Dean of Students

Working within the K-5 or 6-8 grade range, the Dean of Students leads the school’s effort to advance a community of reciprocal respect and compassion, consistent with the school’s philosophy and core values. Working with students, teachers, and parents, the Dean of Students intercedes in day-to-day and more complex instances to provide support which redirects, redeems, restores, and dignifies members of our school community. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Community Development: Strengthens the school community’s understanding of and service to complex and diverse learners and their families. This includes the domains of social/emotional wellbeing, behavior, identity, and equity/inclusion.

de Paul Difference: Shepherds a consistent and congruent schoolwide approach to behavioral support, which emphasizes restoration and growth in self-management. 

● Evaluates and advances faculty mastery of classroom leadership skills which promote positive behaviors, self-management, and trusting relationships. 

● Resolves behavioral or emotional concerns that cannot be adequately addressed by the teacher.

● Facilitates a collaborative process involving family, school, therapists, and other experts to create individualized approaches, as needed, to address a student’s constellation of needs: academic, social, behavioral, and emotional. 

● Communicates proactively with parents to discuss student progress, difficulties, concerns, and responses to de Paul interventions. 

Social-Emotional Learning: Guides the delivery of SEL within the school’s curriculum. 

School Transitions: Oversees communications between schools as students transition out of de Paul from any team. Oversees the timeline of events and family support which guide Team 8 students and their families to their high schools of choice. Cultivates collaborative relationships with local schools.

Eligibility: Serves as point-person for communications with school districts regarding eligibility for services (ARC, Title funding, etc.). May appoint qualified individuals to attend these meetings.

Leadership Team: Communications, administrative planning, and decision-making. Leads in the annual review and publication of the School Handbook. 

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Education, Special Education, Counseling, and/or Administration
• Proven instructional experience and expertise with students who learn differently
• Experiences in both Elementary and Middle School programs
• Exemplary communication skills in 1:1, small group, and public settings
• Unquestionable integrity, particularly in honesty, discernment, and trustworthiness
• Leadership skills that inspire as they explicitly direct others to action
• Highly organized and self-activating