Career Center

Since 1973, Dunn has integrated and supported college-bound students with learning differences in a mainstream college-prep environment. Our Learning Strategies Program serves bright, motivated students in grades 6-12 with a constructive, practical and inspiring program that maximizes each student's success.  Students within the Learning Strategies Program enroll in the same college-preparatory classes as all other students as we deliver on our mission to “educate whole students to their fullest potential in preparation for a life of learning and responsible leadership in society.” To accomplish our mission, we as students, teachers, staff, parents, trustees, and friends are committed to understanding and living by five core values: Emotional Wellness, Physical Readiness, Intellectual Growth, Social Responsibility, and Moral Courage.

Dunn School is seeking our next Director for our nationally acclaimed Learning Strategies Program. 

Position Summary: 

The Director of Learning Strategies supervises the teachers in the Learning Strategies Program, while teaching in the program as well. There are six to seven teachers in the Learning Strategies Department, including the Director, and students in grades six through twelve are served in one-on-one sessions as well as in a 5:1 class called “Executive Group.”  

The Director of Learning Strategies works closely with the other members of the Student Life Team, which is led by the Associate Head of School for Student Life and Professional Growth. The team consists of (listed in alphabetical order):

• The Dean of Dunn Middle School
• The Dean of Dunn Upper School
• The Dean of Equity and Inclusion
• The Director of College Counseling
• The Director of Counseling
• The Director of Health Services
• The Director of Learning Strategies
• The Director of Residential Life

At Dunn School, teacher effectiveness and impact are measured and aligned to the Dunn School Characteristics of Professional Excellence (follow this link for more detail), The CPEs describe an educator who is committed to the following: Professional Growth, Collegiality/Community, Mission and Core Values, Student-Centered, Academic Excellence, Individualized Instruction.

Opportunities (Responsibilities)

• Oversee the Learning Strategies Program of Dunn School
• Please see more detailed description below
• Teach and Advise 3-4 Learning Strategies Students
• Teach Enrichment classes (approximately three times per year)
• Teach 1 Mini-Term class (1 week)
• Coach after-school athletics or activities
• Participate in our Residential Life Program
• Participate in the Dunn School Outdoor Education and Leadership Programs
• Oversee the ACT/SAT accommodation process for all Dunn students
• Other opportunities and roles as needed

About Dunn School

Dunn is a community centered on educating the whole student. For us, whole student education is not just a meaningless phrase, instead it captures all of what we try to do at Dunn in and out of the classroom. We deliver on whole student education through the following learning outcomes that we call core values: Emotional Wellness, Physical Readiness, Intellectual Growth, Social Responsibility, and Moral Courage. 

Our curriculum, co-curricular programs, advisory, evaluative systems, and pedagogical approach are measured by our core values, and this is how we know whole student education is more than just a phrase.

Our school was founded in 1957 by a dynamic educator who embodied the spirit of our motto,  “Ne Tentes Aut Perfice,” essentially translating to mean “all or nothing” —  a statement that reflects a special entrepreneurial spirit urging Dunn community members, adults and students alike to accomplish what they set out to do. Following in the traditions of our founder, Tony Dunn, our professional community members throughout the decades have helped build the community we have today–a vibrant community of kind learners who pride themselves on building lasting relationships with each other.

All this unfolds before the beautiful Santa Barbara County backdrop of Los Olivos, California, nestled in the picturesque mountains of the Santa Ynez Valley and within a stone’s throw of the Pacific Ocean. Outdoor opportunities abound, and what better way to experience them than from within such an encouraging and nurturing professional community?

Wages/Benefits

This is a full time, exempt (salaried) position, which is eligible for Dunn School’s full benefits package including: medical, dental, retirement, life and AD&D, and tuition remission. 

The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $90,000. Actual salary will be dependent upon experience.

How to Apply

?Apply for Director of Learning Strategies using the link below:

Dunn School Employment Opportunities

Dunn is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks a diverse and broad spectrum of quali?ed candidates. Dunn's background screening process requires employees to undergo a social media check, satisfactory reference checks with prior and current employers, and a successful criminal background screening.

