About Edmonds Cofield Preparatory Academy for Young Men
Edmonds Cofield Preparatory Academy for Young Men (ECPA) is New Haven’s first dedicated middle school for young men. Our mission is to develop resourceful, resilient, and responsible young men who think critically, lead ethically, and contribute positively to their communities. ECPA provides a rigorous academic experience that fosters mastery of learning while preparing students to navigate real-world choices with confidence and integrity. Through exposure to entrepreneurial thinking, leadership development, and hands-on learning opportunities, our young men cultivate the skills and mindsets necessary to excel in high school, college, and beyond.
For more information about ECPA, please visit www.edmondscofieldprep.org
About the Opportunity
ECPA is seeking a dynamic and mission‑driven Founding Years Principal to lead the school into its next chapter, taking the baton from Year 1 and building upon the early foundation established with our inaugural 5th and 6th grade cohorts. As the instructional and cultural leader, the Founding Years Principal will create the conditions for students, staff, and families to thrive as the school continues to grow into Year 2 and beyond.
In this role, the Founding Years Principal will coach and develop teachers and emerging leaders to drive rigorous, engaging instruction and cultivate strong classroom cultures where young men feel known, supported, and challenged to achieve at the highest levels. The principal will partner closely with staff and families to instill in students the confidence, discipline, and leadership skills necessary for success in high school, college, and beyond.
This opportunity is ideal for a reflective, growth‑oriented leader who thrives on feedback, embraces continuous learning, and is adept at building and executing strong systems. The Founding Years Principal will play a pivotal role in shaping a school where young men of color excel academically, socially, and personally.
The ideal candidate brings a balance of visionary leadership, operational expertise, and instructional acumen to drive student achievement and ensure the long‑term sustainability and success of a growing school community.
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Key Responsibilities of the Role
As the new Founding Years Principal at ECPA, you will be responsible for leading the school into its next chapter and ensuring that all students experience a culture of excellence, belonging, and opportunity. Core responsibilities include:
Visionary Leadership & School Culture
Establish and drive a clear, ambitious vision grounded in high expectations, deep belonging, and transformative learning.
Build and sustain a structured, student‑centered culture where young men develop confidence, leadership, and resilience.
Champion restorative practices, SEL, and character development.
Anticipate and respond to school‑wide challenges with proactive, solutions‑oriented leadership.
People Leadership & Adult Culture
Inspire and manage educators to uphold strong classroom cultures and high academic and behavioral expectations.
Model a growth‑oriented mindset as a leader who is reflective, feedback‑seeking, and committed to continuous improvement.
Support Elevate's Talent Team in recruiting, hiring, onboarding and retaining mission‑aligned educators.
Cultivate a high‑performance adult culture rooted in trust, accountability, and evolutionary learning.
Instructional Leadership
Ensure strong command and implementation of a rigorous, engaging, college‑preparatory curriculum aligned to both Elevate's and ECPA’s mission and values.
Use data to monitor progress and ensure all learners — especially those furthest from opportunity — achieve at high levels.
Lead coaching, professional development, and instructional improvement cycles.
Build and refine academic and intervention systems that accelerate achievement.
Operational & Organizational Leadership
Design and implement systems and routines that maximize instructional time and school‑wide efficiency.
Manage budget, resources, and staffing needs in collaboration with ECS leadership.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Lead a high‑functioning leadership team to drive instructional and cultural excellence.
Community Engagement & Stakeholder Management
Build strong, trust‑based relationships with families and community partners.
Serve as the face of ECPA, communicating the school’s vision and priorities to internal and external stakeholders.
Lead family engagement initiatives and student leadership opportunities.
Partner with ECS leadership on long‑term sustainability, strategic planning, and external partnerships.
Equity & Inclusion
Ensure ECPA’s model reflects the needs and strengths of young men of color in New Haven.
Champion an environment where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered.
Lead culturally responsive instructional practices and embed SEL and character development throughout the school experience.
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Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate
While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:
Required Experience
5–7+ years of educational leadership experience (e.g. principal, AP, etc.) with a strong track record in secondary education.
Proven success leading schools or initiatives serving amazing yet historically underserved communities.
