Dean of Instruction

2013-2014 School Year: Dean of Instruction Job Description

Position Overview

The dean of instruction is responsible for the academic success of students. The dean inspires teachers to excel in their jobs and motivates students to achieve their highest potential. He or she provides instructional and administrative leadership to the teaching staff, oversees the implementation of the curriculum, coordinates assessments, and monitors students' academic performance.

Responsibilities

The dean of instruction is responsible for:

Academic oversight. The dean ensures the academic success of students; recommends necessary actions and strategies; oversees effective implementation of curriculum and instruction; reviews and implements pacing charts; coordinates the administration of all assessments, including weekly computerized tests; coordinates the timely and accurate data entry of scores; thoroughly analyzes tests results and academic performance, identifies problems, recommends and implements solutions in a timely manner; and reviews report cards for accuracy in academic entries.

Teacher coaching. The dean coaches and mentors the faculty; and ensures that teaching is at all times intentional, engaging, and rigorous.

Academic operations. The dean ensures textbooks and materials are provided for each classroom and matched to the pacing charts; secures additional materials needed to meet state-mandated curriculum and state testing requirements; coordinates the referral of students with perceived special needs to appropriate personnel; and plans and leads assigned school events and programs.

Admissions and placement. The dean ensures the appropriate placement of applicants; and actively participates in explaining the SABIS educational system to staff, parents, students, and the community at large.

Staff management. The dean ensures the right spirit, determines and recommends staffing needs and teachers' workloads; effectively assesses and recommends teacher candidates; monitors and assesses teacher performance, and ensures required training and development; and trains and supports teachers in Ascend and SABIS methods.

Internal relationships. The dean ensures smooth and efficient working relations that positively impact academics; works closely and efficiently with the school director, the school leadership team, and Ascend Learning staff to ensure student success and smooth operations; and requests support as needed.

Internal reporting and compliance. The dean ensures the proper implementation of SABIS academic systems and standards; maintains a professional image; and completes needed periodic reports in a timely and accurate manner.

Student/parent relations. The dean reinforces positive student behavior and establishes rapport with students; counsels students with serious academic problems; reviews and approves official school communications regarding academic progress or updates; and coordinates individual academic concerns with parents as appropriate.

Staff and Reporting Relationships

The dean of instruction reports to the school director, works closely with Ascend Learning, and is a member of the school leadership team.

Qualifications

Candidates must have:

- A clear record of elevating student achievement in an urban classroom, with a strong understanding of pedagogy that drives results

- Demonstrated success using data to drive instruction

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

- Strong communication skills (written and oral)

- Excellent skills of organization and follow-through

- A bachelor's degree (master's or higher preferred)

Because some of our students' parents speak only Spanish, preference will be given to applicants who speak Spanish. We strongly encourage alumni of Teach For America, Education Pioneers, The New Teacher Project, and New Leaders for New Schools to apply.

Skills/Traits

The dean of instruction must:

- Be relentlessly committed to preparing every student for college

- Possess strong leadership and team skills

- Be a self-aware leader who knows how to treat all members of the school's community with respect

- Apply superb organizational, self-management, planning, and execution skills to handle multiple responsibilities and solve problems effectively

- Be dependable and goal-oriented

- Be driven to improve the minds and lives of students from underserved communities, and dedicated to doing whatever it takes to help all the school's students achieve academic success

- Be passionate about academic learning and insistent on academic excellence and rigor at all times

- Demonstrate alignment with the educational philosophy and core beliefs of Ascend Learning

Application Instructions

Qualified candidates please visit C:\Users\Budd\Documents\Ascend%20Learning\Job%20Descriptions\Latest\www.ascendlearning.org">www.ascendlearning.org.