Bering Strait School District (BSSD) is seeking a visionary Principal to serve as the instructional leader and community liaison for our school. You will be responsible for fostering a safe, culturally responsive, and high-achieving learning environment. The ideal candidate is not just an administrator, but a community partner who values the unique heritage of our students and the vital role of the Advisory Education Committee (AEC).
QUALIFICATIONS
Certification & Licensure
Current Alaska Type T Teaching Certificate.
Current Alaska Type B Administrative Certificate.
Experience and Education
Minimum of three (3) years of combined experience as a school administrator and/or teacher.
A Master’s Degree in Educational Administration is preferred.
General Requirements
Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent or School Board may deem appropriate and acceptable.
Ability to regularly lift 20 lbs and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Leadership & Community Relations
Build strong community relations by serving as a welcoming and accessible primary point of contact for the school.
Cultivate a transparent, collaborative relationship with the community AEC and local stakeholders.
Ensure all staff and students observe Board policies and regulations.
Keep the Superintendent informed of school successes, challenges, and emerging needs.
Supervise all instructional programs to ensure they meet the specific needs of our students while complying with district policy.
Lead the teacher evaluation process as outlined in the teachers’ negotiated agreement, fostering professional growth.
Develop and evaluate student activities that enrich the educational experience.
Oversee student conduct and discipline, ensuring due process and a safe, respectful school culture.
Staff & Personnel Oversight
Conduct the teacher evaluation process as prescribed in the negotiated agreement.
Recommend appropriate classified staff for hire, designate duties, and evaluate classified staff to promote improvement of school operation.
Assist staff with professional training and staff development needs.
Financial and Resource Management
Manage school funds and the school budget in accordance with accepted accounting practices and district guidelines.
Administer grant funds in compliance with regulation and district guidelines.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of various program funding sources.
Maintain an up-to-date inventory of instructional materials and school equipment.
Facilities and Operations
Ensure that building grounds and equipment are maintained in a proper state of repair, safety, and cleanliness.
Notify the District of misuse, neglect, needed repairs, or required alterations to facilities or equipment.
REPORTS TO: Superintendent
SALARY: Placement on Administrator's Salary Schedule.
LENGTH OF EMPLOYMENT: 200 days
LOCATION: Site assignment pending finalization of 2026-27 staffing plan
TO APPLY: Please complete our online employment application and include an initial letter of application along with your resume.
Email hr@bssd.org with any questions.
Bering Strait School District is located in western Alaska. Working and living in our region is far more similar to an overseas teaching position than it is living and working in the mainstream schools of the Lower 48 states. Cultural traditions are still strong, and we have 15 villages that still practice subsistence hunting and fishing as a lifestyle in the community. Nearly all of our students are Yup'ik, Siberian Yup'ik, or Iñupiaq. Teachers looking for a non-traditional, cross-cultural setting with a progressive district are ideal candidates.
Our goal is to instill a passion for learning through quality instruction in small classroom settings. BSSD provides a competitive salary and benefits package, signing and longevity bonuses, paid staff development, and partially subsidized housing. We also offer adventurous educators the opportunity for memorable, one of a kind authentic experiences, outdoor adventures, and an Alaskan lifestyle that values richness in cultural tradition.