Assistant Principal of Specialized Services – On Assignment - 2026/2027 School Year
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Mastery Schools Assistant Principal of Specialized Services – On Assignment - 2026/2027 School Year
Position Summary:
As an Assistant Principal of Specialized Services (APSS) On Assignment at Mastery Schools, you will participate in a one year leadership development experience designed to prepare exceptional leaders for a permanent Assistant Principal of Specialized Services position within our network. The APSS On Assignment role combines authentic campus leadership with strategic network initiatives, providing opportunities to strengthen instructional leadership, operational excellence, and systems thinking across multiple school contexts. Throughout the year, the APSS on Assignment may serve in temporary campus leadership placements, support leadership transitions, lead network-wide strategic initiatives, and provide high-leverage support aligned to evolving student and organizational needs. Working in close partnership with school and network leaders, the APSS On Assignment will develop expertise in leading specialized services systems that improve outcomes for students with disabilities while building the flexibility, adaptability, and leadership capacity necessary to successfully lead across diverse school communities. This role serves as Mastery's primary leadership pipeline for future APSS vacancies and reflects our commitment to growing exceptional leaders from within.
As an Assistant Principal of Specialized Services (APSS) On Assignment at Mastery Schools, you will participate in a one year leadership development experience designed to prepare exceptional leaders for a permanent Assistant Principal of Specialized Services position within our network. The APSS On Assignment role combines authentic campus leadership with strategic network initiatives, providing opportunities to strengthen instructional leadership, operational excellence, and systems thinking across multiple school contexts. Throughout the year, the APSS on Assignment may serve in temporary campus leadership placements, support leadership transitions, lead network-wide strategic initiatives, and provide high-leverage support aligned to evolving student and organizational needs. Working in close partnership with school and network leaders, the APSS On Assignment will develop expertise in leading specialized services systems that improve outcomes for students with disabilities while building the flexibility, adaptability, and leadership capacity necessary to successfully lead across diverse school communities. This role serves as Mastery's primary leadership pipeline for future APSS vacancies and reflects our commitment to growing exceptional leaders from within.
Purpose of the Role:
The APSS On Assignment role exists to:
The APSS On Assignment role exists to:
• Develop future school leaders through authentic leadership experiences
• Support leadership continuity during vacancies, leaves, and transitions
• Advance strategic network priorities related to specialized services and inclusive instruction
• Strengthen instructional systems that improve outcomes for students with disabilities
• Build organizational capacity through flexible leadership support across campuses
• Support leadership continuity during vacancies, leaves, and transitions
• Advance strategic network priorities related to specialized services and inclusive instruction
• Strengthen instructional systems that improve outcomes for students with disabilities
• Build organizational capacity through flexible leadership support across campuses
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Job Functions:
• Manage the school’s Specialized Services programming, including Special Education supports and services, 504 plans, and Academic and Social Emotional Interventions.
• 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’s Social Work and Mental Health services of partner organizations.
• Chair and conduct manifestation determination meetings and other special education meetings.
• Ensure the implementation of SDI, accommodations, and modifications in the general education environment.
• Ensure that student files are in full compliance with all state and federal special education laws and regulations.
• 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.
• Manage the school’s Specialized Services programming, including Special Education supports and services, 504 plans, and Academic and Social Emotional Interventions.
• 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’s Social Work and Mental Health services of partner organizations.
• Chair and conduct manifestation determination meetings and other special education meetings.
• Ensure the implementation of SDI, accommodations, and modifications in the general education environment.
• Ensure that student files are in full compliance with all state and federal special education laws and regulations.
• 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 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 required
- At least five (5) years of experience in historically under-resourced or diverse school communities required.
- Must be certified in special education and administration in PA or NJ
- NOTE: For this role, preference will be given to candidates who have been previously greenlit through the Mastery Selection Process for the APSS role.
Other 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
- This role may require frequent travel between multiple locations. Reliable transportation is essential to fulfill job responsibilities.
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.
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