Indianapolis Public Schools

TITLE: Principal - William Bell School 60, a Butler Lab Reggio-Inspired School

WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

At IPS, we believe in the transformative power of education. We work collectively every day to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in life by providing equitable, high-quality educational experiences across our family of schools. IPS is a place to make an impact, grow your career, and ensure every student has access to a high quality education, all while earning a good living in a district on the move. While the work is challenging, it is deeply meaningful and impactful. We seek innovators and trailblazers who bring varying experiences and expertise and share our belief that every child deserves access to an exceptional education. As part of TeamIPS, you’ll create lasting connections, find a sense of belonging, and feel supported to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

In return, no matter your role here, we expect a commitment to excellence and accountability. You’ll be held to high standards. Resilience and passion are key—you must be adaptable, handling adversity with flexibility while putting students at the heart of everything you do. Ethical conduct, clear communication, and mutual respect are fundamental. Being a dependable, collaborative team player who builds meaningful relationships is essential.

Together, we are Proving What’s Possible by building a community where everyone belongs and each student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

JOIN US

Indianapolis Public Schools is more than a workplace; it’s a community where purpose, impact, and belonging come together to help Prove What’s Possible – in your career and in in your career and in your school. If you’re ready to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and make a meaningful impact, IPS is the place for you.

SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY:

William Bell School 60 is a Reggio-inspired elementary school within the Butler Lab Schools network, serving students in Pre-K through 5th grade. Guided by the belief that children are capable, curious, and full of potential, the school embraces a progressive approach to learning rooted in inquiry, collaboration, and deep relationships.

The next principal of William Bell will join a vibrant and close-knit school community anchored in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and united by a commitment to student voice, inclusion, and authentic learning. The school’s unique culture and partnership with Butler University offer a powerful foundation for innovation, reflection, and growth.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

The Principal is responsible for the instructional and organizational leadership of the school. This includes setting a clear vision, leading strong instructional practice, and fostering a culture where students, families, and staff thrive together. The Principal of William Bell will steward the Reggio-inspired model while building systems for excellence, equity, and whole-child development.

The following outlines what your core duties and responsibilities will be for this position and provides a sample overview of what your day-to-day may look like.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the continued development and implementation of a school vision grounded in the Reggio Emilia philosophy
• Supervise and support instructional staff with a focus on inquiry-based learning and responsive teaching
• Engage families and community members as active partners in the life of the school
• Manage the school’s operational, personnel, and financial systems to support learning
• Create structures that promote academic growth and social-emotional development
• Lead continuous improvement efforts aligned to IPS priorities and the school’s unique identity
• Ensure the school is inclusive, welcoming, and affirming for all students and families
• Maintain a close, collaborative relationship with Butler University and the broader Lab School community
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with district policies and applicable laws

WHAT YOU’LL BRING: SKILLS AND MINDSETS

What you’ll bring:

• A deep belief in the capability and potential of every child
• Instructional leadership grounded in child development, inquiry-based learning, and the Reggio Emilia approach
• The ability to foster a learning environment where curiosity, reflection, and creativity thrive
• A collaborative leadership style rooted in humility, empathy, and respect
• Experience engaging diverse families and communities as valued stakeholders
• Confidence in leading a team with clarity, consistency, and care
• Commitment to inclusion and equitable outcomes for all students
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• A systems mindset balanced by a child-centered, relational approach

What you can expect:

• A passionate and reflective team committed to student-centered, inquiry-based learning
• A supportive and engaged parent community deeply invested in the school’s mission
• A strong partnership with Butler University that fosters professional learning, innovation, and growth
• A school culture that honors relationships, creativity, and the voices of children
• A leadership role where you can shape a joyful, inclusive environment that nurtures both academic and social-emotional development
• The opportunity to be part of a progressive model that is helping to Prove What’s Possible within a public school setting

This role may be right for you if you:

• Are passionate about progressive education and whole-child development
• Believe learning should be joyful, purposeful, and student-driven
• Have experience leading in early childhood or elementary settings
• Are committed to building a culturally responsive school community
• Value teacher reflection, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Are excited by the opportunity to lead a Reggio-inspired school within a large urban district

Other Skills:

• Leadership from an equity imperative and embracing of the diversity of the school community
• Establishment of a vision that is rooted in equitable practices where all students can achieve at high levels while ensuring an environment of continuous learning for all staff
• Building an efficient and effective school team, mobilization of others, and building coalitions to support progress towards school’s vision
• Maintenance of systems to ensure all students inclusive of subgroups have access to rigorous academic program that supports student learning
• Reflection, self-awareness, ongoing learning, and resiliency to increase effectiveness in leading school improvement efforts and acting with honor, honesty and truthfulness in every situation
• Application of critical thinking skills and reason when dealing with emotional topics in rendering solutions to various issues and to problem solving in a timely manner
• Successful experiences working with a diverse population of students and faculty
• Language Ability. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals in English. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence in English. Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees, parents, and students of IPS.
• Math Ability. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Reasoning Ability. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Computer Skills. To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
• Carrying out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

• Applicable Indiana Administration and Supervision license.
• Master's degree.
• A minimum of three years' teaching experience and experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity.

FLSA CLASSIFICATION:

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR REMOTE WORK:

Not eligible

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

EEOC STATEMENT:

Indianapolis Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, will not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, homelessness or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Indianapolis Public Schools does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

DISCLAIMER:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This job description is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive list of all essential functions and duties performed by the occupant of this position. Factors such as regular and punctual attendance are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function.