Dean of Students

LAURA JEFFREY ACADEMY is the first STEM-focused middle school in MN with a comprehensive liberal arts, girl-focused curriculum. Our purpose is to provide a unique and stimulating education environment where students are free – to explore their potential, discover their brilliance and develop their intellect. We are looking for educators committed to social justice and equity in learning for all students. If you are an educator who thinks out of the box and loves to collaborate with others, we would love to hear from you. We are committed to serving a diverse population of students and families.

POSITION: Dean of Students

This role is essential in helping to create an environment in which each student and family feel welcome and comfortable at Laura Jeffrey Academy. This role will work to do the following:

• Increase students’ engagement in learning
• Increase family involvement and engagement with their student’s progress and the school
• Decrease suspensions, expulsions and achievement gaps

Essential Functions:

• Serve as lead behavior specialist while developing a supportive and restorative culture for student/family engagement.
• Provide support for student intervention in the areas of behavior, social, emotional and academic by facilitating groups/classes, CICO, student support team meetings, etc.
• Provide support for families by coordinating school/community services with other school staff.
• Build relationships with families/students who are disenfranchised with school systems through ongoing positive communication with the families via phone, school/in home meetings.
• Develop relationships with community organizations that provide additional social and emotional support for scholars.
• Collaborate with the social work team as needed.
• Participate in problem solving teams in the areas of special education and ADSIS.
• Increase parent diversity and participation in various school activities.
• Coach and support teachers in implementing Developmental Designs/discipline strategies and incorporating effective cultural practices into the school environment.
• Implement data tracking systems for social, emotional and behavioral skills of our students.
• Facilitate restorative justice measures and other discipline procedures.
• Participate in administrative meetings and other duties as assigned.
• Perform independently while prioritizing and organizing multiple tasks.
• Participate in all aspects of the school community including serving on an educator-led committee and attending community events as assigned
• Perform other duties as needed

Behavioral Support:

• Support all students around behavioral needs, support leadership team in intervening around behavioral issues, collecting student statements and supporting restorative practices.
• Support the development and implementation of effective behavioral plans/strategies for students.
• Support school climate initiatives, emphasizing student resiliency, strengths, responsibility and accountability, including student supervision and discipline.
• Support families in developing relationships with school staff and collaborating with families around behavioral needs at school.
• Assist general education staff in developing and implementing interventions for students who are not meeting grade level expectations in academic, social or behavioral areas.

Family/Student Relationships:

• Develop regular, positive and culturally responsive communication with families and students to ensure clear understanding of student strengths, challenges, goals, progress and potential.
• Support other staff in developing regular, positive, culturally responsive communication with families.
• Meet as needed with students/families around emotional/mental health needs and develop a system of referrals for students in need of outside services.
• Collaborate with outside community support in supporting student’s educational success.

LJA Community Climate:

• Model and support LJA’s principles and theoretical framework with staff, students, and families.
• Model and support a growth mindset with students’, staff, and families.
• Support LJA’s Restorative Justice initiative.
• Support professional development and training around mental health and social/emotional skill development.
• Collaborate with staff to develop culturally competent strategies for working with diverse classrooms (i.e. academics, race, ethnicity, socio economics, familial expectations).

Qualifications:

• Culturally competent communicator, educator, and youth advocate
• Ability to build strong relationships with students, families and staff
• Passion for decreasing opportunity and achievement gaps
• Creative, flexible, patient and strength based in perspective
• Commitment to the mission of Laura Jeffrey Academy
• Excellent interpersonal skills with both adults and students
• Ability to prioritize and organize multiple tasks
• Ability to reflect on professional practice, individually and with other staff to improve the quality of your professional practice

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: From $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Saint Paul, MN 55105: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000