Founding Principal - Vacancy ID: 252241

Action Research Community High School seeks a founding Principal to serve as the instructional and cultural leader for Milwaukee's first Gold Standard project-based learning high school. Opening Fall 2026, ARCHS will serve 80 students in grades 9-12 on Milwaukee's South Side, growing to 160 students at capacity.

The Principal reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for daily operations, instructional leadership, staff development, and school culture. This is a unique opportunity to build a school from the ground up—designing systems, hiring a founding team, and establishing the practices that will define ARCHS for years to come.

Our model centers Gold Standard PBL (Buck Institute/PBL Works), restorative justice practices, and deep community partnerships. The Principal must be a hands-on instructional leader who can coach teachers in PBL, model relationship-centered practices, and translate our IDEAS values (Interdependence, Dignity, Exploration, Advocacy, Self-awareness) into daily school life.

Key Responsibilities

•        Provide instructional leadership for Gold Standard project-based learning implementation

•        Coach and develop Core Advisors in PBL design, facilitation, and assessment

•        Manage daily school operations, including scheduling, facilities, and student services

•        Lead implementation of restorative justice practices and maintain school culture grounded in IDEAS values

•        Build and maintain relationships with students, families, and community partners

•        Hire, supervise, and evaluate founding teaching staff

•        Monitor student achievement data and ensure progress toward school goals (including 3+ point ACT growth)

•        Ensure compliance with UW-Milwaukee charter requirements and Wisconsin DPI regulations

Required Qualifications

•        Valid Wisconsin Principal license (DPI 51) or equivalent out-of-state credential with reciprocity eligibility

•        Minimum 5 years successful classroom teaching experience

•        Minimum 3 years school leadership experience (assistant principal, department chair, instructional coach, or equivalent)

•        Demonstrated experience with project-based learning or inquiry-driven instruction

•        Bilingual Spanish-English proficiency (required for effective engagement with our predominantly Latino community)

Preferred Qualifications

•        Experience leading or founding a charter, magnet, or innovative school

•        Project based learning in K-12 settings

•        Training in restorative justice or restorative practices

•        Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field

•        Connection to Milwaukee's South Side community

Benefits

•        Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) enrollment

•        Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

•        4 weeks paid vacation + sick leave

•        Professional development budget including PBL Works training

•        Founding leadership opportunity to shape school from inception