Lead with Purpose: Principal Opening at Cragin Elementary
Cragin Elementary School is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Principal to lead our vibrant K-5/K-6 campus. We are looking for an instructional leader who can champion academic excellence, foster a positive and inclusive school climate, and effectively manage day-to-day operations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of improving student outcomes, building strong relationships with staff and families, and a deep commitment to serving a diverse urban community.
Join Cragin and make a lasting impact on our students’ educational journey!
- Location: 2945 N. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716
- Mascot: Bobcats
- Student Population: Cragin’s smaller size creates a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere, allowing for strong relationships to develop between students, teachers, and families where possible.
- Historical Significance: The school is named in honor of Gertrude Cragin, the first full-time nurse for the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD), who started a program in 1920 to provide health services and food for undernourished children.
- Diversity: The student body is predominantly Hispanic (47.2%), reflecting the vibrant cultural tapestry of Tucson. Other demographic groups include White (19.8%), African American (22%), Native American (5.2%), Multi-Racial (1.4%) and Asian American (4.2%)
- Academic Performance: “C” Rating by the Arizona Department of Education: Cragin has been recognized as a “C” school for the 2023-2024 school year. Cragin Elementary School, in partnership with parents and the Cragin community, is to assure each student receives an engaging, rigorous and comprehensive education.
- Programs and Achievements: Cragin offers Pre-School Classes, Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) and is an Opening Minds thru the Arts (OMA) school.
This information highlights the school’s vibrant community and commitment to education in the Tucson area.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Tucson Unified School District, in partnership with parents and the greater community, is to assure each pre-K through 12th-grade student receives an engaging, rigorous, and comprehensive education.
The District is committed to inclusion and non-discrimination in all District activities. At all times, District staff should work to ensure that staff, parents, students, and members of the public are included and welcome to participate in District activities.
POSITION SUMMARY
Principals in the Tucson Unified School District serve as the instructional and operational leaders of a district school and lead all stakeholders in fulfilling the collective mission and vision of the school, promote a culture of student success through high expectations, collaborative relationships and ensure that the learning environment is inclusive and equitable.
REPORTS TO
Assistant Superintendent, Region 3: Arroyo Chico
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, Educational Leadership, or closely related field
Valid Arizona IVP fingerprint clearance card
Current Arizona Principal Certificate
Two years of experience as a school Administrator (Principal or Assistant Principal)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Consideration will be given to applicants who explicitly confirm possession of the following preferred qualifications in their resume or application:
Bilingual, fluent in speaking, reading, and writing English/Spanish
Five years’ experience as a school Principal
Certified Evaluator in the Danielson Framework of Teaching
1 year experience administering Special Education programs
1 year experience administering Language Acquisition programs
1 year experience administering tiered systems of student behavioral and academic interventions
1 year experience as an Administrator of a Title 1 school
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AFTER HIRE
Proof of immunity to rubeola (measles) and rubella (German measles), or proof of MMR immunization
POSITION SPECIFICS
EFFECTIVE: 2026-2027 School Year
LOCATION: Cragin Elementary School – Glenn & Tucson Blvd Area
FTE: 1.0 – 8 hours per day
START DATE: July 1, 2026
SALARY RANGE: $78,336.85 to $90,946.65
WORK CALENDAR: 12 months
First Review of Applications will begin on January 5, 2026.
Internal candidates will transfer at a rate commensurate with their bargaining unit language. For more information on the salary schedule, please reference the Employee Agreements Webpage.
Salary will be prorated if the start date is after the first day of the work calendar for the position.
Tucson Unified School District is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination based on disability, race, color, religion/religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or national origin.