Duties

About Highland Elementary Highland Elementary School is a vibrant, inclusive, and stable K–5 community in Skokie School District 68 with a recent Exemplary designation on the 2025 Illinois Report Card, placing it among the top 10 percent of schools statewide. Highland values academic excellence, student well-being, and strong partnerships with families and staff. Skokie 68 is seeking a Principal who will build on this tradition of achievement while fostering a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment.

Top Qualities We Value in Our Next Principal

• Strong Instructional Leadership: Guides curriculum and teaching practices, supports staffgrowth, and promotes academic excellence.
• Effective Communicator: Shares information clearly, transparently, and consistently withstudents, staff, and families.
• Culturally Competent & Inclusive: Embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion; supportssocial-emotional learning initiatives.
• Student-Centered Decision-Maker: Prioritizes student success, well-being, and belonging inevery decision.
• Visible & Approachable: Engages actively with all students, staff, and families.

The Principal (Grades K-5) serves as the instructional and cultural leader of the elementary school, guiding the development and implementation of a shared vision focused on academic excellence, equity, and student well-being. The Principal leads school-wide systems that foster high expectations, inclusive practices, and continuous improvement. As the primary decision-maker at the school level, the Principal ensures effective instructional practices, cultivates a safe and supportive environment, and collaborates with staff, families, and the community to achieve the district’s strategic goals.

Key Focus Areas

1. Instructional Leadership and School Improvement: Lead the development and implementation of research-based instructional practices and data-informed school improvement planning to continuously improve and advance student growth and achievement.

2. Equity-Centered Culture and Student Support: Establish a school climate that supports the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs of all students through high expectations and inclusive, culturally responsive practices.

3. Organizational Management and Community Engagement: Manage school operations efficiently and cultivate meaningful partnerships with staff, families, and community members. 

Essential Duties:

• Develop, communicate, and implement a shared school vision that aligns with district priorities and promotes high expectations for all students
• Lead the creation and execution of the School Improvement Plan, using multiple forms of data to monitor progress and inform instructional decisions
• Promote a safe, supportive, and inclusive school climate that reflects the district’s values of equity and belonging
• Supervise and evaluate teachers and staff in accordance with the district’s evaluation system, providing actionable feedback to improve instruction
• Facilitate data-informed conversations with individuals and teams to support academic growth and address areas for improvement
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and professional growth among staff
• Engage students, staff, and families in building a positive school community and promoting student success
• Manage school operations, including staffing, budgeting, scheduling, and facility use, to support effective teaching and learning
• Ensure compliance with district policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations
• Leverage technology to support instructional leadership and operational efficiency

Other Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership for academic and behavioral intervention systems
• Collaborate with district leaders and community partners to enhance student services, including but not limited to serving as the school leader and liaison to the Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention of high-quality staff
• Act as the lead communicator for the school, ensuring transparency and timely updates
• Model resilience and professionalism in leading change and addressing challenges

Qualifications

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with Principal Endorsement required
• Demonstrated successful experience as an educational leader
• Deep knowledge of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development
• Proven ability to analyze data and lead continuous school improvement
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive leadership
• Preferred but not required – Bilingual endorsement/approval or fluency in a second language, in addition to English

Salary/Benefits

• Work Year: 224 work days
• Leave: 9 Paid Holidays / 12-20 Sick Days (depending on years of service) / 2 Personal Days
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Retirement: TRS
• Benefits: As outlined in the District 68 administrative benefits plan - family health insurance benefit with the full premium cost for the HMO, PPO HDHP or PPO (paid by the Board of Education)
• Salary: Commensurate with experience ($135,000 - $185,000)

Additional Notes

Highland Elementary seeks a visionary, collaborative, and caring leader who will continue to inspire our students, support our staff, and strengthen our school community.

How to Apply

Learn more and apply here: https://skokiesd.smartsiteshost.com/employment

Link to District/Third Party Online Application Web Page

https://www.applitrack.com/d68/onlineapp/default.aspx

Email Address

fahmad@skokie68.org

School District

https://www.skokie68.org/

ILearn Link

ILearn

Report Card Link

District Report Card

Application Deadline

1/16/2026