Principal

Archdiocese of Detroit
Erie, MI 48133, USA

Job Description

Principal (2026–2027 School Year)
St. Joseph Catholic School
Erie, Michigan
Full-Time | Salaried | Reports to Pastor

Are you a faithful Catholic leader and accomplished educator called to form both minds and souls?

St. Joseph Catholic School is seeking a mission-driven, faith-filled PreK–8 Principal to lead our Catholic School for the 2026–2027 school year. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced educational leader who is deeply committed to academic excellence, Catholic formation, and the cultivation of virtue through the vision of education rooted in truth, beauty, and goodness.

As the academic and spiritual leader of the school, the Principal will work directly with the Pastor to advance the mission of St. Joseph Catholic School and the Archdiocese of Detroit, fostering a joyful, disciplined, and Christ-centered culture where students, faculty, and families thrive.

About St. Joseph Catholic School

St. Joseph Catholic School is a Catholic elementary school serving students in Pre-K through Grade 8. Our school integrates rigorous academics with faithful Catholic formation to cultivate wisdom, virtue, and holiness in every child.

With small class sizes, strong family partnerships, integration of the Catholic faith into the everyday life of each student, and a deeply supportive parish community, our students consistently demonstrate outstanding academic growth while being formed as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Catholic identity is the foundation of everything we do.

Position Overview
The Principal serves as the academic, instructional, operational, and spiritual leader of the school. This leader must be committed to the mission of Catholic education and possess a strong understanding of classical pedagogy, child development, faculty leadership, and faith formation.

The ideal candidate will be a faithful Catholic leader who embraces the Church’s teachings, inspires excellence in teachers and students, and leads with wisdom, humility, and conviction.

This position is hired by and directly accountable to the Pastor.

Key Responsibilities
Mission & Spiritual Leadership

Lead the school in faithful alignment with the mission of St. Joseph Catholic School and the Archdiocese of Detroit
Serve as the spiritual and instructional leader of the school community
Model and uphold the doctrinal and moral teachings of the Catholic Church
Foster a culture of prayer, virtue, reverence, and Catholic identity throughout school life
Promote a school culture rooted in the Catholic pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness
Support frequent school liturgies, prayer, sacramental preparation, and service opportunities

Academic & Instructional Leadership

Lead and oversee all PreK–8 instructional programs
Ensure curriculum implementation in accordance with school and Archdiocesan standards
Support teachers in lesson planning, instructional preparation, assessment, and classroom management
Champion the educational path of the school, including strong literacy, humanities, and virtue-based formation
Monitor academic performance and student growth
Facilitate enrichment and extended learning opportunities
Conduct annual faculty evaluations and instructional coaching

Faculty & Community Leadership

Hire, mentor, supervise, and evaluate faculty and staff
Lead all faculty and staff meetings
Build a collaborative, mission-centered faculty culture
Communicate regularly with teachers, families, parish staff, and the Pastor
Partner closely with parish leadership and stakeholders on school initiatives
Support professional development and ongoing formation of staff

Operations & Student Safety

Maintain a safe, orderly, and secure learning environment
Oversee student attendance and academic records
Ensure compliance with school, diocesan, and state policies
Implement and maintain safety and emergency procedures
Maintain confidentiality and professional discretion in all school matters

Qualifications
Required

Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s degree preferred)
Valid Michigan teaching and administrative certification, or eligibility to obtain
Demonstrated experience in educational leadership or school administration
Knowledge of elementary instructional methods and child development
Strong communication, leadership, and decision-making skills
Successful completion of criminal background check
Compliance with Safe Environment requirements
Completion of Protecting God’s Children training through the Archdiocese of Detroit
Must maintain all state licensure and professional development requirements

Preferred

Practicing, fully initiated Catholic in communion with the Church
Intentionally living the sacramental life and the five precepts of the Church
Experience in Catholic schools and/or classical education
Experience leading faculty development and school improvement initiatives
Familiarity with multi-age elementary settings and sacramental preparation

Who You Are
The ideal candidate is:

A faithful Catholic witness
A mission-first leader who inspires others
A champion of Catholic education
Deeply committed to forming students in virtue, intellect, and holiness
A collaborative leader who supports teachers and families
A strong communicator with sound judgment
Passionate about preserving and advancing Catholic identity in education

Why Join St. Joseph Catholic School?
✅ Strong Catholic identity with frequent sacramental opportunities
✅ Catholic curriculum rooted in truth, beauty, and goodness
✅ Small class sizes and personalized instruction
✅ Supportive parish and school community
✅ Opportunity to lead a mission-driven school with lasting impact
✅ Collaborative faculty dedicated to excellence and faith formation

Apply Today
If you are a faithful Catholic educator and visionary leader called to shape the next generation of students in faith and academic excellence, we encourage you to apply.

Please send your resume, cover letter, and professional references to:
Grace Ledbetter @ lumenchristimsd@gmail.com

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