School Leader (Principals & Heads of School - All Grade Levels)

School Leader (Principals & Heads of School - All Grade Levels)

Join to apply for the School Leader (Principals & Heads of School - All Grade Levels) role at Boston Public Schools .

This job posting is for all individuals interested in Principal and Head of School positions in the Boston Public Schools for the 2026-2027 school year. This posting will build a pool of strong candidates for these positions when they become available in the winter / spring of 2026. Candidates will be made aware of individual school openings once they progress through the process. School types could include autonomous, exam, technical vocational, traditional, and turnaround. This posting only includes Principal and Head of School positions. Other administrative positions are posted individually on the BPS hiring site.

Why lead in BPS?

We are committed to our students and have a track record of success. As the birthplace of public education in this nation, the Boston Public Schools is committed to partnering with families and communities to transform the lives of all children through exemplary teaching and leadership. We cultivate staff who create safe, welcoming, and affirming environments, celebrate diversity, and confront racism and inequities. Together, we work to develop the knowledge, skill, and character to excel in college, career, and life for all learners.

Boston Public Schools is a diverse, culturally vibrant district with 46,094 students from 140 countries and 80 languages. 82% identify as Black, Hispanic, or Asian, 52% have a first language other than English, 23% have IEPs, and 70% qualify as economically disadvantaged. We pride ourselves on equitable access and actively use culturally and linguistically sustaining practices to close opportunity gaps.

Our leaders receive individualized support, job-embedded professional learning, and partnership with central office. Leaders also participate in a two-year induction program with cohort support and mentorship.

Who are we looking for?

Boston Public Schools Leaders are passionate about equity, student achievement, and safe learning environments. They are laser-focused on closing opportunity gaps, reflect the diversity of our students, and are committed to community, cultural, and linguistic representation.

What skills & attributes are we looking for?

Visionary Leadership : Build and act on a culturally responsive vision that honors student and family assets and continuously incorporates data and community input.

Reflection & Feedback : Seek, listen to, and act on feedback from staff and stakeholders, demonstrating a willingness to learn.

Communications : Maintain clear, reliable engagement with stakeholders, adapting messages to diverse audiences.

Prioritization of Equity : Center racial equity in decision making, using inclusive processes.

Thoughtful Decision-Making : Deliver well-considered, decisive actions that produce tangible student outcomes.

Operational Excellence : Manage budgets, legal regulations, union guidelines, staff, and systems effectively.

Instructional Leadership : Champion equity-oriented initiatives and high-quality, culturally responsive instruction.

High-Quality Instructional Materials : Advocate for standards-aligned, bias-tested materials.

Professional Development : Facilitate timely, relevant PD focused on culturally responsive instruction.

Instructional Excellence : Monitor and promote effective, inclusive instruction.

Cultural Competency : Model and coach culturally sustaining practices.

Use of Data : Employ disaggregated data to inform practice and address inequities.

Growth Pathways : Provide opportunities for staff to develop as instructional leaders.

Leadership in Equity : Maintain anti-racist, high-expectation, inclusive culture.

Disrupt Inequities : Take swift action against inequities and support students who face barriers.

Passion for Students : Model asset-based focus on all learners.

Culture & Community Building : Foster secure and collaborative school culture.

Family Partnerships : Engage families in meaningful partnership, ensuring cultural relevance.

Team Building : Recruit, supervise, and grow a diverse, effective team.

Distributed Leadership : Encourage shared leadership pathways and coaching.

Qualifications - Required

Master's in Education or a similar field.

Possession of a valid Massachusetts School Principal License or proof of successful completion of MA-PAL.

For Technical / Vocational positions : Valid Vocational / Technical preliminary or professional license.

Current authorization to work in the United States—candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment.

Qualifications - Preferred

Teaching and leadership experience in an urban public school setting.

Bilingual.

Boston resident.

Compensation & Conditions Of Employment

Base pay for School Leaders is determined by school enrollment as follows

0 – 300 students = $147,122

301 – 600 students = $148,523

601 – 899 students = $149,924

900+ students = $151,325

Leaders will also be eligible for a salary differential based on educational attainment and performance starting in the second year. Leaders of transformation schools are eligible for a salary differential.

Teacher / Leaders within the Boston Teachers Union (BTU) will be compensated according to the BTU contract, while Regional School Leaders will be compensated according to separate terms.

Leaders shall work a twelve-month calendar from July 1 to June 30 and are entitled to paid time off for all nationally recognized or local holidays reflected on the Boston Public Schools calendar. The work year includes 183 school days and forty additional days outside of school days, as agreed with the Superintendent.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record, disability, homelessness, sex / gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, or military status and does not tolerate retaliation or bias-based harassment.

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