Assistant Principal of Specialized Services - 2026/2027 School Year
Posted Updated
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:
As an Assistant Principal of School Services (APSS) at Mastery Schools, you will ensure the high-quality delivery of comprehensive academic and emotional services for students who require additional support.
Working closely with school leadership and instructional staff, you will manage and coordinate all specialized services, including special education, 504 plans, academic and social-emotional interventions, and English language development. With an unwavering commitment to individualized excellence, you will foster an educational environment where all students are empowered to excel academically and emotionally. Your responsibilities also encompass the development and supervision of a talented team of teachers and specialized services support staff. You will provide guidance and support to enhance their effectiveness and professional growth.
Your impact will not merely be measured in plans and interventions but in the tangible success of students reaching their fullest potential. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on education and be a driving force behind academic excellence, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of our students.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manage the Specialized Services programming at a school including all Special Education Services, 504 plans, Academic and Social Emotional Interventions, and English Learner services.
- Implement, supervise and facilitate the Mastery intervention programs and curricula.
- Supervise and coordinate the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 processes.
- Supervise and coordinate evaluations and related services for students.
- Coordinate and monitor the School Social Work services and Mental Health services of partner organizations.
- Chair and conduct manifestation determination meetings and other special education meetings.
- Ensure the implementation of accommodations in the general education environment.
- Ensure that student files are in full compliance with all special education laws.
- Provide leadership on the school’s Administrative Team.
- Conduct informal and formal evaluations for special education teachers and other school staff members.
- Support principal and other assistant principals in leading the school and creating a culture of student achievement.
Qualifications:
- Knowledge of Federal and State Special Education Laws.
- Knowledge of teaching methods, curriculum, and education programs designed for students with learning, physical and behavioral disabilities.
- Knowledge of Positive Behavior Supports related to individuals with learning, developmental, and/or emotional disabilities
- Knowledge of English Language Development, teaching practices and programming.
- Knowledge of Academic and Social Emotional Interventions.
- Strong communication skills and ability to develop trusting relationships with students, staff, and families.
- A strong sense of personal agency and accountability for student achievement
- A belief that all students should be held to high academic standards
- Demonstrated professionalism and responsibility, and a strong work ethic
- A positive, high-energy attitude and a drive for personal excellence
Education and Experience:
- Master’s Degree in Special Education preferred
- At least five (5) years of urban education experience required
- PA state certification in special education and administration completed or in process
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required such as maneuvering in classrooms and office space-reaching file cabinets, filing, faxing, scanning, coping, typing, mailing, and making phone calls; Must be able to sit for up to two (2) hours looking at a computer monitor, using a keyboard and mouse and typing.
Salary and Bonus Information:
- This role is eligible for a $5,000 bonus as well as up to $5,000 for relocation expenses!
- New-to-Mastery Assistant Principals can expect a starting salary between $108,200 and $125,350, based on experience and education.
- The full salary range for this role is $108,200 to $137,025, with opportunities for growth as your career progresses. All offers are reviewed individually to ensure equity in compensation and to reflect relevant experience.
#LeadAtMastery
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 for full-time employees), 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 access to the Health Advocate 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 here. 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.
As published by lever · 42 questions · 12 written answers
Basics
Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Other website
Short answers (8)
- If you were referred to this position by a current Mastery employee, please list his/her/their name: optional
- If you chose Americorps, what Americorps program are you affiliated with (if not listed above)? optional
- What is your salary requirement?
- Have you previously worked for Mastery? If so, what was your role?
- If yes, what is your level of Spanish language proficiency? optional
- Do you speak any languages other than English or Spanish? If yes, please list. optional
- Undergraduate Subject Area optional
- Graduate Subject Area optional
Pick from a list (22)
- To ensure readiness for the demands of school leadership at Mastery, we require at least two years of adult management or coaching experience for Assistant Principal candidates. Applicants who do not meet this requirement are encouraged to explore other opportunities at Mastery or apply again in the future. Do you meet this requirement?
- Will you now or will you in the future require employment visa sponsorship?
- What are your preferred pronouns? optional
- How do you identify? (Please select all that apply.) optional
- Where have you seen jobs at Mastery posted/advertised? (Please select all that apply.) optional
- How many years of experience do you have working in a school with at least a 50% free/reduced lunch student population? optional
- Do you have experience working or volunteering in under-resourced communities?
- Did you graduate from high school with a Mastery Schools diploma?
- If yes, please select the campus that issued your diploma. optional
- Are you affiliated with any of the following programs or alumni groups? Check all that apply. optional
- Where do you currently reside?
- Have you worked or are you currently working at a Mastery campus through a staffing agency or vendor?*
- Do you speak Spanish?
- Highest Degree Earned optional
- Undergraduate GPA, if attained.
- Undergraduate Institution optional
- Undergraduate Degree optional
- Graduate Institution, if applicable. optional
- Graduate Degree optional
- Where do you want to work?
- What population of students are you hoping to serve? optional
- What population of students do you have the most experience with? optional
Written answers (12)
- What is your current mailing address?
- Why are you looking to transition from your current job to Mastery?
- What current special education teaching and/or admin certifications do you hold? Please include type of certification and state.
- How many years of experience do you have teaching/leading special education students under the above certificate(s)?
- Do you have a Master’s degree in Educational Administration or a closely related field with a 300-hour internship? (Note: This only applies to NJ school leader candidates.)
- Have you taken/passed the Ed Leadership PRAXIS exam? (Note: This only applies to NJ school leader applicants.)
- How many adults do you currently coach or manage? Briefly describe your experience coaching and managing adults to outcomes, including how you give them feedback. If you do not coach or manage adults, please write N/A. optional
- Briefly describe your impact on student achievement results in your current role. optional
- Briefly describe the steps you have taken to ensure your school community is an inclusive space. optional
- In your current or most recent position working in specialized education: 1) What percentage of your student population is identified for Special Ed services? optional
- 2) What are the disability categories that your school supports? optional
- 3) What level of service have you supported and/or taught? optional