Posted: 15-May-25
Location: Palo Alto, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: $95,000 to $110,000 annually
Categories:
Required Education:
The Girls’ Middle School
Imagine a school where each day is alive with learning and the spirit of adventure. Since its founding in 1998, The Girls’ Middle School (GMS) has been committed to progressive education and innovative programming, meeting the needs of a wide range of middle school students who make up our vibrant, inclusive community. Our project-based curriculum encourages creative problem-solving, collaborative teamwork, and independent thought. GMS educates girls* during a pivotal time in their lives. Students develop self-knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills supported by a staff highly attuned to their changing emotional and social needs. GMS encourages girls to find their voices, take risks, and become self-reliant. Learn more about GMS: www.girlsms.org and https://youtu.be/SatUBcjwkxA?feature=shared
*At GMS, “girls” refers to cis girls, trans girls, non-binary youth, gender non-conforming youth, gender queer youth, and any girl-identified youth.
Mission
The Girls’ Middle School educates girls at a crucial time in life. We create an inclusive environment where academic growth is nourished. A GMS girl discovers her strengths and expresses her voice while respecting the contributions of others.
The Position
The Girls’ Middle School is seeking a dedicated and experienced middle school educator to join a dynamic team of administrators and faculty responsible for guiding and supporting the overall student experience at GMS. The Dean of Student Life will organize and oversee all areas of student life at GMS, leveraging co-curricular activities to ensure every student is deeply connected to the community and has a variety of opportunities in and outside of the classroom to develop the academic and socio-emotional skills that are characteristic of a GMS graduate. The Dean of Student Life will play an integral leadership role in collaboration with the Learning Specialist, the Social and Emotional Learning Director, and the Guidance Advisor. This group will be led by the Assistant Head of School. The Dean of Student Life will report to the Assistant Head of School.
Teaching at GMS
At the core of GMS is our extraordinary faculty. Every teacher at GMS has a passion for working with middle school girls and believes in the fundamental value of the middle school experience. They are attentive to, value, and support every student in the school. The GMS teachers are middle school specialists and subject matter experts, bringing passion to their work and sharing it with the students. Whatever interests a GMS student – from physics to programming, sculpture to skateboarding, musical theatre to metal shop – there is an adult ready to help them advance that interest as far as they can go.
The Dean of Student Life, like the members of the GMS Faculty, participates in a joyful, inclusive, and respectful community of students and adults. You will be surrounded by enthusiastic, dedicated, and mission-driven faculty who appreciate autonomy in creating learning experiences while thriving in a collaborative environment. Our teachers enjoy opportunities to create multi-faceted, interdisciplinary projects and participate in engaging field trips and travel experiences. Serving also as an administrator at GMS, the Dean of Student Life is responsible for supporting faculty initiatives in support of the student experience.
Key Job Responsibilities
- Organize and oversee all areas of student life, including but not limited to - Advisory and House Programs, Student Clubs, Student-led assemblies, Student Council, and Electives
- Work closely with the sixth-grade team to organize the beginning-of-the-year student orientation programming
- Work closely with all grade-level teams to organize grade-level events and special end-of-year activities
- Teach sixth-grade 'Learning Lab' class to develop self-awareness and self-confidence through lessons that target executive function skills such as planning and reflection, and communication skills such as empathic listening, courage, safe vulnerability, and self-advocacy. This class will build the community's newest students' sense of belonging and introduce them to GMS's collaborative culture. This class occurs once a week in the first semester.
- Lead regular meetings with the Student Support Team regarding specific student needs. Ensure student support plans are documented and student progress is monitored.
- Collaborate with the Assistant Head of School on student disciplinary matters
- Collaborate with leaders of other departments as needed to support student participation
- Support the Program Associate with student logistics, including - implementation of MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) testing, Intersession, field trips, etc.
- Develop relationships with students to ensure every student is known and nurtured and finds activities that are meaningful to them
- Ensure campus culture is safe, joyful, and aligned to GMS mission and values
Equity, inclusion, and belonging are at the heart of our mission. The Girls’ Middle School was founded on the core belief that diverse and inclusive communities are strong communities. We are committed to creating a school culture that welcomes all aspects of each individual’s identity. We are actively seeking individuals who value equitable education and are committed to fostering an environment of agency and belonging for our diverse student body.
The Girls’ Middle School is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its hiring and promotion process without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, partnership status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital, parental or familial status, national origin, ethnicity, veteran or military status, age, disability, or any other legally protected basis.
The candidate must be authorized to work in the United States. GMS does not support applications for work visas.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Comprehensive Employee Health Benefits (full medical, dental & vision coverage)
- Retirement matching
- Access to engaging and personalized professional development
- The Girls’ Middle School uses a competitive salary scale. The salary for this position ranges from $95,000 to $110,000, commensurate with experience. This is an 11-month position on a faculty schedule.
Key Qualifications
- Teaching and leadership experience, with a strong preference for experience with middle school-aged students
- Experience implementing Restorative Practices or an eagerness to become trained in Restorative Practices is a big plus
- Experience working on a collaborative team
- Experience and/or deep interest in guiding and shaping a positive culture for learning and development
- Undergraduate degree in a relevant field of study
Skills & Qualities
- Enthusiasm for the mission of The Girls’ Middle School
- Demonstrated skill in designing equitable and inclusive educational experiences and learning environments that incorporate themes of diversity and belonging
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Openness to feedback and a growth mindset
- Eagerness and ability to work in a highly collaborative environment
- Excitement and willingness to participate in all school events, which may include overnight trips
- Passion for supporting girls in discovering their strengths and finding their voice
- A sense of humor and love for the middle-school age