Upper School Dean

Job Description

Job Description

The Upper School is structured administratively to provide the best possible support, guidance and leadership for the students in the Division. The Class Dean is a collaborator and essential thought-partner in the management of the students and academic program in the Upper School, and functions as a member of the Upper School Administrative Team (USAT). Members of this team serve as assistants to the Upper School Principal in matters of discipline, management of the student advisory program, coordinators of academic programs and schedules, and parent communication. Deans at Dwight-Englewood must know students well and be able to work knowledgeably with each of them, and their families. The Dean of a particular grade level assumes the overall responsibility for all students in that grade and follows the grade through the four years of high school. Those responsibilities emanate from the “whole child” approach that the School endorses in its foundation documents, and include all areas of a student’s life in school.

Primary Responsibilities:

Monitor student’s academic, social-emotional, and community growth.

Travel with the grade throughout the four years of Upper School

Participate in the planning and execution of the daily operation of Upper School

Foster a positive climate and visible presence in school and at school events.

Facilitate communication among parents, faculty and students.

Serve as the nexus of the communication and support webs for each student.This includes

Lead the Advisors in the grade in their effort to support their Advisories.

Work collaboratively with the Student Support Team.

Set grade level objectives and policies in concert with fellow Deans

Serve as a collaborator with and thought partner to members of USAT

Support the growth and development of the Division and the pursuit of achieving the mission of the School.

Specific Duties:

Providing for the academic guidance of students and maintain complete academic records on all students in the grade.

Directing the academic scheduling process for this grade, including working with Chairs and Advisors during the placement process.

Working with parents, faculty and other administrators in support of the grade

Monitoring and tracking attendance of students in the grade.

Maintaining student discipline and follow-through with correspondence and record keeping relating to discipline.

Keeping the Principal fully informed on student issues and all other relevant matters pertaining to school life.

Organizing grade-level activities to encourage grade unity and identity.

Attending some evening and weekend events as scheduled (admissions, curriculum, social events)

Collecting and reviewing faculty reports on students and coordinating support services for students with other school personnel.

Assisting in the coordination of the co-curricular and extra-curricular activity programs of the school; to assist in the planning and the presentation of school assemblies and programs; to assist in maintaining a comprehensive calendar of school events.

Lead and/or serve on committees as necessary.

Teaching the equivalent of one “major” class in each semester

Specific duties for the Dean of the ninth grade include:

Transition into the Upper School both rising eighth graders and new students coming from outside of Dwight-Englewood. This includes some work over the summer with the US Principal to learn about the class and collaborate on building Advisories.

Lead an overnight orientation trip.

Coordination of ninth grade teachers and advisors on academic and other “beginning Upper School” issues.

Attendance at meetings and events specific to the ninth grade.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong organizational, collaborative, interpersonal and communication skills.

Strong working knowledge of adolescent development.

Understands, connects well and enjoys working with adolescents.

Creative thinker on issues of co-curricular and whole child education.

Commitment to working with a diverse student body in a diverse educational setting

Ability to work within and contribute to a high performing professional team.

Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Warmth, humor, energy, and compassion for adolescents and their caretakers.

At least five years teaching experience at the Upper School level.

Academic/School leadership experience preferred

Terms of Employment:

The Deans return to school approximately one week prior to the faculty in August and remain approximately one week after the faculty leaves in June to organize and then close out the school year. As administrators, they are expected to remain reasonably available to students, families, and the Upper School Principal over school breaks and closures.

Dwight-Englewood School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, ethnicity, age, national origin, religion, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or military veteran status. The diversity of our student body supports our commitment to employ a diverse faculty and staff. Educators from all backgrounds who bring knowledge and expertise in equity, diversity and multicultural education are especially encouraged to apply.

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