Career Center

Sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys is a tuition-free Episcopal school for children from traditionally underserved communities. The School nurtures the spiritual, intellectual, social-emotional, artistic, and physical development of its students in a Christian community of learners that welcomes boys of all faiths and beliefs. Working in close partnership with students and families, the School strives to create an environment where each boy is challenged to reach his full academic potential and receives the structured support necessary to develop his unique gifts.  The Bishop Walker School seeks to foster a love of learning, intellectual curiosity, spiritual foundation, and moral character that each boy will need as a student, as a citizen, and as a child of God.

The Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys seeks a dynamic Dean of Students and School Counselor to serve all scholars in grades K-5 for the 2022-23 school year. This member of the student support will support the evolution and maintenance of BWS’ climate, culture, and socioemotional wellness. Their work will shape the students’ embodiment of the school’s core values - knowledge, independence, nobility, generosity, and servant leadership - as well as exemplify the ways students’ moral character is forged and supported. The Dean of Students and School Counselor should be the model of a warm demander, pairing their empathetic spirit with formal and practical experience as an urban educator and reflective practitioner.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Education, Child Psychology/Development or related field, a Master's degree or graduate study in these areas preferred
• Experience as a youth/school counselor or social worker, with preference given to candidates with a unique blend of experiences

Dean of Students/School Counselor

A collaboration of four categories, the Dean of Students and School Counselor is primarily  responsible for the following duties and responsibilities: 

School Culture Responsibilities: 

• Ensure a safe and orderly school culture utilizing principles of Restorative Practices
• Serve as the on site trainer and model practitioner of Restorative Practices
• Observe, supervise, and support the faculty with respect to their development  and implementation of the Restorative Practices program 
• Support the orientation of teachers to programs and services that ensure that they are familiar with and adhere to best practices in behavior intervention strategies and policies 
• Support the development of the school wide master schedule, after-school program schedule, and summer learning schedule as a part of the Master Scheduling committee for final approval by the Head of School 
• Collaborate with Head of School on Faculty, Staff, and Family handbooks 
• Support the Head of school in designing, developing, and implementing  strategies to root a positive, encouraging, and inspirational school culture in school policies, practices, procedures, school gatherings and shared physical spaces. 
• Be an active, contributing member of the BWS Culture Building Team with the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, auxiliary school counselors, and all other staff members

Responsibilities Regarding Students: 

• Oversee the collection, management, and analysis of student data regarding behavior actions and intervention responses
• Coordinate the continuum of care for students’ social emotional needs in support of character and academic development. 
• Implement disciplinary procedures as outlined in the BWS Faculty and Staff and  Family Handbooks 
• Investigate and suggest responses to all high-level disciplinary actions- including suspensions and expulsions that align with the Restorative Practices program- and share findings with the Assistant Head of School and Head of School for approval and to inform formal school decisions  
• Support the planning and presentation of Community Gathering, school assemblies, and programs to support school-wide character development goals and school pride

Responsibilities Regarding School Counseling: 

• Suggest accommodations and modifications to student ISPs and 504s (individual school plans), as needed
• Organize, monitor, and share appropriate information on student group sessions with school leadership and families
• Stay current on best practices and organizations that support counseling strategies for boys of color, elementary age students, and urban youth 

Responsibilities Regarding the Parent Partnership: 

• Ensure that student behavior and socioemotional wellness interventions are regularly communicated to parents
• Compose student-specific parent communications regarding behavior intervention, counseling, and scholar response(s) to school culture and expectations
• Maintain open communication with parents in support of their students’ success  and well-being
• Design, support, and encourage parent education opportunities
• Develop strong, supportive relationships with students, their families, and their extended support system 

Responsibilities regarding the Greater Community: 

• Attend and be an active participant or chaperone in school wide events before or after school, as needed
• Support and collaborate with the Chief Operations Officer in ensuring that volunteers are properly supported and effectively integrated into the school’s behavior interventions and school culture.
• Support school partnerships in aligning their behavior interventions with our strategies, approaches, and practices
• Support all other duties as assigned

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Head of School Mike Molina via email at mmolina@bishopwalkerschool.org and Director of Curriculum Itea Bell Tanner at ibelltanner@bishopwalkerschool.org.