Details
Posted: 10-Jan-22
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Type: Full Time
Required Education: 4 Year Degree
Salary: Depends on experience
Categories:
Dean of Students
Breck School
Job Description
Title: LS Dean of Grades 1-4
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports to: LS Division Director
Hours: Core Hours are 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Vacation: Holiday Break, Spring Break, Month of July
Effective Date: 1/1/2022
School Overview
Breck School is a preschool through twelve, coeducational college preparatory, Episcopal day school located in Golden Valley, Minnesota with a national reputation for excellence and achievement in academics, athletics, and the arts. Our School’s Episcopal roots are lived through an unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging where we respect the dignity of every human being. We are a close and caring community that focuses on lifelong learning and a commitment to the greater good.
We are a community of highly engaged and motivated students, faculty, staff, and school leaders focused on building trusting relationships, strong scholarship, through a practice of bridging research to practice. Upon graduation, Breck students are prepared for a life of intellectual curiosity, self-knowledge, and social responsibility, matriculating to colleges and universities throughout the world.
Position Overview
Breck School seeks a dynamic educational leader who is passionate about children, teaching, and learning to serve as a Dean of Lower School. The Lower School Dean shares responsibilities for the Division with the Lower School administrative team. The LS Dean provides collaborative leadership to foster a caring, positive, and engaging learning environment for students. Building a partnership with parents is an important part of the role. With an understanding of child development, curriculum, teaching and learning, the Dean works with others to provide programming and support for students’ academic and social/emotional growth.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
School Culture and Community
- Embraces and promotes Breck’s Mission and Values, Outcome Statement, Schoolwide Goals, and Special Programs.
- Supports the goals of the school with leadership and participation.
- Communicates and promotes a positive, constructive and professional relationship with students, families, and colleagues.
- Is present and visible in the school community.
- Attends community events, especially those involving Lower School students and families.
- Participates in the admissions process and events organized for prospective parents.
- Participates as a member of the Student Support Team.
- Maintains a culture that is conducive to all members feeling a sense of belonging.
Academic Programming
- Provides vision and leadership for academic learning and development.
- Shares expertise in education philosophies and curriculum.
- Provides coaching and professional development for faculty.
- Supports teachers in their use of anecdotal and data-driven assessments.
- Research curriculum that supports the goals of the educational program.
- Collaborates with the Academic Leadership team to maintain P-12 alignment.
- Works in tandem with the Peter Clark Center for Mind, Brain Education.
- Collaborates with faculty to create and sustain programs for students that foster creativity, innovation, and critical thinking.
Student Life
- Interacts with students and faculty to establish a joyful, kind, and caring community.
- Supports programming that fosters social and emotional skill development..
- Administers appropriate discipline, using restorative practices as a framework for problem-solving and decision-making.
- Provides guidance to children as they develop their understanding of school expectations.
- Communicates regularly with parents and teachers regarding behavior and discipline.
- Coordinates and facilitates conferences related to academic and student needs.
- Maintains accurate student discipline records including documentation of interventions, consequences, and communications.
- Participates in community-building activities.
Family Engagement
- Develops a supportive home/school relationship with families as they navigate the school journey.
- Communicates with clarity and listens with respect and intention.
- Works with the Parents’ Association to provide programming for parents/families.
Additional Responsibilities
- Participates in the recruitment, hiring, supervision, evaluation and retention of faculty.
- Serves on committees, as requested by Division leadership and/or the Head of School.
- Supports transition needs as students move between grades and divisions.
- Supports the acquisition of materials for classroom learning.
- With the Lower School administrative team, coordinates classroom assignments and supports the creation of the Lower School schedule.
- Meets regularly with Middle/Upper School Division Deans and Program Directors.
- Other duties, as requested and assigned.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred)
- Minimum 5 years of teaching or related experience in Early Childhood education
- Previous administrative experience desired
Competencies
- Knowledge of curriculum and instructional practices
- Strong classroom teaching experience
- Understanding of practices and programs to guide student discipline.
- Experience using data to make decisions and coach faculty.
- Ability to work collaboratively with others.
- Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated in relationship-building.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to create partnerships with parents and community members
- Strong organizational skills in order to set priorities, manage workload, and handle multiple responsibilities.
- Ability to guide and provide instructional coaching for teachers.
- A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Demonstrates flexibility, judgment, and collaborative skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative, professional relationships.
To apply: submit letter of interest, resume and two letters of reference: employment@breckschool.org