And so it begins. The search for Oliver Ames High School’s new principal has started, sure to be a long and difficult process. From February to July, the Principal Search Committee will be trying to find the best man (or woman!) for the job. Today, I’ll be going through the job listing and talking to people involved in the search to see what they’re really looking for in your new principal.
So what would you need to do to become the next OA principal? To become principal you would need a Master’s degree and at least 7 years of experience in education and educational leadership. The OA Principal also needs to have a Massachusetts Licensure as High School Principal to be considered for the job.
The position also needs to be filled by someone who is “dynamic and visionary,” so sorry, Betsy DeVos, but you’ll have to find a new job somewhere else. An ideal principal would have experience with staffing and evaluating teachers, strong knowledge of school operations and student services, and have the ability to connect with students and teachers.
A disclaimer at the bottom also states that “candidates of color, individuals with diverse life experiences and non-traditional backgrounds, educators committed to the principles of equity, inclusion and anti-racism, and those who prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion are encouraged to apply.” The addition most likely was added in light of the recent pushes for the educational system to become anti-racist, and hopefully they will choose a principal that will make sure to make this issue a priority.
Crissy Pruitt, the assistant superintendent for the Easton Public School system also spoke about what she wanted to see in the new principal. She wants someone who will “be able to lead our staff and our students” and that “he or she will need to remain current in their practice and see potential for what is to come.”
No one knows who the next principal will be. It might be someone from the school system, or someone entirely new, but hopefully, they will be dedicated and devoted to the OA community. After all, they’ve got big shoes to fill.