Career Center

Description 

Baker Demonstration School, an independent progressive PK-8 school on Chicago’s North Shore, is seeking an innovative Dean of Faculty to guide and support a vibrant learning culture. The Dean of Faculty will support the PK-8 learning experience and strengthen the culture of this connected, innovative community. We value candidates who have a love of people - students, teachers, and parents; are innovative and knowledgeable about experiential learning; approach children from a developmental lens; and are collaborative, strengths-based leaders. This 11 month position will include teaching 1-2 classes or electives in the candidate’s area of expertise. 

School Information 

Founded in 1918, Baker Demonstration School is an independent day school committed to providing an exemplary Preschool, Elementary and Middle School progressive education to our 200 students. Our students come from Chicago, Evanston, Wilmette and other North Shore communities. We believe that children learn best in an inclusive, creative community that encourages individual risk-taking and values learning by doing. Baker’s experiential approach nurtures the development of the whole child enabling each student to be fully prepared for intellectual, artistic, physical and social/emotional challenges well beyond Baker. 

At Baker: 

• We cultivate our students’ intrinsic motivation to learn and their active participation in the learning process 
• We foster excellence through critical thinking and integrated connections across academic and artistic endeavors 
• We promote collaboration while developing leadership capacity 
• We foster citizenship by encouraging students to develop self-awareness and compassion for others ? We celebrate individual, familial and cultural identities and graduate students with an understanding and respect for diversity, equity and inclusivity 

Application Materials 

Candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and educational philosophy to 

employment@bakerdemschool.org. 

Non-Discrimination and Disability Policy 

Baker Demonstration School is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions, including those related to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and recognition of individuals on the basis of their ability and job related qualifications and without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or any other classification prescribed under applicable federal, state, or local law. We actively seek diversity among faculty and administration as well as among students. The school complies with the law regarding reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application/interview process are requested to contact the School in order to arrange such accommodation.

Requirements 

• Experienced leader in centering equity, inclusivity and cultural competency and supporting initiatives that align with the school’s mission and guiding principles
• Innovative, visionary educator, skilled at designing and facilitating learning experiences and school-wide initiatives that engage students and staff 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and deep knowledge of current & innovative curricular and programmatic trends 
• Advanced degree in a related field required 
• Proven commitment to engaging in community & curricular conversations about equity and inclusivity
• Passion and skill to contribute positively to the school community and to develop strong relationships with students, teachers, colleagues and families 

Responsibilities 

• Leads the academic programs of the school, serving as a key support, consultant, and collaborator for teachers in classroom pedagogy and practices. Provides faculty coaching, orientation and mentorship for new faculty, and curriculum and professional development support
• Complete the Portrait of a Learner project that has been started to describe the skills, and habits of mind and body that Baker aspires to be common for students, staff and faculty across all grade levels and subject areas
• Serve as a critical thought partner to the Head of School and participate as a collaborative and engaged member of the Leadership Team
• Articulates to faculty, parents and students the academic scope and sequence of the school’s full arc of experience. Integrating curriculum guidelines with Portrait of a Learner goals, while also embracing teacher’s progressive creativity to explore areas of passion and interest
• Oversee, facilitate, and help coordinate parental, faculty, and student academic concerns and needs. ? Supports the communication of curricular philosophies and practices with the school’s many constituencies, platforms and events, such as Back to School Night, Admission events for new families, and Curriculum Nights
• Together with the leadership team, evaluate and provide feedback to faculty to support their development