About Buffalo Seminary

Founded in 1851, Buffalo Seminary (SEM) is one of the oldest independent day and boarding schools for girls in the United States. For nearly 175 years, SEM has prepared girls from across Western New York, the United States, and the world to live and lead with honor, courage, and confidence in order to shape society. In 2025, SEM was recognized as the #1 best private high school in Western New York. As a school and team, we are dedicated to supporting girls in becoming their best authentic and fearless selves individually and in a community of exceptional students, faculty, and staff. 

Position Description

The Dean of Teaching and Learning reports directly to the Head of School and serves as the academic leader of the school. The Dean of Teaching and Learning is responsible for the curriculum and academic outcomes of the school and providing leadership to faculty. The Dean understands and supports the mission of school and the commitment to being a diverse and inclusive community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with the head of school and faculty in developing and articulating a mission-aligned, strategic and structured curriculum with a commitment to 21st-century pedagogy.
• Oversee the curriculum to ensure that all students can achieve success and ensure the excellence of the academic program at SEM.
• Work closely with the department chairs to spearhead new and innovative academic programs and ensure horizontal and vertical alignment of the curriculum.
• Facilitate regular faculty meetings.
• Manage daily operation of academic programs.

• Lead faculty recruitment efforts and professional development as we strive to have our faculty and staff better reflect and support our diverse student body.
• Assist in developing the school's master class schedule, exam and standardized testing schedules, and daily scheduling of students.
• Make recommendations to the head of school regarding faculty recruitment and development, hiring and retention, and the assignment of faculty.
• Establish and manage programs for the orientation of new teachers, professional development for all teachers, and for the evaluation of classroom teachers.
• Serve as a resource for faculty, building morale and identifying appropriate opportunities for professional growth and support.
• Coordinate work with the dean of students, department chairs, and college counselor.
• Be involved in the school community at large including advising a small group of students and participating in residential activities.
• Teach one section of a course.
• Assume responsibility for other projects as assigned by the head of school.

Common Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree; Advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years' teaching experience, preferably within independent schools
• Successful track record of collaboration, curriculum assessment and design across grades, teacher evaluation, and working with a wide range of learners
• Exceptional administrative, management, and leadership skills, facility with technology
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with all stakeholders, including administration, faculty, parents, and students
• Strong work ethic and high level of integrity
• High-energy and enthusiastic about working in a high school designed for girls.

At Buffalo Seminary, we celebrate our diverse identities and perspectives. We embrace diversity as necessary for our collective growth and achievement. To fulfill this purpose, we welcome and seek students, families, and employees who contribute to the richness of our diverse community. And we work every day to ensure that all who come within our walls have what they need to realize their potential and to participate fully in school life.

Buffalo Seminary is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. 

About Buffalo Seminary

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