Principal

Description

Salary: 

$89,169.60 to $111,467.20 annually (depending on experience and education)

Schedule: 

Monday – Friday 7:30am to 3:30pm with school going year-round

Position Overview:

Children’s Home Society of South Dakota is seeking a Principal is responsible for providing leadership, supervision, and oversight for all academic and support staff, including teachers, teaching assistants, and behavior specialists. This role ensures the effective delivery of education for both Residential and Day School Program students, with a particular focus on student safety, academic growth, and maintaining a positive, trauma-informed school culture. The Principal will foster an environment of collaboration and continuous improvement, promoting evidence-based instructional strategies and ensuring that staff are supported in meeting the diverse needs of students. As a leader in compassionate, trauma-informed care, Children’s Home Society is committed to fostering equity and inclusion in all aspects of our work.

By joining our team, you will make a difference every day—creating positive change for individuals, families, and communities. Each smile, hug, and heart you touch will reflect the meaningful impact of your work.

Benefits of Employment at CHS:

• Work-Life Balance: Monday – Friday 7:30am to 3:30pm with school going year-round
• Comprehensive Benefits: Equal up to 30% of your salary. Two health insurance options (Traditional Plan & High Deductible Health Plan with HSA), vision, dental, employer-paid Group Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Short Term & Long-Term Disability, and additional voluntary life and critical illness plans.
• Financial/Education Assistance: Up to $200 per month in tuition reimbursement or student loan repayment for qualifying employees.
• Competitive Compensation: $89,169.60 to $111,467.20 annually (depending on experience and education) with yearly merit-based raises
• Generous Paid Time Off: Includes a generous PTO package with 40 hours upfront, 10 paid holidays, and 8 hours "Day of Service" for volunteering in the community.
• Retirement Plans: Once entry into the plan, employees receive a 3% employer contribution each pay period and an up to an additional 5% profit sharing. Employees are 100% vested after 4 years of credited service. 
• Referral Bonuses: Earn up to $1,000 for referring new employees.

What You Will Do:

1.Leadership & Supervision 

• · Supervise teaching staff, assistants, and behavior specialists to ensure effective instruction and a safe, structured environment. 
• · Oversee academic performance for Day and Residential students, ensuring goals are met. 
• · Promote a trauma-informed, collaborative school culture. 
• · Maintain a safe, functional, and welcoming school environment. 
• · Support policy development, goal setting, and ensure compliance with DOE, Agency, and COA standards. 

2.Instructional Leadership 

• · Promote trauma-informed, evidence-based teaching practices. 
• · Support instructional planning aligned with state standards and IEP goals. 
• · Monitor instruction to ensure it's effective, engaging, and differentiated. 
• · Implement student achievement measures (e.g., NWEA MAP) and annual progress reporting. 

3.Staff Development & Performance 

• Lead hiring and staffing decisions to align strengths with school needs. 
• Conduct observations, evaluations, and coaching for school staff. 
• Provide professional development aligned with school goals and best practices. 
• Foster a culture of growth, collaboration, and professional excellence. 
• Maintain strong working relationships with all departments, schools, and families. 

4.Student Records & Confidentiality 

• Ensure student records are accurate, confidential, and compliant with policies. 
• School Culture & Climate. 
• Promote a positive, inclusive, trauma-sensitive school environment. 
• Lead efforts to improve engagement, behavior, and academic outcomes. 
• Build strong relationships with students, staff, and families to support success. 

5.Compliance & Reporting 

• Ensure compliance with all educational laws and standards, including special education and safety. 
• Monitor student and staff performance, reporting outcomes to leadership. 
• Maintain strong school-residence communication for consistent student support. 
• Protect student and family confidentiality at all times. 

What We’ll Love About You:

• You are a team player that promotes a positive work environment.
• You are capable of handling highly sensitive, confidential information.
• You are able to effectively communicate. 
• You align with our mission, vision, and values.
• You are organized and are able to pay strong attention to detail. 
• You are able to have professional and kind client and public interactions. 
• You are able to show awareness and respect for the diverse cultural backgrounds of our employees and clients. 

Requirements

• Education: Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field.
• Experience: Extensive experience in classroom teaching and school leadership, particularly in environments with diverse student populations. 
• Licensure: Current, valid South Dakota teaching certificate or ability to obtain.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Classroom environment focused on the instruction of children with emotional and behavioral issues. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to physically restrain a child in ways taught by the Agency while being able to verbally communicate with the child and other staff. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.