Principal - St. Andrew School

Position Description

Position Available: July 1, 2024

St. Andrew Catholic School, located in Cape Coral, Florida, educates students from preschool to eighth grade in the fullest sense by providing them with the tools to learn and direction to live in service of God and others. This outstanding Diocese of Venice elementary school exists to provide each child an education that is rooted in the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

St. Andrew Catholic School – Focus on Mission and Philosophy

St. Andrew Catholic School’s mission is to provide each student with diverse opportunities that develop strength in faith, and excellence in knowledge and learning. Our faculty is aware that the Catholic faith is not merely taught from books, but more realistically inspired by the teachers who strive to provide the children with a model for Catholic living in their relationships with one another and the children. 

Catholic Identity and Academic Excellence within a Supportive Parish Environment

Challenging academic courses are aligned with state and national standards as well as with Diocesan Catholic Curriculum Standards. Religion and technology are integrated throughout all content areas, and a variety of before and after-school programs are structured to meet the spiritual, moral, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs of each child.

St. Andrew Catholic School provides a curriculum that allows growth in the student’s relationship with Jesus while building competence in academic disciplines, knowledge and skills, aesthetic appreciation, and physical development. St. Andrew Catholic School seeks to enable our students to construct a realistic framework for living, develop their capabilities, a just and loving moral code, and a mind that seeks the truth.

The pastor and principal work collaboratively to inspire students, parents, and staff to live as Jesus taught by integrating Catholic values within the academic setting, as well as throughout the parish and the wider community. The school's vibrant Catholic culture is designed to ensure that every graduate of St. Andrew Catholic School is formed in faith, is educated in excellence, and is sent to serve.

Call for Passionate and Faith-filled Principal Candidates

Applications are currently being accepted for a faith-filled, dynamic, and passionate educator to serve as principal of St. Andrew Catholic School beginning on July 1, 2024. The successful candidate must be a professed and practicing Catholic who upholds the teachings of the faith and who exemplifies an unwavering commitment to Catholic education that is firmly rooted in Gospel values.

Principal Profile and Expectations

The principal must be an innovative and visionary educational leader with demonstrated expertise in pedagogy, curriculum, instruction, and assessment within a pre-kindergarten through grade eight learning environment. The principal is expected to:

• Provide continuous catechetical formation to students, parents, and staff.
• Actively engage his or her school community in the evangelizing mission of the Church.
• Embrace the concept of putting faith into action by actively engaging students and staff in serving others.
• Create a school culture that is steeped in a Catholic Worldview, centered in the person of Jesus Christ, and sustained by Gospel witness.
• Form a vibrant Catholic learning and faith community that is distinguished by excellence.
• Work to ensure that Catholic education is accessible to all students.
• Exemplify a commitment to educating the whole child.
• Continuously improve his or her school by implementing innovative leadership practices specific to the following domains: 
• Mission and Catholic Culture 
• Governance and Leadership 
•  Academic Excellence 
• Operational Vitality 

Candidate must:

• Be a practicing Catholic in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church;
• Possess (or be eligible to receive) a State of Florida principal certificate, including required graduate coursework in educational leadership;
• Possess (or be eligible to receive) a State of Florida teaching certificate;
• Have a minimum of seven years experience teaching or five years experience leading in a school setting;
• Be able to meet the Diocese of Venice, Florida Department of Education, Florida Catholic Conference requirements for principals;
• Candidates with a Master’s degree in Educational Administration are preferred.
• Must pass Level II Fingerprinting and complete Safe Environment.

Attributes:

• Desire to foster an environment of cohesiveness and collaboration
• Ability to support and motivate a wide range of individuals – staff and volunteers – on all levels
• Strong organizational skills including goal setting, prioritization and team management
• Proactive ability to network and cultivate relationships
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills: persuasive, credible and polished in both verbal and written communications
• Creative, independent, and strategic thinker
• Self-starter with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple tasks with solid deadlines
• A commitment to supporting the mission and Catholic values of St. Andrew Catholic School

Academic Preparation, Work Experience, and Faith into Action 

The successful candidate must possess an advanced degree in educational leadership and have to his or her credit at least five years of successful teaching and/or administrative experience, preferably in a Catholic school.

The candidate is expected to adhere to all principles and tenets of the Catholic faith, to maintain a lifestyle that is in full accord with Church teachings, and to promote the best interests of the Roman Catholic Church at all times. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Salary and Benefits:

• Full complement of competitive benefits 
• Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

To Apply

This search is being conducted by the Executive Search Division of Ruotolo Associates Inc. Inquiries regarding this position are strictly confidential and should be directed to: dhandwerker@ruotoloassoc.com. Interested applicants are requested to submit a resume and cover letter with salary range. 

Additionally, candidates will be requested to submit the following after an initial successful interview:

• Copies of transcripts that document undergraduate and graduate degrees earned as well as post-graduate study completed. (It is not necessary to request official transcripts. At this point, copies will suffice. If you are hired, you will be asked to provide official transcripts.)
• A Florida Department of Education printout that indicates the licenses, certificates, and endorsements held by the candidate as well as the expiration dates of these credentials.
• If your administrative certificate or license is from a state other than Florida, upload a copy of this credential into your application.
• Three professional letters of reference from individuals who know you well and who can attest to your leadership skills in the domains of Mission and Catholic Identity, Governance and Leadership, Academic Excellence, and Operational Vitality.
• A clergy reference from a priest who knows you well and who can attest to your level of spirituality, your practice of the Catholic faith, and your adherence to Church teachings.

References may be submitted along with resume and cover letter.

St. Andrew Catholic School is an equal-opportunity employer.