades instructional practices
- Secondary readiness and transition planning
- Data-driven school improvement
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness- Shared leadership and collaborative decision-making
- Strategic planning and implementation
- Staff supervision, coaching, and evaluation
- School operations and resource management
- Continuous improvement processes
Equity and Culture- Equity-focused leadership
- Cultural responsiveness
- Inclusive educational practices
- Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
- Restorative practices
- Student engagement and belonging
- Positive school culture and climate
Communication and Community Engagement- Effective communication and conflict resolution
- Family and community partnerships
- Stakeholder engagement
- Relationship building and collaboration
Professional Growth- Ongoing professional learning
- Leadership development
- Reflective practice
Specialized Knowledge- Middle grades education
- Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
- English Learner (EL/ESL) programming
- Special education services and compliance
- Student attendance, behavior, and engagement strategies
- Middle school scheduling and programming
- Student leadership development
- Technology integration and innovation
Essential Responsibilities Instructional Leadership- Support the principal in defining and communicating the school's mission, vision, goals, and expectations.
- Assist in implementing district curriculum and instructional initiatives.
- Monitor student achievement data and support school improvement planning efforts.
- Promote high-quality instructional practices that improve outcomes for all students.
- Support teacher development through coaching, observation, feedback, and professional learning.
- Assist in implementing interventions and supports that address achievement gaps and improve student outcomes.
- Foster instructional practices that prepare students for success in high school, college, careers, and life.
Student Success and School Culture- Foster a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment for all students.
- Support implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), restorative practices, and student-centered discipline systems.
- Monitor and analyze attendance, behavior, and school climate data to develop interventions and supports that improve student outcomes.
- Lead initiatives related to attendance, behavior, student engagement, school climate, and student leadership.
- Promote equitable access to rigorous learning opportunities, extracurricular activities, and support services.
- Support the social, emotional, and academic well-being of students.
- Promote student responsibility, leadership, and readiness for high school success.
Equity and Cultural Leadership- Collaborate with staff to advance district and school goals related to equity and inclusion.
- Utilize equity-focused data analysis to identify and address barriers to student success.
- Build strong relationships with students, staff, families, and community stakeholders.
- Demonstrate a commitment to serving diverse student populations and ensuring equitable outcomes.
Organizational Leadership- Assist with implementation of Board policies, administrative regulations, and district initiatives.
- Support hiring, onboarding, supervision, and evaluation of school staff.
- Coordinate assigned school operations, programs, and activities.
- Assist with school budgeting, resource allocation, and reporting requirements.
- Support extracurricular, athletic, enrichment, and student leadership programming.
- Assume responsibility for school operations in the absence of the principal.
Family and Community Engagement- Develop and maintain strong partnerships with families, community organizations, higher education institutions, business partners, and community stakeholders.
- Support communication efforts that strengthen trust and collaboration among stakeholders.
- Encourage meaningful family involvement in student learning and school activities.
- Represent the school and district at community events and meetings as needed.
Qualifications Education- Master's Degree in Educational Leadership or a related field from an accredited institution required.
Licensure- Valid Ohio Principal License required or evidence of eligibility to obtain licensure prior to employment.
Experience- Minimum of three (3) years of successful classroom teaching experience required.
- Previous leadership experience in a school setting preferred.
- Experience working in diverse educational environments preferred.
- Middle school teaching and/or leadership experience preferred.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience serving in a formal or informal leadership role such as Teacher Leader, Department Chair, Instructional Coach, Administrative Intern, Dean, or Assistant Principal.
- Experience leading or supporting the implementation of PBIS, MTSS, restorative practices, attendance improvement initiatives, or other school-wide systems designed to improve student behavior, engagement, and achievement.
- Experience supervising, coaching, evaluating, or supporting the professional growth of staff.
- Demonstrated success using student achievement, attendance, behavior, and school climate data to improve instructional and organizational outcomes.
- Experience developing and implementing school improvement plans and monitoring progress toward established goals.
- Experience fostering positive school culture and climate while building strong relationships with students, staff, and families.
- Experience working with diverse student populations and a demonstrated commitment to equity and culturally responsive leadership.
- Knowledge of middle grades education, special education programming, and English Learner services.
- Experience coordinating extracurricular, athletic, enrichment, family engagement, or student leadership programs.
- Experience in an urban school district or similarly diverse educational setting preferred.
Contract Provisions Position Classification Assistant Principal - Middle School
Salary Salary placement will be based upon verified years of administrative experience and applicable salary differentials in accordance with the CAAS Agreement.
Current Middle School Assistant Principal Salary Range:
$98,598.74 - $116,657.75CPS Commitment to Equity and Excellence At Cincinnati Public Schools, we believe our students, staff, and community members bring valuable perspectives and experiences that strengthen our schools. We are committed to creating learning environments that are welcoming, inclusive, and free from barriers that limit opportunity and achievement.
Each student deserves equitable access to high-quality instruction, meaningful supports, and opportunities that prepare them for lifelong success. CPS actively works to eliminate inequities and ensure that every student can reach their fullest potential.
To learn more about the District's commitment to equity and anti-racism, please visit the CPS website.
Equal Employment Opportunity Cincinnati Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Applicants selected for the Middle School Assistant Principal Pool may be considered for current and future vacancies throughout Cincinnati Public Schools during the life of the pool.