Interim Principal-Lab School

Carolina Community Academy ( CCA) is an innovative school for K-2 students at North Elementary School in Roxboro, N.C. A partnership between the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Person County Schools, CCA draws upon a variety of academic and professional strengths across the Carolina campus to best serve the students, families, and community in Person County. CCA was created as part of a UNC System initiative to redefine and strengthen university partnerships with North Carolina public schools, improve student outcomes, and provide high-quality teacher and principal training.

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

The School of Education is an academic unit reporting to the Provost. The School is a major center of research, teaching, and public service within the State of North Carolina, the nation, and the world. The mission of the School of Education is to conduct research, and generate basic and applied knowledge about human development, educational technology and entrepreneurship, teaching and learning, school counseling, school psychology, administration, as well as educational policy and leadership; prepare leaders in the profession of education by conducting outstanding research, teaching, and service; and assist in the development of strong and effective public schools in North Carolina.

The Carolina Community Academy ( CCA) is a laboratory school that has been created as specified in North Carolina General Statutes ( NCGS) Chapter 116, Article 29A, with the goal of improving student performance in the partner school district by providing an enhanced education program and providing exposure and training for teachers and principals to address challenges existing in a high-needs school setting. CCA is one of North Carolina's legislated laboratory schools identified to partner directly with local school districts to promote evidence-based teaching and school leadership, while offering real-world experience to the next generation of teachers and principals. UNC System lab schools will serve every part of the UNC System mission teaching, research, and public service. UNC-Chapel Hill partnered with Person County Schools to establish the Carolina Community Academy, which is located in Roxboro, NC.

The UNC Chapel Hill Carolina Community Academy is rooted in the stance that education has the power to break down barriers, lift up individuals, and empower communities to rise and thrive. The Academy will engage the local and University community, inspire its educators to lead and act with passion, prepare students to be critical and creative thinkers, and strive for equity for all. The Academy will ultimately include at least three classes per grade level for kindergarten through 2nd grade..

Note: this position is located in Roxboro, NC.

The UNC School of Education is currently seeking a UNC-Chapel Hill Carolina Community Academy Lab School Interim Principal. The position is a full-time, non-teaching position in the School of Education available in January of 2026. The Interim Principal will be housed at the on-campus school site. As the on-site administrator for the Carolina Community Academy, the Interim Principal reports to the Director of Carolina Community Academy.

Serving as the chief administrator of the Carolina Community Academy, the Interim Principal will cultivate a culture of innovation that supports effective instructional practices/strategies to promote student academic success and personal success for all students and adults in the Academy. The Interim Principal will work collaboratively to develop and implement policies, innovative programs, curriculum activities, professional development, and budgets to achieve the mission of the Academy. The Interim Principal will work collaboratively with UNC-Chapel Hill School of Education and University staff to support the work of teacher leadership preparation, school leadership preparation, and education research.

Master's degree in educational leadership or related field; excellent oral and written communication skills; and evidence of skill in working with at risk student populations. Qualifying degrees must be conferred and received from appropriately accredited institutions. A current license or eligibility for licensure in the area of supervision is required.

- NC Principal License - K-12 or ability to get licensed in NC.
- Knowledge of current research on teaching, learning, and leadership.
- Ability to lead with integrity, dignity, respect, and professionalism.
- Ability to create and sustain a culture of high expectations among staff, students, and families.
- Commitment to meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
- Ability to think innovatively about school operations and how to increase student outcomes.
- Ability to use data to inform decision-making processes.
- Ability to think systematically and strategically to meet the needs of the school.
- Ability to facilitate long-term planning.
- Adhere to ethical standards of the education profession, abide by laws, policies, and procedures that govern lab schools.
- Demonstrate high personal ethical standards both inside and outside the school environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and dispositions of a 21st-century instructional leader.
- Ability to work cooperatively and constructively with others.
- Ability to handle a fast-paced, intense work environment.
- Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities at one time.
- Ability to analyze complex problems/issues, identify patterns, and recommend creative solutions.
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills with broad and diverse audiences.
- Behave as a positive role model both professionally and personally.
- Commitment to professional learning and development.
- Knowledge of public school and university partnerships.
- Experience as a school-level administrator.
- Administrative, budgetary, and supervisory skills or experiences and skills that closely parallel administrative type work.

Preference will be given to candidates who have experience in leading innovative and diverse schools with a track record of improving student outcomes for all subgroups. Preference will also be given to candidates with leadership experience. Doctorate degree in education or related field preferred.

The individual should be: self-directed; organized with attention to detail; innovation and outcome oriented; technologically proficient across multiple platforms; possess strong interpersonal relationship skills including collaboration with community members, school personnel and university personnel; highly motivated and be willing to be receptive to innovative practices/procedures; willing to take the initiative to learn the duties/responsibilities/expectations of the work and operations of the lab school; and willing to work alone or as a group/team when necessary.

Personal Characteristics
- Open to new ideas
- Innovative thinker
- Visionary focus
- Global mindset
- Commitment to serving students who need the most supports

Typical physical demands of a professional position within a school environment.

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.