Punahou School recognizes the richness of its traditions, as well as its responsibility to deliver a relevant educational experience in a rapidly changing world. It remains anchored in the aim of developing the full potential of each student through a broad and vigorous program of studies and through deep experiences for exploration, growth and mastery.  Our faculty attends to the social-emotional and ethical learning of our students via strong relationships, and learning opportunities to foster empathy, resilience, moral reasoning, and social responsibility. Our teachers are agile learners themselves, demonstrating a growth mindset and a commitment to their continual professional development. Incoming teachers will join a dedicated and inspiring faculty whose ongoing reflection and renewal is supported by a schoolwide culture of collaboration and innovation. 

The Academy Dean will join the high-performing and caring Council of Deans, which includes the Academy Principal, Associate and Assistant Principals, Administrative Dean, and other class Deans (two per grade level). In addition to their work as Deans, and based upon the needs of the school, each Dean additionally serves as a College Counselor. Like other faculty, Deans are responsible for supporting school initiatives and priorities, serving on committees, and committing to professional growth. The Academy Deans operate on a 12-month schedule, with flexible work hours during winter, spring, and summer breaks.

Promote student well-being and learning by multiple means, including:

• Providing responsive services to meet individual students’ immediate needs and concerns: these services include clarifying needs and providing immediate, short-term interventions; personal counseling that assists students in identifying problems, causes, alternatives, and possible consequences so that action can be taken; and referring students and families to mental health providers.
• Personalizing students’ experiences by facilitating access to learning support, counseling support, and teacher support.
• Helping students navigate their curricular and co-curricular options while increasing their self-awareness and self-advocacy and emphasizing the importance of health.
• Helping students and families to manage crisis situations.
• Communicating accurately about college admissions requirements, with an awareness of individual students’ potential, family values and expectations, and developmental readiness.
• Collaborating with teachers, parents, tutors, counselors, and college counselors, learning support specialists, coaches, and doctors to support students.
• Supporting the child-family relationship with developmentally appropriate and ethically sound communication practices.
• Providing parent education to build awareness of the developmental needs of adolescents.
• Maintaining a campus climate that is physically and emotionally safe for students through the administration of student life policies and discipline.
• Working closely with Advisory teachers in developing opportunities for class cohesion, a sense of safety and belonging, and continuous oversight of individual students’ journeys.
• Working closely with other deans and faculty, PFA employees, parent committees and student leaders in creating whole-class experiences at each grade level (assemblies, dances, Sophomore Lu’au, Junior Function, Senior Prom, the Carnival, the Variety Show, Senior Chapel, Baccalaureate, and Commencement).

Position Details:

• Work Year: 12 Months
• School Year: 2025-2026
• Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Schedule may vary based on operational needs
• Minimum of Salary Range*: $126,000 - Compensation is commensurate with qualifications

*Punahou School offers a comprehensive total rewards program that includes competitive pay and benefits. The salary, if displayed, is the minimum salary for the position. Pay for selected candidates will be determined by various factors such as knowledge, skills, abilities, relevant training and experience, and internal equity.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Education or related field. Master's Degree or combination of education, training, and experience.
• Five (5) years of recent experience teaching high school, or comparable work with students in a high school setting.
• Supervisory and/or leadership experience in an education setting.
• Experience working with students and families from diverse ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Familiarity with the mission, goals and objectives of an independent college preparatory academy.
• A track record of patience, understanding, tact, and good humor.
• A strong moral compass.
• A desire to get to know students from all demographics and respond to all types of student issues.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, especially the ability to listen carefully and to read emotions through nonverbal signs.

About Punahou School

Punahou School nurtures the individuality of each child within a vibrant K – 12 school community that celebrates diversity, inspires excellence and connects students for life. Located in Honolulu, Hawai`i, Punahou is the largest coeducational, independent K – 12 school on a single campus in the United States. Students at Punahou have unparalleled opportunities to cultivate their unique interests and talents under the guidance of attentive and caring teachers. Rigorous academics, robust programs in athletics and the arts, and an array of co-curricular opportunities offer an integrated, 21st-century education for the whole child. Students exemplify the diversity and strength of Hawai`i and reflect the School’s commitment to providing robust, need-based financial aid. When students graduate from Punahou, they join a network of 30,000 alumni spanning the globe. Beyond excellent scholars, the School seeks to develop engaged global citizens who can strengthen their communities.

Connections working at Punahou School