Principal

Saint Michael Catholic School in Brattleboro, Vermont is seeking a dedicated educator to serve as principal and lead the children, families and faculty that make up the school community.  Founded in 1874, Saint Michael Catholic School is the oldest Catholic school in Vermont.  The school has been assisting parents in the education and formation of their children in the light of the traditions and teachings of the Catholic Church for 150 years.  Over the past seven years, the school has embraced an integrated program of classical liberal education that engages students in the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty, and offers a rigorous academic curriculum while meeting the demanding practical exigencies of the present day.  The school’s mission is grounded in the belief that “the soul of education is the education of the soul” (Pope Pius XI).

 

Our vision is to serve as an exemplar of Catholic classical education for parochial schools. Located on the Connecticut River in Brattleboro, VT, Saint Michael Catholic School is within walking distance of the historic downtown, bustling with shops and restaurants.  Nestled between the Green Mountains of Vermont, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, the school attracts students from a Tri-State area rich in natural beauty, with four seasons of activities, a host of excellent state parks, and cultural opportunities.

 

The traditional brick building that houses Saint Michael Catholic School has been enhanced with solar panels and a beautiful new playground, dedicated on the Feast of Saint Michael this past September.  The building of the playground was a community effort, typical of most initiatives at the school, with families raising funds and participating in the work of construction.  The joy that the students experience on the playground echoes the joy they find in learning at a school where every child is known, valued and loved.

 

Opportunities and Challenges

The Principal at Saint Michael Catholic School will have the opportunity to

·       maintain, evaluate, and improve the classical curriculum in ways that enhance student learning

·       work with faculty, parents and students to maintain high standards of student conduct

·       hire qualified teachers committed to classical education

·       maintain the school’s accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

·       provide regular in-service development for teachers

·       approve the master teaching schedule

·       establish and administer the school budget

·       build positive interpersonal relationships in the context of a faith community and develop a program of parent communications and public relations.

 

Accountability

The Principal will

·       take an oath of fidelity to uphold the Magisterium of the Catholic Church

·       be accountable to the Diocesan Superintendent of Schools, the Pastor and the School Board and

·       work with the Pastor and School Board to facilitate the implementation of policies of the Diocesan Board of Catholic Education

·       collaborate with the Vermont Department of Education, as a recognized independent school in the WSESU (Windham Southeast Supervisory Union)

·       comply with the state licensing of preschool and aftercare programs

·       obtain and administer programs funded by state grants

 

 

Qualifications

The most competitive candidate

·       will be a committed, practicing Catholic who strives to live the message of Christ and His Church within the context of a strong faith community and registered parish affiliation

·       will have experience in and be a compelling advocate for classical liberal education

·       will have taught at least five years at the elementary or secondary level and be certified or be in the process of receiving certification as principal

·       will have a Master’s degree in Administration or a Master’s degree in areas relevant to the job

·       will have demonstrated leadership ability in an educational assignment and the capacity, enthusiasm, intelligence, and patience to inspire the school community

·       will have experience in hiring, faculty evaluation, and daily school operations.

·       will be familiar with FACTS Management or a similar educational software program

·       will be approachable and able to build trust with parents, faculty, students and staff

·       will be a strong communicator, clear, gracious and confident, both in speech and in writing

·       will approach the tasks and encounters of each day with gravitas, gentleness, humility and joy

 

Application

For consideration, please e-mail the following documentation confidentially and as separate PDF attachments to the Pastor, Father Henry Furman, apply@vermontcatholic.org.

1. Current resume including all work- and service-related experiences, dates, and education related to the position.

2. Applicable certifications.

3. Transcripts.

4. Contact information for at least four references.

5. Cover letter explaining your desire to carry on the mission of Saint Michael Catholic School and the ways in which you would be a good fit for the position.