High School Dean of Student Support

  • Full-time
  • Hiring Start Time: July 2020 Start

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a non-profit network of 53 outstanding public charter schools in grades K-12 across New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Our mission is to start and manage outstanding urban public charter schools that close the achievement gap and prepare students from low-income backgrounds for success in college and beyond. We are accomplishing that mission every day, with a college graduation rate that is well above the national average and thousands of stories of our students and alumni achieving their dreams.

Job Description

The Dean of Student Support (DOSS) is passionate about supporting the students with disabilities who are at-risk for academic underperformance due to emotional and/or physical challenges so that they can succeed in the school’s rigorous academic program. The DOSS holds primary responsibility for the ongoing development, implementation, and leadership of the school’s special needs program.  As part of the administrative team, the DOSS plays a central role in the success of the school. The DOSS also works closely with the Principal and Director of Operations of his or her school and other schools supported by Uncommon.  Specific Responsibilties are as follows:

Student Support Compliance and Coordination

  • Ensure the quality of the services provided to students with IEPs, through walkthroughs of Special Education settings across the school and managing and ensuring ensure testing accommodations are being met
  • Coordinate Behavior Intervention Plans planning and execution, with support of Special Education Coordinators, Dean of Students & Social Workers  including the use of monitoring tools and re-evaluation multiple times throughout the school year as well as running weekly meetings to develop support plans for individual students who are struggling
  • Facilitate support for general education teachers on their responsibilities towards student with Individual Education Programs (IEPs), including leading professional development sessions and assisting in the implementation of classroom modifications and accommodations
  • Communicate with families to request initial evaluations for potential new IEPs

Student Support Management, Leadership, and Collaboration

  • Manage and oversee the Special Education Coordinators to coordinate paraprofessionals and Related Service Providers and  provide updates to the grade level team about student progress
  • Work closely with the Dean of Student to establish a positive, structured, achievement-oriented, and creative school culture;
  • Run Special Education Team and coach Special Education teachers, Social Workers, and the English New Language Teacher
  • Collaborate with the Director of Special Education, Leaders within the school and Special Education Leaders across Uncommon Schools to maximize the ability of the school to support students’ academic and socio-emotional development;
  • Support teachers to hold all students to high and consistent behavioral expectations;

Cultural Leadership and General School Support

  • Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds, characters & lives of students both in and out of school.
  • Show unwavering commitment to urban youth achieving greatness.
  • Create a positive, structured learning environment to ensure that students observe the school’s core values, high expectations, and strict code of conduct.
  • Oversee implementation of curricula and activities to meet academic standards.
  • Use assessment data to refine curriculum and inform instructional practices
  • Teach classes or small groups, as necessary;

Qualifications

  • Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom.
  • Proven track-record of high achievement in the classroom.
  • Mastery of and enthusiasm for academic subjects.
  • Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player.
  • Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s degree is preferred.
  • Minimum of five years teaching and leading experience in an urban public school or charter school setting.
  • Special Education teaching certification required
  • Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable. 

Additional Information

Uncommon Schools offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package.  Aside from extensive professional development, all our staff members are equipped with a laptop computer, email, and all necessary supplies.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through creating a space for important dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students.  As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.