A Principal in Residence (PIR) is an aspiring principal preparing to lead a ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ DC school in a one to two year timeframe, although this may depend on vacancies and alignment. PIRs are committed to and actively contribute to the success of their placement school and act in alignment with the school leadership team’s vision and priorities. Placement schools are usually the current school where an individual already works, if they are a current ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ DC employee, but this may also depend on need and match. When and if an unexpected principal vacancy presents itself, ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ DC may look to the group of current PIRs to step into a principal role on a shorter timeline than described above.
The PIR’s role mirrors that of a vice principal for the majority of the development program, namely: coaching and developing teachers, teacher leaders and, deans and contributing to the overall academic and cultural vision of the school. Towards the end of their time as a PIR, the role mirrors more of a school leader, with clear responsibilities fully owned by the PIR at the school-level.
In addition to their school-based performance goals, PIRs are actively developing the leadership skills and competencies outlined in a development roadmap. They actively seek growth through participation in high-quality, meaningful formal and informal professional development, invaluable on the job training, transformative coaching, and cohort based learning experiences with leaders across ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ DC.
The PIR is an exempt role and reports to their school leader in year one of the program and either a school leader or a deputy chief academic officer in year two of the program.