Principal, Junior School
Laureate College
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
About Laureate College
Laureate College is an independent Canadian school dedicated to 21st-century STEAM education that focuses on transformative learning that engages the head (intellectual intelligence), heart (emotional intelligence), and hands (real-world application) of our students to become future-ready global citizens. Through academic excellence, character development, innovation, global perspectives, and meaningful student experiences, Laureate College prepares students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Located on a beautiful 50-acre campus in Burlington, Ontario, Laureate College offers a K12 educational pathway that combines challenging academics, character education, leadership development, project learning, arts, athletics, and experiential opportunities within a supportive and caring community.
As Laureate College continues to grow, we are strengthening our leadership structure by introducing a dedicated Junior School Principal. This position will provide focused leadership across curriculum development, teacher support, parent communications, and student wellbeing, ensuring our Junior School remains a vibrant and inclusive community. (Thriving is used many times in this message)
Position Overview
The Principal, Junior School is responsible for the academic, pastoral, operational, and community leadership of Laureate College's Junior School program.
Reporting directly to the School Director and working closely with the Head of School and Senior Leadership Team, the Principal will lead the development and implementation of a high-quality educational experience for students from JK through Grade 8.
The successful candidate will be a visionary educator and instructional leader who is passionate about developing future-ready global citizens through:
- Academic excellence
- STEAM and innovation
- Character education
- Student wellbeing
- Global competencies
- Leadership development
- Inquiry-based and experiential learning
The Junior School plays a critical role in preparing students for success in Laureate College's Senior School program. The Principal will strengthen the JK–Grade 8 experience while ensuring a seamless transition into Grades 9–12.
In addition to leading daily school operations, the Principal will contribute to enrollment growth, student retention, parent satisfaction, faculty development, and the school's long-term strategic development.
Key Responsibilities
1. Academic Leadership, Curriculum & Program Development
Provide visionary leadership in the design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the Junior School educational program.
Responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing a coherent JK–Grade 8 academic program aligned with the school's mission, vision, and strategic priorities
- Leading curriculum review, development, and innovation initiatives
- Advancing STEAM education, innovation, design thinking, inquiry-based learning, and project-based learning opportunities
- Strengthening character education and leadership development throughout the Junior School experience
- Ensuring academic rigour, high expectations, and appropriate challenge for all students
- Supporting the development of critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
- Monitoring student achievement and implementing strategies for continuous improvement
- Using data and assessment information to guide instructional decisions
- Supporting a smooth academic transition between Junior School and Senior School
- Collaborating with Senior School leadership to develop a strong JK–12 educational pathway
2. Faculty Leadership & Professional Development
Build and lead a high-performing faculty team dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning.
Responsibilities include:
- Recruiting, onboarding, mentoring, supervising, and evaluating teachers and support staff
- Supporting homeroom teachers and specialist teachers through coaching and instructional leadership
- Developing annual professional growth plans and professional development opportunities
- Conducting classroom observations and providing meaningful feedback
- Promoting best practices in teaching, assessment, classroom management, and student support
- Building a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous learning, and innovation
- Supporting teachers in implementing differentiated instruction and inclusive learning practices
- Working closely with faculty to improve student outcomes and engagement
- Identifying future teacher leaders within the school
The successful candidate will be a visible instructional leader who actively supports teachers' professional growth.
3. School Operations & Administration
Provide effective leadership for the day-to-day operation of the Junior School.
Responsibilities include:
- Overseeing daily school activities and ensuring smooth operation of the Junior School
- Developing, updating and implementing annual school calendar, classroom timetables, policies, procedures, and operational practices
- Managing schedules, staffing assignments, supervision plans, and resource allocation
- Preparing and managing the Junior School budget in collaboration with the School Director
- Ensuring appropriate use of school resources and facilities
- Coordinating school events, assemblies, celebrations, field trips, and special programs
- Maintaining a safe, organized, and productive learning environment
- Supporting emergency preparedness and risk management initiatives
- Collaborating with administrative and support departments to ensure operational effectiveness
4. Student Wellbeing, Character Development & Discipline
Create a safe, caring, inclusive, and supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and personally.