Experience in a start‑up or founding school environment strongly preferred.
Experience in a charter school or similar network preferred.
3+ years of teaching experience with demonstrated student achievement.
Deep alignment with the mission and values of ECS and ECPA, including a resolute and unshakable belief in the potential of every student - especially young me of color - to learn, grow, and achieve at a high level
Education & Certification
CT 092 Certification (or equivalent/reciprocal) required.
Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field required; doctoral degree a plus.
Supplemental Core Competencies
Mission‑Driven
Deep commitment to providing an equitable, high‑quality educational experience for historically underserved students, particularly young men of color.
Passion for fostering a school culture that develops students academically, socially, and personally, with a commitment to addressing the achievement gap and promoting educational equity.
Growth Mindset & Continuous Learning
Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous personal and professional growth, actively seeking feedback to refine leadership practice.
Balances visionary decision‑making with reflective leadership, embracing challenges as opportunities for improvement.
Models a growth‑oriented mindset for staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and ongoing development.
Adapts leadership approaches to meet the evolving needs of students, staff, and the school community.
Prioritizes the collective betterment of the school community, reinforcing shared learning and commitment to the mission.
People Leadership
Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop high‑performing teams, including teachers, administrators, and support staff.
Skilled in coaching, mentoring, and developing staff to reach their full potential, contributing to a collaborative and high‑performing school culture.
Experience designing and implementing systems that foster school‑wide success and leading teams through change, growth, and innovation.
Instructional Leadership
Deep expertise in instructional leadership, including curriculum design, instructional coaching, and data‑driven school improvement.
Experience with diverse, inclusive, and culturally responsive teaching practices that support the success of all students, particularly young men of color.
Strong understanding of how to build and maintain a rigorous, mission‑aligned curriculum.
Data‑Driven Leadership
Skilled at using data to drive decision‑making, evaluate instructional practices, and assess student progress.
Strong analytical ability to identify areas of growth, track progress, and adjust strategies to ensure continuous improvement.
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage, inspire, and build relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders, including staff, students, families, and community partners.
Proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats, navigating complex dynamics with professionalism and diplomacy.
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Mindsets We Value
Our team is passionately committed to the vision and values of Elevate Charter Schools and Edmonds Cofield Preparatory Academy for Young Men. The ideal candidate brings a positive mindset, strong work ethic, and inner drive for excellence, thriving in an entrepreneurial and results‑driven environment.
We are actively seeking candidates who demonstrate the following mindsets and beliefs:
Mission‑Driven: You deeply align with the mission and values of ECS and ECPA, believe in the brilliance and promise of all students — particularly young men of color — and want to be part of their success story.
Growth‑Oriented: You welcome feedback, reflect deeply on your practice, and continuously seek to improve your craft.
Entrepreneurial: You are flexible, solutions‑focused, and energized by the opportunity to build and refine systems in a founding school environment.
Collaborative: You thrive in a team‑based culture and believe that collective effort drives school success.
Commitment to Excellence: You hold yourself and others to the highest standards and bring a student‑centered, “whatever it takes” mindset to creating a community where all students and stakeholders can grow and thrive.
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Compensation and Benefits
At ECS and ECPA, we are committed to ensuring fair and equitable compensation based on the skills and qualifications required for the role. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on an individual’s skills, education, and years of experience relevant to the role.
The salary range for the Founding Principal position is $120,000 to $150,000, commensurate with experience and qualification, and reflective of the responsibilities and expertise needed to succeed in this position. Final salary may be adjusted based on experience and qualifications.
In addition to competitive compensation, ECPA offers a range of comprehensive benefits packages to all regular, full-time employees at a competitive value.
Elevate Charter Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Elevate is a non‑profit charter management organization serving public charter schools in Connecticut’s urban communities. Our scholars are 99% Black and Brown, and Elevate deeply values inclusion, representation, and diversity across our staff.
Elevate Charter Schools is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for all stakeholders. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, especially those who share a similar background to the communities we serve.
If you have questions about the application process, experience any challenges, or need support completing your application, please reach out to our talent team at talent@elevatecharters.org. We are committed to ensuring an accessible and welcoming experience for all candidates.
