[26-27] Charlotte, NC Principal In Residence

OUR MISSION

Movement Schools is a growing network of free, public charter schools. We exist to love and value scholars and communities by leading a movement of excellence in education. In partnership with our families, we equip our scholars with the tools to close generational gaps through self-efficacy, access to world-class instruction, and financial education.

About This Role

Develop as a Leader. Lead With Purpose. Build Joyful, High-Performing Schools.

At Movement Schools, we believe strong school leaders change lives. The Principal in Residence role is a full-time, immersive leadership development position designed to prepare aspiring principals to lead a Movement K–5 campus.

Principals in Residence are strategically trained using best-in-class instructional leadership and people management practices. You will work closely with an experienced Host Principal and network leaders, gaining hands-on experience and coaching that prepares you to step into a Principal role upon successful completion of the residency.

This role is ideal for mission-driven educators who are ready to deepen their leadership practice, take ownership of their growth, and prepare to lead a joyful, high-performing school community.

What You’ll Do

You’ll build the skills, mindset, and real-world experience needed to lead a Movement school with confidence and clarity.

As a Principal in Residence, you will:

• Receive ongoing, individualized feedback that accelerates leadership growth and instructional impact

• Engage in formal and informal coaching from your Host Principal and network leadership

• Fully immerse yourself in the day-to-day leadership and operations of Movement schools

• Develop and demonstrate competencies in instructional leadership, teacher development, school culture, and family engagement

• Take ownership of your learning by proactively seeking leadership opportunities and demonstrating readiness to lead

• Participate in cross-school and cohort-based professional development experiences

• Apply learning directly to your school context through practice, reflection, and iteration

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking aspiring principals who lead with heart, urgency, and high expectations for all scholars.

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Believe all scholars can achieve at high levels and act with urgency on their behalf

• Are deeply committed to equity, excellence, and joyful school culture

• Demonstrate grit, ownership, and a growth mindset

• Are reflective, coachable, and committed to continuous improvement

• Thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments

• Build trust through clear, consistent, and respectful communication

Required Qualifications

You’ll bring strong instructional foundations and emerging leadership experience.

Required qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred)

• Demonstrated experience leading or coaching adults in a school setting

• Strong people management skills, including navigating difficult conversations with care and accountability

• Ability to build and sustain a positive, mission-aligned staff culture

• Strong data analysis skills to inform instructional and leadership decisions

• Experience providing high-leverage feedback through classroom observation and coaching

• Strong time-management and prioritization skills with a systems-thinking approach

• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic school environment

Preferred Qualifications

While not required, the following experiences are a plus:

• Prior school leadership or administrative experience

• Elementary teaching experience

• Experience in charter or choice-based school settings

• Familiarity with data-driven instruction and standards-aligned curriculum

Why You’ll Love Working at Movement

You’ll grow as a leader in a supportive, mission-driven organization that invests deeply in its people.

• Lead with purpose in a joyful, scholar-centered school community

• Extensive leadership development, coaching, and feedback

• Strong collaboration with passionate, values-aligned educators

• Clear pathway to principalship within Movement Schools

• Meaningful impact on scholars, families, and communities

Compensation & Schedule

This full-time role aligns with the academic calendar and provides meaningful growth in a purpose-driven environment.

• Starting Salary: $90,000

• Employment Type: Full-Time

• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package available for eligible employees

• Schedule: Follows the academic calendar with pre-scheduled summer responsibilities for planning and preparation

• Additional Commitments: Occasional evenings or weekends for family engagement and school events

Our Commitment

Movement Schools is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming school community. We value the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of our team members and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of required background checks.

Ready to Lead With Purpose?

If you’re excited to create a nurturing, high-quality preschool environment where children, families, and educators thrive, we’d love to hear from you.