About the role

As the K–5 Principal at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science, you will play a critical role in leading the elementary academic program, developing exceptional educators, and creating a school environment where students and staff thrive.

Your primary responsibility is to ensure that every K–6 student receives high-quality instruction, demonstrates academic growth, and learns in a physically and emotionally safe environment.

This is a hands-on instructional leadership position. We are looking for someone who enjoys being in classrooms, working alongside teachers, building relationships with families, and helping students succeed.

You will work collaboratively with school leadership, staff, families, and the Choice Schools support team to advance the academy's mission and ensure the continued success of its elementary program.

What you'll do

Instructional Leadership & Student Achievement

• Take ownership of K–5 academic performance and lead continuous improvement efforts to ensure all students achieve at high levels.
• Provide instructional leadership through regular classroom observations, meaningful feedback, coaching, and professional development.
• Ensure the effective implementation of board-approved curriculum, instructional practices, and academic interventions.
• Use student achievement data, classroom assessments, and other performance measures to identify opportunities for improvement and guide instructional decisions.
• Lead and support the implementation of the school's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to address the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students.
• Collaborate with teachers and specialized student support staff to ensure students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans receive appropriate services and support.
• Promote innovative instructional practices that incorporate environmental education, experiential learning, and meaningful outdoor learning opportunities.
• Foster a culture of high expectations where academic excellence and a love of learning go hand in hand.

Staff Development & School Culture

• Build and maintain a positive, mission-driven school culture where employees feel valued, supported, and accountable for student success.
• Recruit, develop, coach, evaluate, and retain high-quality educators and support staff.
• Provide timely, constructive feedback and professional development that strengthens instructional practices and employee performance.
• Foster collaboration, teamwork, and open communication among staff members.
• Establish clear expectations for performance, professionalism, and accountability while providing employees with the tools and support needed to succeed.
• Lead difficult conversations with professionalism, fairness, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Promote employee engagement and well-being while building a culture that attracts and retains exceptional educators.

Student Culture, Safety & Well-Being

• Create a welcoming, safe, and supportive elementary learning environment where students feel connected, respected, and motivated to succeed.
• Establish and maintain high expectations for student behavior, attendance, and engagement.
• Ensure consistent, fair, and developmentally appropriate implementation of the school's student code of conduct.
• Partner with teachers, families, and student support personnel to proactively address behavioral and social-emotional needs.
• Support the implementation of school safety procedures, emergency preparedness protocols, and student supervision expectations.
• Foster an environment where students develop responsibility, independence, positive relationships, and a strong sense of belonging.

Family Engagement & Community Relationships

• Build meaningful, trusting relationships with students, parents, guardians, and community stakeholders.
• Maintain proactive, transparent, and professional communication with families regarding student progress, school initiatives, and opportunities for involvement.
• Partner with families to support student achievement, attendance, behavior, and overall success.
• Serve as a positive representative of WMAES, promoting the school's unique environmental education model and academic accomplishments.
• Collaborate with school leadership to support student enrollment, retention, and community engagement initiatives.
• Celebrate student and staff achievements while strengthening the school's reputation as an exceptional place to learn and work.

School Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Champion the mission, vision, and values of WMAES through daily leadership and decision-making.
• Collaborate with school leadership and the Choice Schools support team to implement school improvement initiatives and achieve organizational goals.
• Support effective school operations, including scheduling, student supervision, safety, compliance, and the responsible use of school resources.
• Ensure compliance with applicable school policies, educational requirements, and state and federal regulations.
• Use data, feedback, and continuous improvement practices to evaluate the effectiveness of school programs and initiatives.
• Maintain open communication with school leadership regarding academic performance, staffing, student needs, and operational priorities.
• Contribute to the ongoing success of the WMAES community and the broader Choice Schools Environmental Model.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Current Michigan School Administrator Certification or enrollment in an MDE-approved School Leader Preparation Program within six months, leading to School Administrator Certification within three years of employment, consistent with MCL 380.1246.
• Progressive leadership experience in an educational setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of effective instructional practices and student achievement strategies.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to use technology and student achievement data to support instructional improvement and effective school leadership.

Desired Qualifications

• Five years of highly effective teaching experience with positive performance evaluations, preferably in an elementary setting.
• Previous experience as a principal, assistant principal, instructional coach, or other educational leader.
• Strong understanding of K–6 curriculum, literacy and mathematics instruction, assessment, and intervention practices.
• Experience coaching teachers, leading professional development, and improving instructional outcomes.
• Knowledge of MTSS, special education, and student behavior support systems.
• Experience developing a positive school culture and building meaningful partnerships with families.
• An appreciation for environmental education, outdoor learning, and experiential instructional practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead with integrity, accountability, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

About Choice Schools Associates

West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment.

By being a part of the Choice Schools Environmental Model, WMAES is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Environmental Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.

If you are a passionate instructional leader who believes every child deserves an exceptional education and every teacher deserves exceptional support, we encourage you to apply and help shape the future of elementary education at WMAES!

About Our Academy

Wonder what it would be like to go snowshoeing through a maple forest? Or what it might be like to grow your own food in a greenhouse? At West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES), our students don't have to wonder — they get to experience it!

Located on 62 acres of outdoor learning space, WMAES offers a unique educational experience where working gardens, nature trails, forests, wetlands, and prairies become extensions of the classroom. Our students transition from desks to dirt, connecting academic learning with real-world experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

At WMAES, we believe that teachers are the heart of our school and that strong leadership is essential to their success. We are committed to creating an environment where educators feel supported, students are challenged to reach their full potential, and families are valued partners in the educational journey.

We are seeking a passionate, student-centered Kindergarten–5th Grade Principal who believes in the power of great instruction, strong relationships, and hands-on learning to lead our elementary school community.