Compensation Range: $120K - $150K
Read LessDCS seeks a founding school leader to launch a globally minded, inquiry‑driven IB school that reflects the brilliance, diversity, and aspirations of the Danbury community.
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About Elevate Charter Schools
Elevate Charter Schools (ECS) is a growing charter management organization committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities for students in historically underserved communities. We believe in the power of education to transform lives and are dedicated to developing students’ academic potential, character, and social‑emotional growth. Our mission is to deliver a rigorous, personalized, and holistic education that equips every child with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to thrive in school and beyond.
ECS currently operates Booker T. Washington Academy (BTWA) Elementary and Middle Schools in New Haven, CT, and is expanding its reach through new schools and strategic partnerships across the state. Our team is united by a shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and excellence, and we are proud to partner with communities to build schools where every child is known, valued, and supported.
Visit: https://elevatecharters.org
About Danbury International Academy Charter School
Danbury International Academy Charter School (DCS) is a diverse, inclusive, globally minded public charter school launching in one of Connecticut’s most culturally rich cities. Grounded in the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, DCS nurtures curious, compassionate, and confident learners prepared to thrive in an interconnected world.
Students engage in inquiry‑driven, concept‑based learning that builds strong academic foundations alongside cultural awareness, multilingual communication, and real‑world problem‑solving. DCS educators honor students’ identities, celebrate their cultures and languages, and ensure every learner is seen, valued, and supported. Through strong partnerships with families, local organizations, and community leaders, DCS creates meaningful learning experiences that connect students to both their Danbury roots and the wider world.
As a founding school, DCS is building a community where equity, belonging, and global citizenship are lived every day. The school will launch with the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and is strategically positioned for future expansion into the Diploma Programme (DP), creating a full IB continuum for Danbury students.
Visit: www.danburycharterschool.org
About the Opportunity
DCS seeks a mission‑driven, globally minded Founding Principal to lead the launch of an IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) school and lay the foundation for future DP expansion. This leader will shape the school’s academic vision, build a strong adult culture, and ensure that inquiry, global citizenship, and whole‑child development are embedded from day one.
The Founding Principal will partner closely with ECS executive leadership to design systems, structures, and routines that translate vision into consistent, high‑quality execution. This role requires a leader who thrives in dynamic environments, brings deep instructional and cultural leadership, and is energized by the opportunity to build a world‑class IB school in a diverse, multilingual community.
This is a rare opportunity to design and lead a school that reflects the strengths, hopes, and cultural richness of Danbury families — and to build a learning community where students develop the curiosity, confidence, and global awareness needed to lead in an interconnected world.
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Key Responsibilities of the Role
As a Founding IB School Principal at DCS, you will be primarily responsible for:
Visionary Leadership & School Culture
Establish and communicate a clear, ambitious vision aligned to IB philosophy, global citizenship, and ECS values.
Build a joyful, safe, inclusive school culture grounded in inquiry, belonging, and high expectations for all students.
Embed the IB Learner Profile, global contexts, and whole‑child development into daily routines, rituals, and instructional practices.
Model adaptability, clarity, and a solutions‑oriented mindset in a dynamic founding environment.
Instructional Leadership & IB Alignment
Serve as the school’s instructional anchor, ensuring rigorous, inquiry‑driven, concept‑based teaching across all classrooms.
Partner with the Founding IB Coordinator to ensure fidelity to IB MYP standards, interdisciplinary learning structures, and long‑term DP readiness.
Lead curriculum development, assessment systems, and professional learning aligned to IB frameworks and state standards.
Use data to monitor student learning, strengthen instructional practice, and support multilingual learners and students from historically underserved backgrounds.
Build teacher capacity in inquiry cycles, interdisciplinary planning, performance‑based assessment, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
People Leadership & Adult Culture
Recruit, hire, and develop a high‑performing founding team committed to equity, global citizenship, and inquiry‑driven learning.
Build a collaborative, reflective, high‑expectations adult culture where feedback is embraced and professional growth is continuous.
Coach teachers and leaders through observations, feedback cycles, and data‑driven reflection to ensure consistent, high‑quality instruction.
