Assistant Principal

We're excited to provide the best education in the best environment to our students!

Academies of Math & Science

Assistant Principal – K–2 Instructional Leadership

Location: 5701 W McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85035
Compensation: $67,000 – $80,000 year-round salary (DOE), plus bonus pay opportunities
Schedule: Full-time, on-site (not a remote position)

About Us

The Academies of Math and Science (AMS) is a network of high-performing K–8 public charter schools in Arizona, committed to educational equity, college readiness, and rigorous instruction. For more than 20 years, AMS has provided students — particularly those in historically underserved communities — with a high-quality education grounded in high expectations and research-based instructional practices.

Position Overview

AMS Desert Sky is seeking a mission-driven, student-centered Assistant Principal focused on Kindergarten through 2nd grade instructional leadership.
 

This role is critical in ensuring strong early academic foundations, particularly in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development. The K–2 Assistant Principal will support teachers in implementing structured literacy practices, standards-aligned instruction, and developmentally appropriate classroom systems that build long-term academic success.
 

The ideal candidate is:

• Deeply knowledgeable about early childhood and primary-grade instruction

• Data-driven and results-oriented

• Skilled in coaching teachers and strengthening classroom practice

• Passionate about building strong literacy foundations in K–2

• Committed to creating structured, joyful, and academically rigorous classrooms

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership (K–2 Focus)

• Coach and develop K–2 teachers through regular classroom observations, feedback cycles, and instructional modeling.

• Support implementation of structured literacy and foundational math practices aligned to network curriculum.

• Monitor and analyze K–2 academic data (literacy benchmarks, phonics progression, intervention tracking) to drive instructional decisions.

• Lead professional development focused on early literacy, small-group instruction, and developmentally appropriate classroom management.

• Ensure alignment to Arizona academic standards and network instructional frameworks.

Scholar Achievement & Intervention

• Oversee K–2 intervention systems to ensure early identification and support for struggling readers and learners.

• Partner with instructional staff to design action plans based on formative and summative assessment data.

• Ensure consistent progress monitoring and accountability for student growth.

School Culture & Family Partnership

• Support a structured and nurturing K–2 culture grounded in high expectations and positive behavior systems.

• Collaborate with families to strengthen early literacy engagement and scholar development.

• Serve as acting administrator in the absence of the Principal.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of successful K–3 classroom teaching experience, with demonstrated student growth outcomes.

• Prior teacher leadership experience (e.g., grade-level lead, mentor teacher, instructional coach, or similar role).

• Strong background in early literacy instruction and structured reading practices.

• Demonstrated ability to coach teachers, facilitate collaboration meetings, and lead instructional improvement.

• Proficiency in analyzing student achievement data and implementing intervention systems.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.

• Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s in Education, Leadership, or related field preferred).

• Consistent professional work history demonstrating commitment and follow-through.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting early childhood or primary-grade teams (K–2 focus strongly preferred).

• Experience in Title I or similar high-need school settings.

• Arizona Administrator Certification or enrollment in an approved leadership program.

Why Join AMS

Collaborative, Supportive Leadership Culture: Work alongside strong instructional leaders invested in your development.

Career Advancement: AMS is growing—creating opportunities for expanded leadership roles.

Competitive Benefits: