INFORMATION ON SCHOOL SITE(S):

SARA COUGHLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

PRINCIPAL, ELEMENTARY

The Los Angeles Unified School District seeks an outstanding elementary Principal to lead the students, staff, families, and community of Sara Coughlin Elementary School toward continued academic growth and success. 

Sara Coughlin Elementary School is a small gem nestled in the heart of Pacoima. This PK-5 comprehensive, schoolwide Title I elementary school operates on a traditional calendar and serves approximately 388 students. As part of LAUSD Region North, Coughlin Elementary is committed to providing a rigorous academic program in a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where all students are challenged and supported to achieve at high levels. The school is focused on accelerating student achievement through high-quality, standards-based instruction, consistent implementation of District-adopted curriculum, targeted intervention, data-driven decision-making, and a strong culture of continuous improvement.  The student population is approximately 93% Hispanic, 2% Black/African American, 1% White, and less than 1% American Indian/Alaska Native, with the remaining students identified in other or unspecified categories. Additionally, approximately 23% of students are English Learners, 18% receive Special Education services, and 6% participate in Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) programs. Through strong partnerships with families and the community, Sara Coughlin Elementary supports the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

is a collaborative, and student-centered instructional leader with a proven ability to improve student achievement and foster a positive school culture. The candidate possesses strong interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrates expertise in standards-based instruction, data-driven decision-making, MTSS, early literacy, and support for English Learners and students with disabilities. Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is highly desirable to effectively engage and communicate with the school’s families and community.  The successful candidate will develop teacher capacity through meaningful professional learning, classroom observation and actionable feedback, and consistent monitoring of District-adopted curriculum and instructional pacing. The candidate will promote rigorous, engaging instruction that includes opportunities for student discourse, writing, critical thinking, and productive struggle. Above all, the ideal candidate is a visible and supportive leader who establishes high expectations, promotes equity, builds strong relationships with families and staff, and works collaboratively with all stakeholders to improve outcomes for every student.

SALARY:

SALARY: 41G - E Basis ($136,880 - $170,744) – 234 paid days

• For employees who change basis during the school year, this basis change may prevent them from earning a full year of service credit.  
• For an annualized employee who is changing basis during the year, this change may result in an annualized “settlement” (i.e., the process by which the District resolves an under or overpayment).
• Selected individual may be subject to displacement due to norm allocation and seniority based RIF provisions or due to budget limitations.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE (PUBLIC SCHOOL SETTING):

• Eight years of successful full-time public school district certificated service
• A minimum of three years of experience as a teacher in a K-12 program
• A minimum of two years of experience in an elementary school
• Two years of service in a position that required and utilized an administrative credential, such as assistant principal or equivalent position.

Employees who have been issued a below standard Performance Evaluation, or Notice of Unsatisfactory Act(s) and/or Suspension shall be ineligible for application to any promotion process for one calendar year following the issuance of such a Notice

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

(All minimum requirements must be met on or before the filing deadline.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that documentation of minimum requirements is on file with the Human Resources Administrative Selection Unit. For information on submitting your documentation, please call (213) 241-6886)

• A valid California teaching credential requiring a Bachelor's degree and a program of professional preparation, including student teaching
• A valid California Administrative Services Credential                      • Multicultural coursework*
• Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university    • District Master Plan requirements*

*Candidates have one year to complete this requirement

For all school based administrative positions, candidates must be in the appropriate LAUSD eligible pool for the position or currently serving in the class for which they are applying. In order to be placed in the eligible pool, candidates must successfully complete the appropriate LAUSD Aspiring Administrator Program.  Qualified applicants not in an eligible pool from within or outside LAUSD may be considered if fewer than five applicants from the eligible pool apply for the position.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

To be considered, you must submit the following:

1. Letter of Intent that describes successful experience in the following areas:
   • Instructional Leadership: Share your experience promoting effective teaching practices, improving student outcomes, and creating a positive learning environment.
   • Teacher Coaching and Development: Demonstrate your expertise in coaching and supporting teachers, providing constructive feedback, implementing professional growth plans, and fostering a culture of collaboration and development
   • Family and Community Engagement: Share your experience working with parents and the community for the purpose of increasing student and school achievement. Highlight your ability to partner with diverse communities or parent groups to increase parent engagement 
2. Current resume (include employee number, if a District employee)
3. Upload as a separate attachment, a list of four (4) references with valid contact information including your current supervisor, parent/community member, a classified staff member and a teacher.

FOR INFORMATION ONLY, PLEASE CONTACT:

Ernestina Gandera, Regional Director

ejg1350@lausd.net

Region North

(818) 455-7319

DEADLINE: OCTOBER 22, 2026

The Los Angeles Unified School District intends that all qualified persons shall have equal opportunities for employment and promotions

Non-Discrimination Policy