Principal, Elementary School

Location: Emerson Elementary School

Department: Emerson ES

Area:West

Contract Months:12

Salary Range: $115,000.00 – $160,000.00

Academic Year: 25-26

POSITION SUMMARY

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) is seeking dynamic and visionary leaders to join our elite team of educators, driving the most comprehensive public education transformation effort in the nation. As a principal, you will serve as the educational leader of your assigned campus, responsible for ensuring a safe, high-performing learning environment aligned with HISD’s mission to narrow achievement gaps and prepare students for a Year 2035 workplace and world.
You will be pivotal in building a team of high-performing teachers and support staff, using proven best practices for teaching and learning. HISD provides competitive compensation, unmatched professional development opportunities, and robust operational support, allowing principals to focus on instructional leadership and fostering student success.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

• Possesses a moral and ethical compass.
• Demonstrates a heart and passion for leadership and continuous improvement.
• Identifies, mentors, and inspires excellence in instructional and non-instructional staff.
• Exhibits flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES CONTINUED

• Makes decisions that prioritize the school’s and community’s benefit.
• Balances intellectual strength with practical common sense.
• Displays courage and persistence in advancing the school’s mission and vision.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Develops and implements strategic plans to:
o Increase student achievement and attendance.
o Strengthen instructional quality and opportunities.
o Provide a safe and orderly learning environment.
o Increase graduation rates and ensure readiness for post-secondary success.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, Board policies, and district initiatives.
• Communicates, collaborates, and builds strong relationships with:
o Teachers, staff, students, and parents.
o Community and business partners.
o Other members of the school and district community.
• Selects, mentors, and retains a high-quality school staff.
• Manages quality data systems, balanced budgets, and operational controls aligned with instructional priorities.
• Creates a high-performance culture where teachers receive consistent, real-time coaching and support.
• Reinforces HISD’s vision for high-quality instruction in every classroom, every day.
• Ensures efficient and effective management of time, including school openings, closings, and punctuality in all operations.

Education

■ Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
■ Administrator’s Certificate appropriate for the Principal’s position or the ability to acquire it

Experience

■ A minimum of three years of exemplary teaching experience or comparable leadership experience is essential
■ Administrative experience as Principal, Assistant Principal, or Dean of instruction preferred.
■ Additional leadership experience on the campus or otherwise is essential.

Other Requirements

Houston Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer.