Principal in Residence

About Alpha Public Schools

Started by Families, Focused on Students. Developed Scholars in East San José. Alpha is a free, TK-12 public charter school system on a mission to prepare the next generation of leaders in East San José.

Alpha Public Schools is a network of four public charter schools committed to providing access to an outstanding education. Join us as we prepare students in TK-12th grade for success in college and career.

Alpha Public Schools is a public charter school network of four schools educating approximately 1,900 scholars in East San Jose. Guided by the belief that our students belong in college, we ensure safe, inclusive, and student-centered learning environments to help our students thrive. What sets us apart is the very thing that makes us who we are–our community. Alpha was founded by a group of mothers on the eastside of San Jose who sought better educational opportunities for their students.

We maintain a strong connection to our community and engage families in a collaborative approach to offer a holistic education to our students.

A successful Principal in Residence (PIR) aspires to be a principal at Alpha within the next 1–2 years and is excited to work alongside Alpha’s TK–8 school leaders to develop the skills and expertise required for the principal role. Deeply committed to Alpha’s mission, the PIR will actively contribute to the network’s success to ensure, alongside colleagues, that the network is well-positioned to meet its north star goal of 75% of alumni graduating from a 4‑year college within 6 years, as well as three research-backed milestones:

• Students read at or above grade level by the end of third grade.
• Students demonstrate algebra readiness by the end of 8th grade, positioning them for algebra and advanced math coursework in high school.
• Students complete the full A–G course sequence with grades of C or better and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA across those courses, ensuring eligibility for CSU/UC admission and preparation for long‑term college success.

Over a full school year, the PIR will spend approximately 3–4 months at each TK–8 campus. Working closely with each principal and under the direction of the Managing Director of Schools, the PIR will be supported to develop toward full proficiency and ownership of a set of school leadership responsibilities during each rotation. These responsibilities include the planning, preparation, facilitation, and follow‑up related to:

• Coaching and development of assistant principals and/or teachers
• Leadership of school‑wide data cycles, including facilitation of School Leadership Team (SLT) data meetings
• Management of SLT collaboration and alignment to advance school priorities, including facilitation of SLT strategy meetings and project management

The ideal candidate brings a relentless commitment to ensuring every child has what they need to excel academically and in life, a passion for leading teams to reach their full potential, and an authentic interest in personal leadership development. They also have extensive experience coaching teachers and/or leaders, with the ability to quickly build relationships anchored in trust and balanced with accountability for continuous improvement.

• Prepare for classroom and coaching observations by analyzing multiple data sources, reviewing lesson/coaching plans, and developing hypotheses about educator strengths and opportunities.
• Accurately diagnose high‑leverage instructional or leadership skills for development, aligned to Alpha’s rubrics and frameworks.
• Communicate clear, leader‑determined targets and goals and refine them collaboratively with the teacher/AP, creating space for educator reflection and ownership.
• Plan and facilitate coaching conversations that model high expectations, emotional intelligence, agility, and actionable next steps aligned to student achievement.
• Monitor progress and adjust coaching plans based on implementation data,…