Dean of Students K-8

Position Overview

The Dean of Students supports the Principal and Assistant Principal in enhancing teaching quality and student learning experiences. Collaborating with school leadership, counselors, and other deans, the role fosters a positive discipline environment with consistent behavior interventions. The Dean plays an active part in school events, partners with families, and contributes to creating an atmosphere conducive to student growth. Note that the Dean does not oversee instructional staff.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with school leadership and specialists to establish and execute disciplinary policies that ensure a secure learning setting.
• Participate in or lead discussions concerning students' special or emerging needs.
• Serve as a liaison among families, legal entities, and human service providers when required.
• Support teachers with behavioral strategies in classrooms.
• Address student attendance and discipline matters, referring as appropriate.
• Work with families to enhance learning both at school and home.
• Assist in managing student behavior alongside specialized personnel.
• Support administrative leaders in student conduct resolutions.
• Compile and present discipline data, including detentions and suspensions, during weekly student support meetings.
• Collaborate with the administrative team to analyze data and develop interventions to reduce repeated disciplinary issues.
• Promote social curricula that encourage positive social, emotional, and behavioral growth in students.
• Ensure Tier 1 instructional methods foster academic and socio-emotional development, uphold high standards, engage diverse learners, and utilize instructional time effectively.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with staff, students, families, and external agencies to support student welfare.
• Help create and sustain a personalized, positive school climate with effective safety, health, social, and emotional support systems.
• Implement school-wide behavior expectations and assist with supervision during student transitions.
• Encourage professional development that promotes reflective practices, data usage, and evidence-based improvements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned related to the role's objectives and participate actively in school committees focused on student support.
• Maintain ethical conduct and cultural proficiency at all times.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Expertise in Positive Behavior Intervention Systems (PBIS) tailored to elementary settings.
• Understanding of tiered intervention strategies and maintaining positive classroom culture as foundational practice.
• Strong leadership and organizational capabilities.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to collaborative professional learning environments.
• Focus on best teaching, learning, and evaluation practices.
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through and multitasking abilities.
• Proven skills in collaborating with families and community entities.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to mitigate barriers to student success.
• Commitment to equity ensuring all students receive high-quality education.

Qualifications and Physical Demands

• Minimum five years of successful public education teaching or related experience within K-8.
• Master's degree from an accredited institution in an applicable field.
• State-issued DESE license for Adjustment/Guidance.
• Physical capabilities include frequent walking, standing, stair navigation, lifting 10-30 lbs, bending, crouching, and prolonged sitting or standing.

Employment Details and Terms

• Work schedule comprises 203 days annually including 184 regular days plus additional time per day totaling approximately 14 extra days.
• Full-time exempt position under SEU, Unit A collective bargaining agreement.
• Compensation and benefits follow union agreement and school committee policies.
• Pre-employment requires Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information clearance and fingerprinting.
• Reports directly to the School Principal.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The school maintains a non-discrimination policy covering race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, national origin, cultural identity, genetics, military status, and prohibits harassment or retaliation that could interfere with individuals’ learning or work environments.