Power Technical Early College (PTEC)

Position: Principal

Reports to: Chief Academic Officer

Work Year: 215 Days

Location: 2460 Waynoka Place, Colorado Springs, CO

Overview

Power Technical Early College (PTEC), a James Irwin Charter School, is a one-of-a-kind middle and high school dedicated to preparing students for both college and the skilled trades. PTEC integrates Core Knowledge, Direct Instruction, and hands-on CTE (Career and Technical Education) in fields such as welding, construction, engineering, and manufacturing.

The Principal serves as the instructional and operational leader of the school, responsible for cultivating a school culture that results in academic excellence, strong character, and workforce readiness in every student.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in educational leadership or an equivalent master’s degree that enhances leadership in both academic and technical education (e.g., Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related field).
• Minimum of five (5) years of school leadership experience with a proven record of student achievement and positive school culture.
• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following:
• Skilled trades or engineering field
• Teaching or managing a CTE program
• Supervising or coordinating technical training, apprenticeships, or workforce partnerships
• Strong understanding of Explicit Instruction, Direct Instruction (DI), and Core Knowledge philosophy and implementation.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead collaboratively and build strong relationships with students, staff, and community partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership

• Ensure high-quality implementation of Explicit Instruction, Direct Instruction, and Core Knowledge content across all academic programs.
• Supervise and evaluate all teaching staff, including both academic and CTE instructors.
• Lead data-driven instructional improvement through regular classroom observations, coaching, and analysis of student performance data.
• Promote rigorous academics integrated with hands-on, industry-relevant technical education.
• Support teacher professional development, focusing on Explicit and Direct Instruction, and classroom management (CHAMPS).

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Leadership

• Oversee all trade and technical programs, ensuring compliance with CTE standards and alignment with workforce needs.
• Build and sustain partnerships with local employers, trade unions, colleges, and industry organizations to enhance internships, apprenticeships, and postsecondary opportunities.
• Ensure all CTE pathways are current, safe, and aligned with industry certifications and expectations.
• Supervise CTE staff in maintaining safe, efficient, and productive lab environments.

School Culture and Student Development

• Lead a school culture that embodies PTEC’s mission of character, craftsmanship, and leadership.
• Model and reinforce James Irwin’s HIRRE pillars—Honesty, Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, and Excellence.
• Ensure consistent implementation of behavior expectations, restorative practices, and positive student support systems.
• Foster a sense of pride and professionalism among students, helping them understand the dignity and importance of skilled work.

Operations and Compliance

• Oversee daily school operations, scheduling, and supervision of all activities and staff.
• Ensure safety protocols and building security measures are upheld in both academic and technical settings.
• Manage budgets responsibly and in collaboration with the network CFO and Facilities team.
• Ensure compliance with district, state, and federal regulations including CDE and CTE requirements.
• Lead school accreditation and renewal processes in coordination with James Irwin Charter Schools, JICS CEO, and the authorizing district.

Family and Community Engagement

• Maintain open and proactive communication with parents, students, and community members.
• Represent PTEC to external partners, local businesses, higher education institutions, and community organizations.
• Encourage staff participation in school and community events that strengthen PTEC’s mission and visibility.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Serve as a collaborative member of the James Irwin Charter Schools Leadership Team, contributing to network-wide initiatives and strategic planning.
• Mentor and develop assistant principals, CTE coordinators, and teacher leaders.
• Demonstrate a servant-leadership mindset, fostering unity and shared purpose across departments.
• Maintain a visible and approachable presence among students, staff, and parents.

Personal Attributes

• Strong moral character and commitment to modeling professionalism and integrity.
• Deep respect for both academic and technical education as equally vital to student success.
• Innovative thinker with the ability to unite diverse teams toward a common goal.
• Steady under pressure, decisive, and mission-driven.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Contact Maria Ramos for more information.
• Full employee benefits including health, dental, vision, and PERA retirement participation.
• Professional development opportunities within the James Irwin Charter Schools network.

To Apply

Submit a letter of interest, résumé, and references to:

James Irwin Charter Schools Talent Manager

Maria Ramos

Maria.ramos@jamesirwin.org

Interviews will begin toward the end of January or early February 2026.