Amherst Public Schools

Assistant Principal – Amethyst Brook Elementary School (K–5)

Location: Amherst, Massachusetts
Reports to: Building Principal
Work Year: School Year - 232 Days
Salary: Commensurate with experience; APAA/Administrator Contract

Position Overview

The Amherst Public Schools are opening a new consolidated K–5 elementary school, Amethyst Brook Elementary School, bringing together the communities of Wildwood Elementary School and Fort River Elementary School into one unified learning environment serving approximately 575 students. The new school will also house all district specialized programs—including ILC, Building Blocks, and AIMS—as well as the district’s Caminantes Spanish Dual Language Program.

The district is seeking a collaborative, student-centered, and highly organized Assistant Principal to support the Principal in launching and leading this new school community. The Assistant Principal will play a key role in shaping the school’s culture, supporting staff and families through the transition, and ensuring a welcoming, inclusive, and high-functioning learning environment for all students.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & School Culture

• Collaborate closely with the Principal to build a positive, inclusive, and unified school culture that reflects the shared values of both legacy school communities.
• Support the development of common expectations for students and staff, consistent with ARPS district values.
• Foster strong, trusting relationships among staff, students, and families.
• Model a leadership style that is visible, approachable, and focused on problem-solving and support.

 

Instructional Leadership

• Collaborate with the Principal and instructional teams to support high-quality teaching and learning across grade levels.
• Assist in classroom observations, coaching, and the implementation of instructional initiatives.
• Support professional development aligned with school and district goals.
• Promote inclusive instructional practices that meet the diverse needs of students, including English learners and students with disabilities.

Special Education & Student Support

• Support the Educational Team Leader (ETL) or assist in that function by chairing IEP meetings and ensuring compliance with special education regulations.
• Collaborate with the Student Services Department to oversee specialized programs (ILC, Building Blocks, AIMS) and ensure high-quality supports for all students.
• Partner with counselors, social workers, and other staff to address student needs proactively.

Operations & Management

• Support the daily operations of the building, including supervision of staff, student management, and logistics.
• Help coordinate schedules, transitions, and shared spaces to ensure efficient functioning of the new facility.
• Assist with arrival/dismissal, cafeteria, and recess supervision as part of the administrative team.
• Support emergency preparedness, safety protocols, and positive behavior systems.

Family & Community Engagement

• Help lead communication with families and the broader community about the new school’s mission, programs, and progress.
• Participate in family events, School Council meetings, and other school-based activities.
• Encourage and support family involvement across all programs and grade levels.

Other Duties

• Serve as acting Principal when the Principal is unavailable.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Principal or Superintendent to support the successful operation of the new school.
  

 

Qualifications

Required:

• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) licensure as an Assistant Principal / Principal (PreK–6).
• Minimum of five years of successful teaching or related educational experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred:

• Experience with special education processes, IEP meetings, and chairing ETLs.
• Experience working in bilingual or dual-language educational settings.
• Prior leadership experience in a diverse public school environment.

Ideal Candidate Attributes

• Builds relationships easily and inspires trust among staff and families.
• Is calm under pressure and solution-oriented.
• Communicates clearly and empathetically.
• Is highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Embraces teamwork and shared leadership.
• Brings a growth mindset and enthusiasm for building something new from the ground up.