Principal/ Head of School of The Wilder School
Summary:
The Principal of The Wilder School will provide consistent, on-site leadership and administrative oversight for two specialized collaborative programs housed within the Wilder School Building: the Alternative Program and the Autism Program. This role is critical in unifying these programs under a shared vision of excellence and expanding their capacity to deliver high-quality, evidence-based educational and therapeutic services to students with significant behavioral and developmental challenges. The Principal will lead with a commitment to equity, innovation, and academic excellence, ensuring students receive the same level of dedication as those in general education settings across the Hartford School District.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Educational Leadership or related field (required)
- Valid administrative certification (required)
- Experience working with students with behavioral and/or developmental disabilities
- Demonstrated success in school leadership, particularly in specialized or alternative education settings
- Strong knowledge of best practices in special education for working with students on the Autism Spectrum, as well as students with extreme behavioral challenges.
- Proven ability to lead diverse teams and manage complex educational environments
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Employment Terms:
- Full-time, 12-month administrative position
- Reports to: Superintendent
- Salary and benefits per Hartford School District administrative contract
Job Functions:
- Provide daily leadership and oversight for both programs within the Wilder Building
- Implement rigorous, culturally responsive curricula aligned with evidence-based practices
- Use data-driven decision-making to monitor student progress and inform instructional strategies
- Develop and lead targeted professional development aligned with district priorities and student needs
- Collaborate with community partners and internal district departments to enhance student learning
- Seek and manage grant funding to support program initiatives
- Oversee the building/program budget and allocate resources to meet evolving program and student needs
- Supervise and evaluate all building staff, fostering growth and high performance
- Coordinate programming, student schedules, and transportation logistics
- Ensure compliance with district policies and Rule 4500 regarding student discipline and procedural requirements
- Manage daily operations of the building, facilities, and grounds
- Partner with families and sending districts to support effective transitions for students
- Develop and implement a Continuous Improvement Plan aligned with the District Strategic Plan to achieve excellence across all program areas