High School Dean of Student Culture [IMMEDIATE START]

About Great Oaks Charter Schools

The mission of Great Oaks Charter Schools is to mold students who will shape the world, not be defined by it. Our approach is centered around the design principles of Mastery, Leadership and Community to foster students’ ability to be confident, persist through challenges, and embrace failure as an opportunity to learn & grow. 

At Great Oaks, we are committed to providing a rigorous 6-12 academic program that fosters positive school culture and building authentic relationships with families. We combine project-based learning, an advanced curriculum, and supplementary tutorial support to maximize student agency. We are seeking highly-talented, experienced, tenacious educators who enjoy thinking outside the box and share the belief that all students deserve a high-quality education. 

About Great Oaks Charter School – New York City

The Great Oaks Charter School - New York City (GO-NYC) opened in the Fall of 2013 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The school currently serves approximately 310 students in 6th-11th grades. At scale, Great Oaks - NYC will serve students in grades 6th-12th. GO-NYC recently opened its doors in its new location at 240 Bleecker Street in the West Village.  At GO-NYC, we utilize a full inclusion model which means that every core class is taught as an Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classroom. Our classrooms will typically have two co-teachers (one content, one special education) as well as an Americorps Fellow working with students every day.

Instructional Vision

We believe in the power of deeper learning and know that learning is more than preparing students to be successful on a high stakes standardized test so we give them multiple and diverse opportunities to develop significant knowledge and skills, use their knowledge to produce something original, and connect their learning in every lesson to who they are and who they want to become. We work to understand the grade level challenges and triumphs and use it to measure and reflect on what students know and are able to do. We believe that mistakes lead to growth and know that our students’ success and growth is a reflection of our efficacy as teachers and leaders; so we carefully consider data daily to improve and innovate.

Cultural Vision 

We create a safe learning environment and a sense of belonging where students explore their passion, purpose and knowledge of self. We connect with our student's families and partner with them to increase investment and connection. We prioritize socio-emotional learning and trauma-informed practices so that our students feel known, loved and valued. We support our students both inside of the classroom and out.

Position Summary

The Dean of Student Culture works collaboratively and enthusiastically with the Leadership Team under the guidance of the Principal to shape and sustain a school culture of discipline and warmth while ensuring that the students internalize the school’s values and goals for academic excellence. The Dean of Student Culture works directly with students and parents to uphold a strong positive culture.

Key responsibilities include:

• Building a transformative school culture consistent with Great Oaks core values and mission
• Ensures that staff are skilled in restorative practice and sensitive handling of students’ social-emotional issues
• Designing and implementing programs that recognize and celebrate positive behaviors and mindsets
• Devising rituals that promote culture, sustain school values and create a school-wide identity among students
• Cultivating students’ cultural competency, growth and development through school programs and events
• Building a support network for students by meeting with, listening to and seeking to understand the needs of students as individuals and the student body as a whole
• Implementing behavior management tools including overseeing staff training in behavior management policies, techniques, and strategies and ensuring consistent deployment of such tools school-wide
• Meeting with students referred by teachers and communicating and meeting with students’ parents/guardians in a constructive manner
• Ensuring that consequences for infractions are fairly and consistently implemented throughout the school community
• Review school data weekly to ensure discipline data reflects fair and equitable discipline amongst all students; follow up with appropriate next steps when a concern is identified
• Implementing and ensuring the school-wide use of information technology tools for reporting and documenting student culture information
• Ensuring documentation of communications with parents regarding student attendance, academic progress, and discipline

Qualifications and Competencies

The successful candidate will have substantial experience in an urban school setting. S/he will have a proven track record of upholding a positive school culture that promotes academic excellence. S/he will be skilled at using a consultative and analytic approach to solve problems and to derive the best outcome for students. The successful candidate will also have:

• A strong academic record with a Bachelor’s degree from a competitive college or university required; advanced degree preferred
• At least 2 years of demonstrated experience in a leadership role within an urban school setting; turnaround school experience highly preferred
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written; ability to provide constructive feedback to staff members
• Superb organizational and self-management skills and an ability to handle multiple responsibilities effectively and thoughtfully
• Self confidence, flexibility and the ability to respond well to feedback and implement it immediately
• The ability to thrive in a fast paced environment where the ability to multitask and prioritize work is essential
• A passion for academic learning and an insistence on academic excellence
• A do-whatever-it takes attitude doing whatever is necessary to help all students achieve academic success including a willingness to work occasionally on the weekend or in the evening.
• A strong belief that all students can succeed

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $100,000; exact compensation will vary based on experience, education, and prorated pending start date.

General Information

This position is for the current school year and the successful candidate will start immediately in January. Selected candidates will be contacted to set up a video interview.

COVID-19 VACCINE

In alignment with evolving public health guidance and industry norms, GO-NYC does not mandate proof of vaccination for staff members and GO Fellows.