Job Goal:

Provide instructional and operational leadership to ensure a safe, inclusive, and high-achieving school. Lead the direction and coordination of educational and administrative activities; build strong relationships with students, staff, and families; and organize programming that aligns with state requirements and District standards to drive continuous school improvement and student achievement.

Qualifications:

Illinois State Board of Education administrative certification (Type 75/Principal endorsement)
Bachelor’s degree in education from an accredited college or university
Doctoral degree or advanced graduate work in educational leadership, curriculum & instruction, or educational technology (preferred)
Prior successful teaching, administrative, and educational leadership experience at the elementary and/or middle school level
Knowledge of special education law and procedures (IDEA, Article 14, Section 504) preferred
Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may deem appropriate and acceptable

Our Mission & Strategic Vision

Our mission is to prepare today’s learners for tomorrow's world. We seek to intentionally design an environment where every student is held to high expectations and empowered to reach their full potential as productive, well-rounded humans. Driven by our strategic framework, we are committed to five key pillars of excellence:

Academic Success: Building strong foundations for lifelong learning.
Supportive & Safe Schools: Nurturing student well-being and security.
A Thriving Workforce: Sustaining a dedicated and inspired team.
Operational Excellence: Meeting evolving district needs with efficiency.
Community Engagement: Fostering reciprocal, authentic relationships.

Our Portrait of a Graduate serves as our "north star," expanding the definition of success to include both core academic knowledge and the essential competencies our community identifies as vital for our students to leave ready for their next step within their academic journey, future work, and life. By clearly articulating these student-focused outcomes. The entire School District 123 Strategic Framework and Portrait of a Graduate can be found at: plan.d123.org.

Direct Supervisors

Superintendent ; Assistant Superintendent

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Provide leadership and supervision in the general educational administration of the school; model a student-centered, equity-focused the culture aligned to the District 123 Strategic Plan
Observe, supervise, evaluate, and coach staff performance per District policy and state law; lead cycles of professional learning and growth
Lead continuous school improvement with staff, students, families, and administrators; analyze data to set goals and monitor progress
Supervise, coordinate, develop, and improve curricular, instructional, and extracurricular programs to meet state standards, District priorities, and student needs
Oversee student support systems, discipline, and behavior frameworks consistent with Board policy and the Student Disciplinary Code; ensure fair, restorative, and legally compliant practices
Ensure compliance with IDEA/Article 14 and Section 504; monitor timelines, procedures, and documentation quality
Coordinate with Student Services on identification, evaluation, and placement; support high-quality IEP/504 development, progress monitoring, and parent engagement
Support staff training in behavior intervention, data collection, and differentiated instruction; ensure safe crisis response aligned to District protocols
Manage building operations in collaboration with District departments (budget planning, resource procurement, scheduling, supervision, safety, and compliance)
Maintain regular visibility; lead proactive family and community engagement that builds trust and supports student success
Ensure a safe, orderly, and respectful learning environment; implement emergency procedures and school safety protocols
Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient and effective functioning of the school

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Deep understanding of child/adolescent development and effective practices at the elementary and middle school levels
Working knowledge of special education/Section 504 requirements (FAPE, LRE, procedural safeguards), MTSS, and effective collaboration with related service staff
Skill in student discipline systems, tiered supports, functional behavior assessment (FBA), and behavior intervention plans (BIP)
Experience with master scheduling and day-to-day school operations, including scheduling of related services and inclusion supports
Knowledge of curriculum standards, instructional best practices, and current educational research
Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop staff; strong interpersonal, communication, and change-management skills with diverse stakeholders
Proficiency with data analysis (academic, behavior, attendance, and IEP progress) and communicating results to inform instruction and improvement
Understanding of 21st-century teaching and learning, including purposeful use of educational technology
Knowledge of effective practices for English Learners (highly desirable)

The School Board of Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 prohibits any and all forms of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, age, homelessness, or disability or other basis prohibited by law in any of its programs, services, activities or employment.

Middle School Principal (OLHMS)