Assistant Principal – Grade 6 School
Share
Job Location:
Amherst, MA - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Assistant Principal Grade 6 School
Location: Amherst Regional Middle School
Reports to: Principal Amherst Regional Middle School
Work Year: Full Year
Bargaining Unit: Amherst-Pelham Administrators Association (APAA)
Start Date: July 2026
About the Position
Amherst Public Schools is seeking a dynamic student-centered and equity-driven Assistant Principal to serve as the instructional and administrative leader for the new Grade 6 School which will open in the school year.
The Grade 6 School will bring together all sixth-grade students from the Amherst Elementary Schools into one cohesive program housed within the Amherst Regional Middle School. The Assistant Principal will play a pivotal role in supporting a smooth transition for students families and staff as we launch this exciting new chapter in our districts restructuring initiative.
This is a unique leadership opportunity to help design and shape the culture climate and academic experience for our youngest middle-level learners ensuring they feel a strong sense of belonging and connection as they enter the secondary campus for the first time.
Key Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Middle School Principal the Assistant Principal will:
- Leadership & Supervision
- Assist in the overall administration of the 6th Grade School with specific responsibility of the daily operations within the Middle School.
- Supervise and evaluate teachers paraeducators and support staff assigned to the Grade 6 School.
- Support a positive school climate that fosters academic excellence equity and social-emotional growth.
- Collaborate with the Principal and district leadership to align curriculum schedules and supports across grade 6.
- Student Support & Behavior
- Oversee student discipline attendance and behavior supports for Grade 6 students.
- Implement restorative and culturally responsive practices that promote a safe and inclusive environment.
- Coordinate with counselors adjustment counselors and special education teams to support individual student needs.
- Family & Community Engagement
- Build strong partnerships with families and caregivers to support student success.
- Lead family orientation events open houses and communication efforts for the Grade 6 School.
- Serve as a liaison between elementary and middle school teams to ensure continuity of learning and care.
- Instructional Leadership
- Support implementation of district curriculum instruction and assessment initiatives.
- Facilitate professional learning and collaborative team meetings.
- Analyze data to inform instructional decisions and monitor student progress.
- Operational Management
- Support scheduling supervision of arrival/dismissal lunch/recess and other logistics.
- Assist in maintaining compliance with district policies safety procedures and state regulations.
- Contribute to the development and monitoring of the Grade 6 School budget.
Qualifications
- Massachusetts DESE licensure as Principal/Assistant Principal Grades PK-6 or PK-8 (or eligibility).
- Demonstrated experience in instructional leadership student support and staff supervision.
- Strong understanding of adolescent development culturally responsive practices and inclusive education.
- Excellent communication collaboration and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to equity belonging and the ARPS mission of supporting every learner.
Why This Role Matters
The school year marks the first year that sixth-grade students will attend the Middle School as part of the districts K6 restructuring. This transition represents an exciting opportunity to build a new learning community from the ground up one that honors the developmental needs of early adolescents strengthens academic pathways and fosters belonging and joy in learning.
Join us as we create a transformative middle-level experience for Amherst students.
Employment Information
This position is part of the Amherst-Pelham Administrators Association (APAA) and is a full year position. Compensation and benefits are in accordance with the APAA collective bargaining agreement.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter résumé and three current letters of recommendation through SchoolSpring or the districts employment portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
If the successful candidate is an internal applicant they will begin engaging with caregivers and planning for the Grade 6 transition starting in January. This work will include appropriate compensation for the additional responsibilities and time prior to the official start date.
Required Experience:
Staff IC
Key Skills
- Early Childhood Education
- Infant Care
- Classroom Experience
- Lesson Planning
- Preschool Experience
- Special Education
- Teaching
- Administrative Experience
- Child Protective Services
- Childhood Development
- Experience with Children
- Toddler Care
