Summary
St. Michael Academy is seeking a Principal for the 2025-2026 school year, starting in July of 2025.
Overview
Jesus Christ provides the most comprehensive and compelling example of the realization of full human potential. Catholic education provides a unique learning environment where each child can become the person God intended him or her to be. Catholic schools partner with parents, the primary educators of their children, to develop the unique God-given gifts and capabilities of each student, so that they can be heroic disciples of Jesus Christ who pursue truth, beauty, and goodness.
Three years ago, Bishop Spalding and lay leaders responded to the need for a Catholic school in Nolensville and began plans for St. Michael Academy. Population in the area had doubled and the number of Catholic families mirrored that growth. With Williamson County’s population projected to increase by 20 percent by 2040, St. Michael Academy became a necessity. Through prayer, careful planning and tremendous early support, St. Michael Academy went from a concept to reality.
Strategically located near major highways and parishes in Williamson and Rutherford counties, St. Michael Academy draws Catholic and non-Catholic students who will thrive at a school with academic rigor and faithful Catholic teaching. Mission-focused families and faculty will collaborate to form heroic disciples of Christ by developing each student’s God-given gifts and capabilities. Through their work in the classroom and through service projects, students will recognize the inherent dignity of all persons and our call to love deeply. Stepping into the St. Michael’s 102,000 square foot building, families are surrounded by an abundance of natural light and the comfort of its geothermal heating and cooling. This state-of-the-art learning environment includes 20 classrooms, an Innovation Lab, Discovery Lab, two science labs, a library, a media center, two art studios, rooms for choir, instrumental music, and dance, as well as an Atrium for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Inviting interior and exterior spaces provide opportunities to develop students physically and spiritually. A centrally located chapel underscores St. Michael’s grounding in the faith.
Mission
St. Michael Academy exists to form saints and scholars for the greater glory of God.
Vision
St. Michael Academy's vision is to create an exceptional culture of learning in pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness. Through knowing, loving, and serving God, students and staff will realize their unique dignity and become heroic disciples of Jesus Christ.
Opportunities
The Principal at St. Michael Academy will have the opportunity to administer a diocesan school pre-kindergarten to eighth grade program in an academically rigorous, robust Catholic atmosphere.
- Leading a school in-line with the Diocese of Nashville and the Board’s commitment to academic excellence and robust Catholic education;
- Leading the school in its important relationships with the Diocese of Nashville, the supporting parishes (Mother Teresa, Holy Family, Nativity, St. Luke, and St. Philip) and the community;
- Fundraising and creating a culture of giving to the school, including the start of an endowment;
- Serving as the face of St. Michael Academy and a dynamic leader to the children and families
Qualifications and Personal Attributes
The most competitive candidates will offer most or all the following qualifications and qualities:
- A practicing Catholic with thorough and demonstrated knowledge of Catholic school education;
- A visionary with energy and a commitment to creating a strong school community;
- Familiarity and experience with diocesan-school relationships;
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with inspiration and clarity;
- Strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.
- Minimum of 5 years as Head of School experience
- Master or Doctorate in Educational Leadership
- Embody SMA's Core Values of humility, faithfulness, integrity, diligence, and excellence
To Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact the Superintendent in confidence. Candidates will ultimately need to submit the following materials as separate PDF documents:
- A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position;
- A current résumé;
- A statement of educational philosophy;
- A completed Diocesan Profile available upon successful submission of the above three items;
- A list of five professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address of each (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission) to:
Shana DeSouza Druffner
Superintendent, Diocese of Nashville
2800 McGavock Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
shana.druffner@dioceseofnashville.com
Please direct all inquiries and questions to Shana DeSouza Druffner at the above email address.
Please direct all inquiries and questions to Shana DeSouza Druffner at shana.druffner@dioceseofnashville.com