Job Description
Job Title: Principal
Reports to: Orton Academy Board of Directors
Are you ready to transform education for students with dyslexia?
Orton Academy is searching for a dynamic, student-centered Principal who is passionate about making learning accessible and empowering students with dyslexia to achieve academic success.
At Orton Academy, we believe every student has the potential to thrive. We are dedicated to equipping students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia with the tools they need to overcome barriers, develop self-advocacy, and find lifelong success. We need a leader who understands that education is about more than just academics-it's about building confidence, unlocking potential, and creating a community where every learner feels valued.
This role is for an innovative leader who thrives on building relationships, inspiring educators, and fostering a culture where all students are empowered to achieve. If you're ready to lead with purpose, drive meaningful change, and make a lasting impact, we want you at Orton Academy.
About Orton Academy
Orton Academy is a groundbreaking 2-8 charter school authorized by D11 in Colorado Springs, CO. We are a regional leader in dyslexia education, utilizing research-based instruction to create personalized learning experiences that enable students to overcome learning challenges. Our curriculum is rooted in the science of reading and structured literacy, ensuring that students receive the targeted support they need to succeed.
At Orton Academy, we don't just teach-we empower. Our students develop the skills, confidence, and strategies to navigate their academic journeys and beyond. Through individualized instruction, small class sizes, and a supportive learning environment, we are redefining what's possible for students with dyslexia.
Learn more about our unique approach at https://ortonk8.org
Philosophy and Vision Alignment
Our Why:
We exist to ensure that students with dyslexia have access to high-quality, research-based instruction tailored to their unique learning needs.
We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to develop confidence in their abilities and achieve their full potential.
We are committed to instilling hope, igniting purpose, and empowering students to succeed academically and personally.
Our How:
By implementing evidence-based instructional methods that prioritize the science of reading.
By fostering an inclusive, nurturing, and student-centered learning environment.
By equipping students with self-advocacy skills and strategies that empower them for lifelong success.
Our What:
We are a community of educators, students, and families committed to breaking down learning barriers and championing student success.
We provide specialized instruction tailored to the needs of students with dyslexia, ensuring they develop essential literacy and academic skills.
We ensure that every graduate leaves Orton Academy with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to excel in their future pursuits.
As Principal, you will bring this vision to life, fostering a culture of learning, inclusivity, and empowerment for students and staff alike.
Core Responsibilities
I. Vision, Strategy & Instructional Leadership
Articulates and drives the school's mission and vision, ensuring alignment with core values and equitable outcomes for all students.
Leads continuous improvement efforts by using data and stakeholder input to diagnose challenges, implement strategic solutions, and monitor school progress.
Serves as the primary instructional leader, ensuring curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices are rigorous, aligned to standards, and support high achievement.
Leads a culture of data-driven instruction, empowering teachers to use assessments effectively to inform decision-making and student support.
Acts as an influential change agent, adapting to evolving educational needs, modeling core values, and fostering a commitment to equity and excellence.
II. Systems for Student Support & Special Education
Establishes and sustains a systematic, equitable approach to identifying students whose needs are not met through best-first instruction.
Implements an embedded problem-solving process that ensures students receive multiple opportunities to learn and improve performance through targeted interventions and differentiated support.
Ensures that Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) are effectively implemented, including academic, behavioral, and social-emotional interventions.
Oversees the special education program, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, and authorizes policies and procedures for proper identification of students with disabilities, and delivery of high-quality services that promote student success.
Collaborates with CALTSs, special education staff, general education teachers, and support teams to ensure inclusive practices, equitable access to instruction, and effective progress monitoring.
Develops strong partnerships with families of students receiving additional support, fostering communication, trust, and shared decision-making.
Provides professional development and coaching to staff on best practices in intervention strategies, differentiation, and special education compliance to build capacity for student success.
III. Talent Management & Professional Growth
Oversees recruitment, hiring, and retention of a diverse and high-quality staff, ensuring alignment with the school's mission and values.
Develops and implements a comprehensive professional development program that supports teacher effectiveness and student success.
Leads coaching and evaluation processes that provide meaningful feedback, professional growth opportunities, and clear expectations for staff performance.
Establishes a positive and collaborative work environment, ensuring all staff feel valued, heard, and supported in their professional growth.
IV. Culture & Climate
Fosters a positive and inclusive school culture that supports all student and staff well-being, engagement, and high expectations.