Develop emerging leaders and build a sustainable leadership pipeline for long‑term school success.
Operational Leadership & Systems Design
Design and implement systems, routines, and structures that maximize instructional time, ensure student safety, and support a smooth, predictable school experience.
Partner with ECS executive leaders to ensure operational excellence, compliance, and alignment with network‑wide frameworks and strategic priorities.
Oversee scheduling, resource allocation, staffing, and budget stewardship, ensuring systems are efficient, equitable, and sustainable.
Use key performance indicators to assess school effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
Serve as the public face of DCS, building deep trust with families, community leaders, cultural organizations, and local partners.
Lead family engagement initiatives that build understanding of the IB model, inquiry‑driven learning, and the school’s global citizenship mission.
Build partnerships that expand learning opportunities and connect students to both their local community and the wider world.
Represent DCS and ECS with professionalism, humility, and cultural responsiveness.
Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Ensure every student is known, valued, and supported through inclusive practices and strong student support systems.
Lead and model culturally responsive instruction that honors students’ identities, languages, and lived experiences.
Build systems that promote student voice, agency, leadership, and authentic engagement in learning.
Ensure equity and belonging are embedded across all aspects of school culture, instruction, and decision‑making.
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Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate
While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:
Required
5–7+ years of educational leadership experience with a strong track record of student achievement and school improvement.
Demonstrated ability to lead inquiry‑based, concept‑driven, globally minded instruction.
Familiarity with IB (MYP or DP) or the ability to rapidly learn and lead within the IB philosophy.
Experience supporting multilingual learners and culturally diverse communities.
Experience in a founding or start‑up school environment, or demonstrated capacity to build systems from the ground up.
3+ years of successful teaching experience with evidence of strong student outcomes.
Strong understanding of curriculum design, assessment systems, and professional learning.
CT 092 Certification (or equivalent).
Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.
Preferred
Experience in an IB school or with IB programme design (MYP or DP).
Experience designing inquiry‑driven, interdisciplinary, or concept‑based instructional systems.
Experience in a charter school or similar network environment.
Bilingual or multilingual skills (Spanish highly preferred)
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ECS/DCS Leadership Dispositions
Mission‑Driven & Globally Minded:
Deep commitment to equity, global citizenship, multilingualism, and whole‑child development, with a belief in the power of inquiry‑driven, culturally responsive education.
Growth‑Oriented & Adaptive:
Reflective, humble, and able to navigate ambiguity, adapt to evolving needs, and lead with clarity in a founding environment.
People‑Centered & Development‑Oriented:
Skilled at building, inspiring, and developing high‑performing teams; committed to coaching adults in inquiry‑driven, concept‑based practice.
Instructionally Anchored & Inquiry‑Driven:
Strong understanding of rigorous, inquiry‑based, concept‑driven instruction and the ability to lead interdisciplinary learning and data‑driven improvement.
Vision‑Inspired, Systems‑Minded & Execution‑Disciplined:
Balances innovation and long‑term vision with disciplined implementation, operational rigor, and systems thinking.
Communicative, Trust‑Building & Partnership‑Driven:
Builds trust with families, staff, and community as the face of DCS; invested in deep organizational partnership and executive collaboration.
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Compensation and Benefits
At ECS, we are committed to ensuring fair compensation. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on an individual’s skills, education, and years of experience relevant to the role.
The salary range for the Founding IB School Principal is $120,000 to $150,000, commensurate with experience, and reflective of the responsibilities and expertise needed to succeed in this position.
In addition to competitive compensation, we offer a range of comprehensive benefits including no cost insurance plans for all full-time employees.
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ECS and DCS are Equal Opportunity Employers
Elevate Charter Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Elevate is a non‑profit charter management organization serving public charter schools in Connecticut’s urban communities. Our scholars are 99% Black and Brown, and Elevate deeply values inclusion, representation, and diversity across our staff.
Elevate Charter Schools is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for all stakeholders. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, especially those who share a similar background to the communities we serve.
If you have questions about the application process, experience any challenges, or need support completing your application, please reach out to our talent team at talent@elevatecharters.org. We are committed to ensuring an accessible and welcoming experience for all candidates.
Compensation Range: $120K - $150K
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