Middle School Assistant Principal - Georgia Connections Academy

School Summary Georgia Connections Academy is a tuition-free, full-time virtual school for students in grades K-12 throughout Georgia. The school is authorized by the Georgia Charter Schools Commission and governed by an independent Board of Directors, with a mission to maximize academic achievement for students who are seeking other academic options. The school is operated by Georgia Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy of Georgia, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED, and GACA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. Georgia Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Position Overview The Middle School Assistant Principal serves as a key instructional and operational leader supporting teaching, learning, and student success for grades 6–8 at Georgia Connections Academy, a statewide virtual public charter school. Working in partnership with the Middle School Principal and district leadership, the Assistant Principal supports instructional quality, student engagement, staff development, and schoolwide systems in a virtual learning environment. This role is designed for leaders who are deeply committed to middle grades education and who understand the academic, social-emotional, and developmental needs of adolescents. The Assistant Principal plays a critical role in translating instructional vision into practice while supporting teachers, students, and families across a statewide school community. Why Georgia Connections Academy (GACA) Georgia Connections Academy provides a unique opportunity to lead middle school education at scale while remaining deeply focused on individual student growth. Leaders at GACA help shape innovative instructional models, support diverse learners across all 159 counties, and balance flexibility with strong accountability. Middle school leaders at GACA have the opportunity to: Influence instructional practices across a statewide virtual program Support students during a critical developmental stage Partner with families as co-educators Engage in innovative programming aligned to college, career, and global readiness Help define the future of public virtual education in Georgia Key Responsibilities Instructional Leadership Support the implementation and monitoring of high-quality middle school instruction aligned to state standards. Conduct classroom observations and provide actionable instructional feedback and coaching to strengthen teaching practices and improve student learning outcomes. Analyze student performance data to inform instructional adjustments, interventions, and enrichment. Support and monitor the implementation of remediation, acceleration, and enrichment programs to meet the diverse needs of students in grades 6–8. Assist in the development and monitoring of school improvement goals and action plans. Staff Support and Development Support the supervision, coaching, and evaluation of middle school teachers and instructional staff. Assist with onboarding, mentoring, and supporting new teachers. Assist in planning and facilitate professional learning for teachers aligned to instructional priorities and student needs, including guidance and support for effective Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and growth-oriented professional culture. Student Support and School Culture Support positive school culture and student engagement in a virtual middle school environment. Assist with student behavior, attendance, participation, and accountability processes. Partner with counselors, special education staff, and administrators to support the academic and social-emotional needs of students. Promote equity, access, and belonging for a diverse middle school population. Operations and Compliance Support schoolwide systems related to assessments, accountability, scheduling, and compliance. Assist with the coordination of in-person events, including assessments and school-based activities. Ensure adherence to district, state, and federal requirements, including those specific to virtual education. Collaborate with school and district leaders to support enrollment, staffing, and program implementation. Family and Community Engagement Communicate effectively with families regarding academic progress, expectations, and supports. Support family engagement initiatives and problem-solving in partnership with school leaders. Represent the school professionally with internal and external stakeholders. Work Location and Travel Expectations This position is based on-site at the Georgia Connections Academy office in Duluth, Georgia. The Assistant Principal should expect regular in-state travel to support in-person assessments, school events, and statewide operational needs. Occasional out-of-state travel may be required for professional conferences, training, or leadership development. Qualifications Required Master’s degree. Valid Georgia Tier I Educational Leadership and Clearance certification, or the ability to obtain the certification. Experience teaching and/or leading at the middle school level (grades 6–8). Demonstrated knowledge of: ○ Middle school instructional practices and adolescent development. ○ Curriculum implementation and data-driven instruction. ○ Public school organization and accountability systems. Demonstrated ability to: ○ Support instructional improvement through coaching and feedback. ○ Build positive relationships with students, staff, and families. ○ Communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing. ○ Collaborate effectively within a leadership team. Preferred Experience serving in a school leadership role (e.g., Assistant Principal, Instructional Lead, Dean, Program Coordinator). Experience with the Middle Years Programme (MYP) or similar inquiry-based or global education frameworks. Experience leading or supporting innovative programs for students in grades 6–8 (e.g., STEAM, project-based learning, virtual or blended learning models, enrichment academies). Experience in a virtual or blended learning environment.