Principal

Principal

PODER Academy Secondary School

Cheyenne, Wyoming

PODER Academy Secondary School is seeking a highly effective, mission-driven Principal to lead our 7th-12th grade college-preparatory charter school. The Principal will serve as the instructional and operational leader of the school, working closely with the administrative team, teachers, staff, students, families, and community partners to ensure a rigorous, supportive, and high-achieving learning environment.

PODER Academy Secondary School is committed to preparing students for success in college, career, and life through strong academics, high expectations, character development, and meaningful student opportunities. The Principal will play a key role in continuing the school's strong culture of achievement, accountability, and student support.

Position Summary

The Principal is responsible for the overall leadership and management of PODER Academy Secondary School, serving students in grades 7-12. This position requires a strong instructional leader who can support teachers, analyze student data, maintain a positive school culture, oversee daily operations, and ensure that all students are held to high academic and behavioral expectations.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader who is committed to student success, teacher development, family engagement, and the continued growth of PODER Academy Secondary School.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership

The Principal will:

• Oversee the academic program for grades 7-12 and ensure alignment with state standards, school goals, and college-preparatory expectations.
• Support teachers through regular classroom observations, coaching, feedback, and professional development.
• Use student achievement data to guide instructional decisions, interventions, and school improvement efforts.
• Promote high-quality instruction, strong classroom management, and consistent academic expectations across all grade levels.
• Work with staff to identify students in need of academic support and ensure appropriate interventions are implemented.

School Culture and Student Support

The Principal will:

• Maintain a safe, structured, respectful, and achievement-focused school environment.
• Promote a positive school culture rooted in high expectations, accountability, and student responsibility.
• Oversee student discipline, attendance, behavior systems, and restorative or corrective practices as appropriate.
• Work with counselors, teachers, families, and support staff to address student academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs.
• Support student engagement through extracurricular activities, clubs, athletics, college-readiness opportunities, and leadership programs.

Staff Leadership and Development

The Principal will:

• Supervise, evaluate, and support teachers and staff.
• Lead staff meetings, professional development, and school improvement initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative professional culture focused on continuous improvement.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and retaining high-quality staff members.
• Hold staff accountable to school expectations, policies, procedures, and professional responsibilities.

Operations and Compliance

The Principal will:

• Oversee day-to-day school operations, including schedules, supervision, safety procedures, student services, and building routines.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and charter school requirements.
• Work with the administrative team on school policies, student handbooks, staff expectations, testing coordination, and required reporting.
• Collaborate with district, state, and community partners as needed.
• Support implementation of IEP, 504, ELL, and other student support requirements in collaboration with appropriate staff.

Family and Community Engagement

The Principal will:

• Communicate regularly and professionally with families regarding student progress, school expectations, events, and concerns.
• Build strong relationships with parents, guardians, students, staff, and the broader community.
• Represent PODER Academy Secondary School in a positive and professional manner.
• Promote family involvement and partnership in student success.

Required Qualifications

A Wyoming Principal's License is required, or the candidate must be currently enrolled in a program to obtain a Wyoming Principal's License.

Experience in school leadership, instructional coaching, administration, or a related educational leadership role is preferred.

Strong knowledge of secondary education, instructional best practices, student support systems, and school operations.

Ability to lead, supervise, evaluate, and support staff effectively.

Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of PODER Academy Secondary School.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a charter school, college-preparatory school, or high-performing school environment.

Experience with grades 7-12.

Experience using student data to improve instruction and student outcomes.

Experience leading professional development and supporting teacher growth.

Strong understanding of school culture systems, student discipline, and family engagement.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is competitive and will be based on experience, qualifications, and leadership background.

Benefits include:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement
• Additional benefits and details will be discussed during the hiring process.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume, professional references, and documentation of Wyoming Principal licensure or enrollment in a principal licensure program.

PODER Academy Secondary School is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified candidates who are committed to student achievement and school excellence to apply.