Associate Dean of School Culture & Community | Middle School | BTWA MS

Position Title

Associate Dean of School Culture & Community Experience | Middle School

Hamden / New Haven, CT

School Principal

Full-time, Exempt

$65,000 - $85,000, commensurate with experience.

Booker T. Washington Academies (BTWA) in New Haven, CT, serves K–4 scholars at its Elementary campus and grades 5–8 at its Middle School campus. Founded in 2014 around Booker T. Washington’s credo—“Excellence is doing common things in uncommon ways”—BTWA balances a rigorous academic program with the cultivation of morals, character, self‑discipline, responsibility for one’s actions, lifestyle, work ethic, and educational uplift.

Scholars develop proficiency in reading, writing, critical thinking, discussion, and problem‑solving to meet college and career goals, while embracing and demonstrating the morals, character, self‑discipline, and work ethic to be leaders in life and community.

Recognized as a Connecticut School of Distinction in 2018 (Category
1) and again in 2024 (Category
2)—the only New Haven public school honored that year—BTWA equips graduates to work hard, harness the power of education, elevate themselves, and give back to their communities in a transformational way.

Booker T. Washington Academy Middle School (BTWA MS) seeks a passionate, equity‑minded and relationship‑driven Associate Dean of School Culture & Community Experience to join our leadership team and help strengthen the holistic student experience at one of Connecticut’s highest‑performing public charter middle schools. In this pivotal role, you will champion restorative, inclusive, and relationship‑centered approaches to student support, behavior management, and social‑emotional learning—ensuring every student feels safe, empowered, and accountable within a culture of high expectations, belonging, and academic excellence.

As an Associate Dean of School Culture & Community Experience at BTWA MS, you will collaborate closely with teachers, families, the broader school leadership team, and community partners to sustain and elevate a school culture where students’ voices matter and where strong relationships drive strong outcomes. From leading daily culture systems and community‑building rituals to refining proactive supports and interventions, you will help ensure that every student experiences consistency, joy, and meaningful opportunities for growth.

You will also play a key role in supporting teacher and staff development—empowering educators to create safe, focused, and affirming learning environments where students take intellectual risks, build character, and develop the habits needed for long‑term success.

This is an opportunity for a steady, inspiring, student‑centered leader who thrives in a collaborative environment, embraces continuous learning, and is deeply committed to the success of all students. The ideal candidate brings strong cultural leadership, operational clarity, and a passion for helping young people grow into thoughtful, responsible, and resilient leaders.

As the Associate Dean of School Culture & Community Experience at BTWA MS, you will be primarily responsible for:

• Implement and refine BTWA’s restorative accountability systems to promote ownership, growth, and ethical decision‑making.
• Lead culturally responsive, equitable strategies for crisis and conflict management.
• Maintain consistent, transparent communication with students and families regarding expectations, interventions, and supports.
• Regularly solicit and integrate student feedback to strengthen school culture and student leadership.

• Oversee SEL programming that builds resilience, self‑management, leadership, and personal accountability.
• Support the development of student leadership pathways, peer mentoring, and community‑building initiatives.
• Partner with counseling and student support teams to ensure coordinated, holistic services for students.

• Maintain a visible, proactive presence throughout the school day to…