Responsibilities include:
- Promoting student wellbeing and positive school culture
- Leading student discipline processes with fairness, consistency, compassion, and professionalism
- Supporting teachers in implementing positive behaviour management practices
- Addressing disciplinary and behavioural concerns promptly and effectively
- Working closely with students, parents, and teachers to support student growth and development
- Promoting character education, responsibility, empathy, resilience, leadership, and citizenship
- Supporting student leadership opportunities and community engagement initiatives
- Helping students develop strong interpersonal, self-management, and decision-making skills
The successful candidate will believe that discipline is educational and restorative, helping students learn from their mistakes while maintaining high expectations for behaviour and character.
5. Parent Partnership & Community Engagement
Develop strong relationships with families and foster a culture of trust, transparency, and partnership.
Responsibilities include:
- Maintaining proactive and professional communication with parents
- Meeting regularly with parents and teachers to discuss student progress, development, and behavioural concerns
- Supporting families in understanding student learning and developmental needs
- Addressing parent concerns constructively and professionally
- Building strong home-school partnerships that support student success
- Leading parent information sessions, curriculum evenings, and community events
- Serving as a visible and accessible leader within the school community
- Promoting a welcoming and inclusive culture for all families
Exceptional communication, diplomacy, and relationship-building skills are essential.
6. Enrollment, Retention & School Growth
Contribute to the sustainable growth and long-term success of Laureate College.
Responsibilities include:
- Working collaboratively with Admissions and Leadership Teams to support marketing and communications, student recruitment and retention initiatives
- Participating in school tours, open houses, information sessions, education expos, school events and community outreach activities
- Serving as an ambassador for the school within the broader community
- Supporting prospective families throughout the admissions process
- Monitoring parent satisfaction and identifying opportunities to strengthen family engagement
- Working proactively with families to address concerns before they impact retention
- Developing strategies to support successful student transition from Junior School into Senior School
- Contributing to enrollment growth objectives and long-term school development initiatives
- Supporting the school's strategic vision of becoming a leading independent JK–12 educational institution
7. Compliance, Governance & Reporting
Ensure compliance with all applicable educational, legal, and regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities include:
- Ensuring compliance with Ontario Ministry of Education requirements and school policies
- Supporting accreditation and school improvement initiatives
- Maintaining appropriate student records and documentation
- Ensuring compliance with health, safety, child protection, and risk management requirements
- Preparing regular reports for the School Director and Leadership Team
- Monitoring key school performance indicators and recommending improvements
- Supporting strategic planning and school development initiatives
Qualifications
Required
- Ontario College of Teachers certification in good standing
- Principal's Qualification Program (PQP) certification, or eligibility to obtain PQP
- Minimum 5 years of successful classroom teaching experience
- Minimum 3–5 years of leadership experience in an educational setting
- Demonstrated experience supervising and evaluating teachers
- Strong knowledge of curriculum, assessment, instructional leadership, and student development
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
Preferred
- Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum, or a related field
- Experience in an independent school environment
- Experience leading curriculum development and school improvement initiatives
- Experience supporting admissions, enrollment growth, and student retention
- Experience implementing STEAM, innovation, inquiry-based learning, or project-based learning programs
Leadership Profile
The ideal candidate is:
- A passionate educator and instructional leader
- Student-centred and mission-driven
- Committed to academic excellence and innovation
- Caring, empathetic, and highly relational
- Skilled in developing teachers and building teams
- Confident in managing parent relationships and difficult conversations
- Organized, proactive, and solutions-oriented
- Growth-minded and committed to continuous improvement
- Entrepreneurial and adaptable within a growing independent school environment
Compensation & Benefits
Laureate College offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with qualifications and experience, including:
- Competitive salary
- Professional development support
- Leadership development opportunities
- Participation in the growth and future development of the school
Our Mission
To educate the head, heart, and hands of our students to become future-ready global citizens who are:
- Lifelong learners
- Collaborative and creative problem solvers
- Resilient and positive thinkers
- Responsible and engaged members of their communities
We seek a principal who shares this vision and is passionate about helping young people reach their full potential.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two professional references to [email protected].
Note: Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $80,000.00-$100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