Leads efforts to create an engaging and supportive learning environment where all students feel safe, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Develops and maintains meaningful family and community partnerships that enhance student learning, school support, and stakeholder engagement.
Models professionalism and integrity, holding all members of the school community accountable to high standards of conduct and collaboration.
V. Operational & Financial Leadership
Provides strategic oversight of the school's financial health, managing budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning to ensure responsible stewardship of resources and long-term sustainability.
Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including charter authorizer requirements, financial reporting, organizational policies, and student services mandates.
Oversees enrollment and student recruitment efforts, implementing equitable and data-driven strategies to meet school targets, maintain a diverse student body, and ensure fiscal stability through strong student retention.
Leads safety and emergency preparedness efforts, ensuring comprehensive protocols for crisis response, security measures, and adherence to health and safety regulations.
Manages school facilities, technology, and resource allocation, ensuring a well-maintained, efficient, and conducive learning environment that supports both academic and operational excellence.
Actively seeks and secures additional funding sources, including grants, philanthropic partnerships, and fundraising initiatives to enhance educational programming, infrastructure, and student opportunities.
Develops and maintains strong vendor and service provider relationships, negotiating contracts and ensuring cost-effective procurement of goods and services.
Implements systems for student behavior, discipline, and restorative practices, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment.
Works closely with the board, Minga Education Group, and finance committee to align financial and operational decisions with the school's mission, strategic plan, and long-term sustainability goals.
Skills & Qualifications
Demonstrated leadership experience with a strong record of results in school administration, instructional leadership, and student achievement.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in a principal, assistant principal, or special education director role.
Candidates must hold or be eligible to obtain a Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Principal License by July 1, 2025.
Preferred: Holds a Master's degree in educational leadership, administration, or related field.
Experience with data-driven decision-making, strategic planning, and continuous school improvement.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage staff, students, families, and community stakeholders.
Proven ability to recruit, retain, and develop a diverse and high-performing staff.
Comprehensive knowledge of Colorado Academic Standards, charter school law, and educational compliance requirements (preferred).
Experience managing budgets, school operations, and resource allocation.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental elements of school leadership and student success.
Work Environment
Some physical exertion required.
Required to sit and/or stand up for long periods of time.
Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is moderate; however, noise level may increase during periods of high student traffic.
Terms of Employment
Salary range: $85,000-$95,000 annually
Benefits:100% employer paid plans offered for employee health, dental and vision
401(K) with a 100% match up to 5% of compensation; please note: this is not a PERA-eligible position
Annual paid vacation time
Full time, exempt position.
Location: 3115 Larkspur Drive, Colorado Springs
Work year and hours shall be those established by Orton Academy.
Performance evaluations will be conducted in accordance with school policy.
Application Process:
Qualified candidates should submit:
A cover letter detailing their alignment with OA's mission and leadership philosophy.
A résumé/CV highlighting relevant experience.
Contact information for three professional references.
The application window opens on 03/14/2025. The application window will remain open through 4/11/2025 and screening will begin in late April. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2025.
The Board of Directors at Orton Academy has contracted with Minga Education Group (MEG) to provide employment services for all staff that work at Orton Academy. Through this partnership, MEG provides OA with employment services, a personnel system for human resources, benefits, payroll services, as well as access to a 401(k) plan. For naming purposes, Minga Education Group is the employer. MEG is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Mandatory Background Checks: In alignment with our commitment to student safety, all candidates are required to undergo a comprehensive background check, which includes reviewing criminal records and will require fingerprinting. Please be aware that certain findings in the background check may disqualify a candidate from employment in a school setting. These may include, but are not limited to:
Convictions for violent crimes, such as assault or domestic violence.
Convictions for offenses against children, including abuse or endangerment.
Drug-related offenses, particularly those involving the distribution or trafficking of controlled substances.
Certain felony convictions, depending on their nature and recency.
History of certain misdemeanors that may raise concerns about a candidate's suitability for working in an educational environment. Submission of this application signifies your consent to this process and understanding of these criteria.
Verification of Qualifications: For roles that demand specific qualifications or certifications (such as teaching credentials), you will be asked to provide verifiable proof. We also conduct reference checks to validate your professional history and qualifications
Adherence to Colorado Education Laws: Our recruitment process strictly follows the guidelines and regulations set forth by the Colorado Department of Education. We expect all applicants to be familiar with and adhere to these standards.
This employer utilizes E-Verify
For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.
https://ortonk8.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1454756-547222.html