Principal - Rossville

About Us: Circle Academy, a therapeutic special education school serving students in grades K–12, is currently seeking seeking a dedicated Principal to provide a structured, nurturing, and therapeutic learning environment for our K – 12 students. Apply now to join our therapeutic day school team that empowers students with emotional and behavioral challenges to have successful experiences in school, at home and in the community.

Position Overview: The Principal, under the direction of the Director of Education, oversees programmatic approaches, interventions with students, curriculum and instruction, academic and behavioral progress, special education programming and services, extra curricular activities and stakeholder relations. The Principal provides supervision to the leadership team, school staff and administrative oversight to the program.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of Circle Academy and provide oversight of academic, behavioral, and therapeutic programming.
• Supervise, support, and develop school staff.
• Ensure educational programming meets students’ IEPs and state and federal requirements.
• Oversee curriculum, instruction, student interventions, and behavioral support.
• Monitor student academic, behavioral, attendance, and overall progress.
• Promote a safe, structured, trauma-informed, and inclusive learning environment.
• Collaborate with families, school districts, clinical staff, and community partners.
• Oversee student intake, placement, scheduling, and school operations.
• Lead crisis response, safety planning, and behavior management efforts.
• Support school improvement, staff development, compliance, and quality improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Valid Illinois teaching license required, Special Education LBS I and/or LBS II preferred.
• ISBE Type 75 Administrative License or Administrative Endorsement required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with children or adolescents with emotional, behavioral, and/or learning challenges preferred.
• 3 years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Knowledge of special education practices, child development, behavior management, therapeutic interventions, and crisis management.
• Understanding of IEPs, Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), accommodations, modifications, and special education compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage within a complex educational or human services environment.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, families, staff, school districts, and community partners

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on education and experience.

• Small class sizes: 10 or fewer students per class.

• Additional support staff: Two additional support staff (Paraeducator and Teaching Assistant) in every classroom.

• Tuition Assistance: Support for obtaining LBS1 Certification or Special Education Certification.

• Relocation Assistance: Available up to $5,000.

• Summer Income: Opportunity to earn additional income over the summer (31 days at $45/hour).

• State-of-the-art facilities

• 401(k) with up to 6% company match

• Dental, Vision, and Health insurance

• Employee assistance program

• Flexible spending account

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Employee Referral program

  Additionally, Cunningham Children's Home is a qualified employer under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

We offer outstanding benefits and opportunities for professional growth and personal fulfillment. Salary is based on education and experience. We are committed to the values of spirituality, teamwork, integrity and respect. EOE