Principal (K-8th Grade) 

This posting is for a position during the 2025-2026 school year which would start July 2025. 

Must-Haves- High-priority skills and qualities

• Engages in culturally responsive, equitable, and anti-racist practices   
• Continuously reflects, grows, and develops professional practice     
• Makes decisions aligned with the SLLIS Mission, Values, and Purpose
• Believes in the capacity of each child to achieve at high levels 
• Cultivates a collaborative, adaptable, and solutions-focused culture
• Approaches all situations with an asset-based and growth mindset
• Develops and uses effective organization systems
• Communicates in a proactive, timely, and effective manner

Minimum Qualifications 

• Administrative and teaching certificate (may be from Missouri, another state or international)
• Previous experience in K-8th grade schools/classrooms

Nice-to-Haves- Skills and qualities that are a plus but not necessarily a requirement

• Administrative experience in K-8th grade setting 
• Strong data tracking and interpretation habits
• Solid understanding of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
• Knowledge of best practices when working with language learners 
• Proficiency in Chinese, French or Spanish

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and monitors the School Improvement Plan
• Leverages teachers and staff throughout the process
• Creates a staff professional learning plan aligned with SIP
• Oversees all areas of instruction, including language program implementation, curriculum, grading, and assessment
• Leads proactive efforts to maintain a strong and positive student, staff and school culture and climate   
• Monitors student discipline and safety
• Leads individual and small group professional learning
• Evaluates instructional staff
• Ensures reporting, monitoring and improvement of student attendance

Compensation and Benefits

SLLIS is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of everyone. Critical to our mission is creating a just, equitable and inclusive school, St. Louis community, and world. As such, we strive to maintain a compensation system free from inequities while uplifting the unique experiences of our staff.  

We use a total rewards system thereby ensuring our compensation and benefits program takes a holistic approach. The compensation system at SLLIS is transparent, equitable, sustainable, and competitive in relation to the local educational market in which we serve. It offers fair and predictable compensation to ensure SLLIS is retaining top talent.  

The annual salary for this position is competitive and ranges from $125,000 to $160,464 per year. Your salary would be based on the number of years of experience you have as a school administrator. SLLIS also offers the following:

• FREE Compressive health care package (medical, dental, vision, short term disability and life insurance)
• Low cost- buy up plan available too!

• College tuition rewards program for dependents

• Eligibility for federal loan forgiveness programs

• Retirement contributions of 13% of annual salary and optional 403b

• Supply reimbursements and a staff laptop to use  

• 12 PTO days per year, plus no work in June or July!

• Other paid time off includes: one week for Thanksgiving break, two weeks for winter break, one week off for Spring break, and all major U.S. holidays. This averages 25 days per year.

• Paid parental leave for new parents

• Individualized coaching and support

• Leadership opportunities to help staff meet their career goals

Our Mission

St. Louis Language Immersion School provides a bilingual, culturally responsive, transformational education that enriches the children of St. Louis city.

Our Purpose

To dismantle systems of oppression by creating a just, equitable and inclusive school, St. Louis community, and world.

Our Values

• Provide an accessible and rigorous bilingual education
• Listen to and engage all voices
• Commit to equity, anti-racism and cultural competency
• Reflect on and respond to data throughout our school
• Celebrate mission moments, both big and small

Application Process

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Not all applicants will receive an interview for the position, but all applications will be thoroughly reviewed. SLLIS has a multi-stage hiring process which includes a phone screening interview, an interview with our Talent Committee and a final interview with our administration team.

About Us

There’s magic in experiencing a different culture, in speaking a new language. With the power to break down barriers, languages open new opportunities for our children, allowing them to dream a different world. At our school, we speak the language of connection, broadening perspective with each new lesson — preparing our children for a limitless future.

Not Your Average K-8 Staff

The SLLIS Team is made up of staff members who nurture children, celebrate their successes, and empower them to take risks and grow. Our staff are as diverse as the students and families we serve. You won’t find any other team like us in the U.S. - or anywhere! On the SLLIS Team:

• 13 home countries across 4 continents are represented

• 16 languages are spoken among the staff

• 8.5 years of teaching experience is the average

• 62% have a Master’s degree or above 

• 64% identify as female; 32% identify as male; 2% as non-binary 

• 66% identify with a race other than “White”

• 45% identify with the ethnicity category “of Hispanic, Latino/a/x, or Spanish origin”

Commitment to Diversity and Equal Opportunity Employment Policy

SLLIS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. The St. Louis Language Immersion School will honor your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. We are committed to creating a just, equitable and inclusive school, St. Louis community, and world. We actively encourage all qualified applicants to apply.