Director of Learning Strategies

Detailed Job Description

The Director of the Learning Strategies Program is responsible for day to day oversight of the LS Department and the strategic development of the Learning Strategies Program. The following are special duties associated with this position:

• Overseeing the process of producing formal education plans for all Dunn in the Learning Strategies Program, or who receive accommodations
• Assisting the Director of Admissions in reviewing applicant files of students to determine appropriateness of enrollment in the LS program, interviewing applicants and their families, and assigning appropriate LS teacher/advisors for all new students enrolled in the program
• Working closely with the Associate Heads of School in developing and implementing curriculum
• Providing professional development for the faculty and staff of Dunn School focused on the needs of students with learning differences and best practices and strategies for teaching these students
• Serving as an ongoing resource for faculty and staff with their understanding and methodology for working with students’ learning needs
• Oversee and facilitate regular communication with LS students’ families
• Serve on Student Life Team

The following are the Basic Expectations of Dunn’s Department Chairs:

• Set departmental objectives in collaboration with Associate Heads and department members
• Work professionally and collaboratively with other department chairs and Associate Head of School for Academics and Curriculum to achieve academic and curricular aims
• Serve as a role model of professionalism, teaching excellence and professional growth
• Communicate information to members of the department regarding policies, curriculum development, professional development opportunities, etc.
• Hold regularly scheduled department meetings and provide updates to the Associate Head of School for Academics and Curriculum when appropriate
• Stay up to date on current research related to curriculum and pedagogy; be aware of teaching objectives, materials, and methods used by department members, as well as course grades and ongoing development of advanced level courses
• Serve as mentor to members of the department, observing and providing feedback on a regular basis. 
• Communicate departmental aims and values and give recognition of innovation, collaboration, and creativity within the department.
• Work in conjunction with Dunn School’s Director of Technology and librarian to ensure appropriate resources, material and training for students and faculty.
• Assist in the search for mission-appropriate candidates to fill departmental openings
• Assist in creation of annual departmental budget, ensuring appropriate funds for textbooks, supplies, departmental trips, etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Heads of School and Head of School

Core Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to lead others in an academic environment
• Experience working with students who have learning differences in a 6th- through 12th-grade educational environment
• MA degree in special education or a closely related field
• Growth mindset, flexibility, comfort with quick pace of change and openness to collaboration and experimentation
• A breadth of knowledge of high-school curricula
• Superior writing, communication and organization skills
• Demonstrated ability to integrate technology in content delivery/skill development
• Demonstrable commitment to professional growth, openness to feedback and improvement, modeling lifelong learning of practice as well as subject area
• A sense of humor, a commitment to teaching the whole student, and a desire to help guide adolescents in their journey from childhood to young adulthood
• Ability to connect with a diversity of age groups (from adults/ parents to incoming late adolescent students), as well as individuals from a diversity of cultures and economic backgrounds

• Ability to keep calm in stressful or crisis situations
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Commitment to the ongoing work of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion across the Dunn School community

Requirements

• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated managerial and administrative organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to integrate technology in systems of school management
• Strong listening skills
• Ability to speak in front of large groups

• Experience in managing and resolving conflict
• Administrators are expected to contribute to the overall life of the school. Toward that end, all administrators and faculty members are expected to:
• show positive interest in school issues and contribute to a sense of community by attending school events (athletic contests, dramatic performances, special projects, DUNN events, etc.)
• show discretion with students, colleagues, and others in sharing, or not sharing, information
• remain on campus until all necessary work is completed before each break
• attend professional community meetings, as well as any in-service / extraordinary professional community meetings scheduled by the Head of School or the Associate Heads of School
• attend Fall Family Weekend and Spring Family Weekend
• attend opening-of-school events
• attend end-of-year celebrations, including Annual Awards Ceremony, and Commencement
• be certified in First Aid and CPR

About Dunn School

Dunn is a community centered on educating the whole student. For us, whole student education is not just a meaningless phrase, instead it captures all of what we try to do at Dunn in and out of the classroom. We deliver on whole student education through the following learning outcomes that we call core values: Emotional Wellness, Physical Readiness, Intellectual Growth, Social Responsibility, and Moral Courage. Our curriculum, co-curricular programs, advisory, evaluative systems, and pedagogical approach are measured by our core values, and this is how we know whole student education is more than just a phrase. Our school was founded in 1957 by a dynamic educator who embodied the spirit of our motto, “Ne Tentes Aut Perfice,” essentially translating to mean “all or nothing.” — a statement that reflects a special entrepreneurial spirit urging Dunn community members, adults and students alike to accomplish what they set out to do. Following in the traditions of our founder, Tony Dunn, our professional community members throughout the decades have helped build the community we have today–a vibrant community of kind learners who pride themselves on building lasting relations...hips with each other. All this unfolds before the beautiful Santa Barbara County backdrop of Los Olivos, California, nestled in the picturesque mountains of the Santa Ynez Valley and within a stone’s throw of the Pacific Ocean. Outdoor opportunities abound, and what better way to experience them than from within such an encouraging and nurturing professional community?

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