Position Overview

The Teaching Principal serves as both classroom teacher and school principal, providing instructional, spiritual, and administrative leadership in a Christ-centered K–8 school setting. The role supports academic excellence, spiritual formation, and whole-person development in alignment with the mission of Seventh-day Adventist education. This position requires a mission-driven educator capable of one-room, multi-grade instruction, school leadership, community engagement, and collaborative ministry with the local church.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Learning

Provide K–8, one-room, multi-grade instruction using differentiated strategies; integrate Bible, faith, and Adventist worldview across all subjects; plan and deliver curriculum aligned with Michigan Conference, NAD, and state standards; use assessment data to guide instruction; promote critical thinking, collaboration, and project-based learning; and maintain effective classroom and organizational systems.

School Administration

Serve as school administrator overseeing daily operations; maintain accurate student records and required documentation; ensure compliance with Michigan Conference policies, NAD accreditation standards, and state regulations; collaborate with the school board and conference on budgeting and financial oversight; oversee facility use, maintenance, and safety; and complete all required reports and principal documentation in a timely manner.

Note: This is a dual teacher–principal role with increased leadership accountability and corresponding compensation beyond the standard teaching scale.

Fundraising, Marketing & Enrollment

Serve as the strategic lead for fundraising and enrollment efforts by setting direction, remaining actively involved, and overseeing delegated marketing strategies, donor engagement, grants, and special events in partnership with families, church members, and community stakeholders.

Spiritual Life & Community Engagement

Participate in the life of the local Seventh-day Adventist church; collaborate with the pastor and church leadership to involve students in worship and church programs; lead daily worship, Bible instruction, and service-learning activities; model and promote the Adventist holistic lifestyle; maintain open communication with families; and foster a mission-minded school culture.

Professional Collaboration

Participate in Michigan Conference professional development and required trainings; collaborate with the school board, church leadership, and conference education department; and maintain ongoing professional growth and effective communication with stakeholders.

Working Conditions

• Dual instructional and administrative role requiring flexibility and initiative

• Regular interaction with families, church leadership, school board, and conference personnel

• Participation in school, church, and community events

Position Summary

The Teaching Principal provides leadership for both classroom instruction and school operations in a K–8 one-room school setting while nurturing students academically, spiritually, and socially. This role is central to advancing Adventist education and the mission of Metropolitan Junior Academy.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education (Master’s degree preferred) and be eligible for a Seventh-day Adventist teaching credential (current certification preferred). Experience in K–8, multi-grade, or one-room school settings is strongly preferred, with 3–5 years of multi-grade teaching experience desired.

Candidates must be active members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in good and regular standing and demonstrate a willingness to model Adventist beliefs, lifestyle values, and standards. Applicants should also exhibit strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, along with a clear commitment to Adventist education and mission-centered ministry.

Individuals who sense God’s calling to serve at Metropolitan Junior Academy are invited to submit a résumé, cover letter, and three professional references (one of which must be the applicant’s current pastor) to the Michigan Conference Associate Superintendent, Girlie Zunega-Aguilar (gaguilar@misda.org).