School Principal

Kapawe’no First Nation, Grouard, AB

Kapawe’no First Nation Education Services is seeking a vision-driven, culturally grounded, and experienced School Principal to provide executive, instructional, and cultural leadership for the Kapawe’no First Nation School.

We currently have an opportunity for a Full-Time School Principal. Reporting directly to the Education Manager, the Principal serves as the administrative, educational, and cultural leader of our on-reserve K–9 school. The Principal is responsible for leading daily school operations, staff supervision, instructional coaching, student achievement, and total cultural integration.

Additionally, the Principal will demonstrate a deep passion for Indigenous student success, working directly with local Knowledge Keepers and Elders to deliver land-based learning, traditional teachings, and culturally meaningful experiences. The role builds strong community partnerships, leads data-driven school improvement plans, manages school operating budgets, and fosters a positive, professional school culture in alignment with Alberta Education standards and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) frameworks.

Principle Duties & Responsibilities

Include but are not limited to:

- Providing strong instructional leadership, working with teaching staff to ensure high-quality, culturally responsive, and differentiated learning experiences.
- Collaborating directly with local Knowledge Keepers and Elders to design, support, and deliver authentic land-based learning opportunities and traditional teachings.
- Actively seeking local community partnerships to create program opportunities that challenge students, foster personal growth, and build cultural pride.
- Overseeing the school-wide integration of Cree language, culture, history, and land-based learning across all subject areas and grade levels.
- Developing, implementing, and monitoring annual school improvement plans focused on student achievement, attendance, and wellbeing using student assessment data.
- Fostering a positive, professional school culture supporting staff wellness, professional growth, team cohesion, and collaborative learning communities.
- Supervising, mentoring,



and evaluating teaching and support staff, conducting regular classroom observations, formal reviews, and managing progressive discipline when required.
- Overseeing day-to-day school operations, facility health and safety, emergency preparedness, student discipline, scheduling, and supervision duty rosters.
- Managing the school operating budget in coordination with the Education Manager and Finance Department under the KFN Financial Administration Code.
- Maintaining and managing accurate school records, Nominal Role enrollment data, and student academic files in strict compliance with OCAP® principles and the Kapawe’no First Nation "Access to Information & Privacy Management" policy.

Knowledge & Skills Required Include but are not limited to:

- Bachelor’s Degree in Education (B.Ed.) is required; Master’s Degree in Education (M.Ed.), Educational Leadership, or Educational Administration is strongly preferred.
- Active Alberta Professional Teaching Certificate (or eligibility for immediate certification) is mandatory; Alberta Leadership Quality Standard (LQS) certification is a robust asset.
- Minimum of 3–5 years of successful classroom teaching experience plus 2+ years of progressive educational leadership experience (e.g., Principal, Vice-Principal, Department Head), preferably within a First Nations or Indigenous school setting.
- Proven passion for promoting educational success for Indigenous learners, with fluency in or knowledge of the Cree language and culture considered a significant asset.
- Demonstrated experience collaborating with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to design and execute land-based learning programs.
- Strong instructional coaching abilities, with expertise in curriculum mapping, differentiated instruction, Individualized Program Plans (IPPs), and data-driven school improvement.




- Experience in staff supervision, performance evaluation, progressive discipline, and building a positive team culture.
- Working knowledge of Alberta Education curriculum outcomes, Band-operated school funding frameworks, and K–9 educational models.
- Mandatory requirements/conditions: Current clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search (dated within 3 months), Child Intervention Record Check, signed Oath of Confidentiality and adherence to the KFN "Access to Information & Privacy Management" policy and Financial Administration Code, ability to pass drug testing and be fit for duty, valid Driver's License (Class 5 required) with clean abstract, and access to a reliable vehicle.

In addition to a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, Kapawe’no First Nation can offer an exciting and challenging work environment, as well as an organizational culture that values: Cultural Identity, Education, Health, and Accountability. If you believe that you could thrive in our environment, and are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please submit your cover letter and resume for consideration.

Kapawe’no First Nation thanks applicants for their interest in this opportunity. Candidates considered for this position will be contacted directly.

Benefits

- On-site parking

Education:
- Secondary School (preferred)

Experience:
- classroom teaching: 3 years (preferred)
- progressive educational leadership: 2 years (preferred)
- First Nations or Indigenous school setting: 1 year (preferred)
- designing and executing land-based learning programs: 1 year (preferred)
- curriculum mapping: 1 year (preferred)
- differentiated instruction/ (IPPs): 1 year (preferred)
- staff supervision: 1 year (preferred)

Language:
- Cree (preferred)

Licence/Certification:
- Alberta Professional Teaching Certificate (preferred)
- Alberta Leadership Quality Standard (LQS) certification (preferred)
- Current clear Criminal Record Check (preferred)
- Current clear Vulnerable Sector Check (preferred)
- Current clear Child Intervention Record Check (preferred)
- Class 5 Drivers License (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 School Principal (Grouard)
🏢 Kapawe'no First Nation
📍 Grouard