Principal - Johnson Primary School (Effective 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR)

Are you a visionary leader passionate about early childhood education?

Johnson Primary School seeks an inspiring and experienced Principal to guide our dedicated staff and nurture our young learners (Pre-K to 3rd Grade). This is a unique opportunity to shape the foundational years of hundreds of students through innovative instruction and strong community engagement. We require a leader who is committed to early literacy success, social-emotional development, and cultivating a vibrant, supportive school culture. Join us in making a profound impact on the start of every child's educational journey in Tucson.

• Location: 6060 S. Joseph Ave., Tucson, AZ 85757
• Mascot: Rainbow Makers
• Highlight: As Tucson Unified's only primary school serving pre-K to third grade, Johnson has a focus on early language, early cognitive development and, as needed, early intervention. The school puts the children first under the motto: "Teach the child, not the program." Teachers work to build relationships and knowledge beyond textbooks and to connect students to their learning. Johnson is the only Tucson Unified school and one of only five in Arizona that is only pre-kindergarten to third grade.
• Historical Significance: Built in the early 1990's Johnson Primary School is named in honor of Harriet Johnson.  Johnson started her career in TUSD as a special education teacher at Cholla High School. She went on to become the department head at Santa Rita High School and later an Assistant Principal at Naylor Middle School before becoming Principal of Corbett Elementary School.
• Diversity: Johnson serves students in the far southwest area of the district, including many from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. The student body is predominantly Hispanic (67.7%).  Other demographic groups include White (5.2%), African American (2.8%), Native American (21.0%), Multi-Racial (2.8%) and Asian American (0.4%).
• Programs and Achievements: Johnson offers Pre-School Classes, Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), Project Based Learning, and is an Opening Minds thru the Arts (OMA) school.

This information highlights the school's vibrant community and commitment to education in the Tucson area.

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Tucson Unified School District, in partnership with parents and the greater community, is to assure each pre-K through 12th-grade student receives an engaging, rigorous, and comprehensive education.

The District is committed to inclusion and non-discrimination in all District activities.  At all times, District staff should work to ensure that staff, parents, students, and members of the public are included and welcome to participate in District activities.

POSITION SUMMARY
Principals in the Tucson Unified School District serve as the instructional and operational leaders of a district school and lead all stakeholders in fulfilling the collective mission and vision of the school, promote a culture of student success through high expectations, collaborative relationships and ensure that the learning environment is inclusive and equitable.

REPORTS TO

Assistant Superintendent, Region 1: Silverbell
 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Master's Degree in Educational Administration, Educational Leadership, or closely related field

Valid Arizona IVP fingerprint clearance card

Current Arizona Principal Certificate

Two years of experience as a school Administrator (Principal or Assistant Principal)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Consideration will be given to applicants who explicitly confirm possession of the following preferred qualifications in their resume or application:

Bilingual, fluent in speaking, reading, and writing English/Spanish

Five years' experience as a school Principal

Certified Evaluator in the Danielson Framework of Teaching

1 year experience administering Special Education programs

1 year experience administering Language Acquisition programs

1 year experience administering tiered systems of student behavioral and academic interventions

1 year experience as an Administrator of a Title 1 school

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AFTER HIRE
Proof of immunity to rubeola (measles) and rubella (German measles), or proof of MMR immunization 

POSITION SPECIFICS

EFFECTIVE: School Year

LOCATION: Johnson Primary School - Valencia & Mark Area

FTE: hours per day

START DATE: July 1, 2026

SALARY RANGE: $78,336.85 to $90,946.65

WORK CALENDAR: 12 months

First Review of Applications will begin on January 5, 2026.

Internal candidates will transfer at a rate commensurate with their bargaining unit language.  For more information on the salary schedule, please reference the Employee Agreements Webpage. 

Salary will be prorated if the start date is after the first day of the work calendar for the position. 

Tucson Unified School District is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination based on disability, race, color, religion/religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or national origin.