Dean of Students (Grades 6-12

Dean Of Students (Grades 6-12)

Watervliet Public Schools is seeking an outstanding educational leader to serve as the Dean of Students (Grades 6-12). This position is shared between the middle school and high school and serves as a key member of the district's secondary leadership team.

The Dean of Students is responsible for promoting a safe, positive, and engaging school culture while also serving as an instructional leader who supports continuous improvement in teaching and learning. Working collaboratively with the middle school principal, high school principal, and district leadership, the Dean will help lead school improvement efforts, support teachers, strengthen student achievement, oversee student discipline and attendance, and foster strong relationships with students, staff, families, and the community.

The successful candidate will be highly visible, relationship-driven, and committed to developing a culture of high expectations, accountability, and support for every student.

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Educational Leadership or related field
• Valid Michigan Administrator Certificate (Required)
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate
• Minimum three (3) years of successful teaching experience
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a secondary school
• Strong knowledge of curriculum, instruction, assessment, MTSS, PBIS, restorative practices, and school improvement
• Outstanding communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as an assistant principal, dean, instructional coach, or other school leadership role
• Experience leading professional learning
• Experience analyzing student achievement and behavior data
• Experience with school improvement planning
• Knowledge of Capturing Kids' Hearts, PBIS, MTSS, and restorative practices

• Support the principals in advancing instructional excellence and continuous school improvement.
• Assist with teacher coaching, observations, evaluations, and professional growth.
• Support implementation of district curriculum, instructional initiatives, and assessment systems.
• Use student achievement, attendance, and behavior data to identify trends and improve outcomes.
• Participate in the development and implementation of School Improvement Plans.
• Help develop systems that improve academic achievement while reducing behavioral barriers to learning.
• Support implementation of MTSS, PBIS, Capturing Kids' Hearts, and restorative practices.
• Promote a culture of high expectations for both students and staff.

• Administer the Student Code of Conduct in a fair, consistent, and student-centered manner.
• Investigate discipline matters and implement appropriate interventions.
• Lead restorative conferences and problem-solving meetings.
• Develop proactive behavior supports that reduce disciplinary referrals.
• Counsel students regarding behavior, attendance, academic engagement, and decision-making.
• Monitor student attendance and coordinate interventions for chronically absent students.
• Collaborate with counselors, social workers, special education staff, and outside agencies to support students.

• Serve as a visible leader throughout both secondary buildings.
• Assist with supervision during arrival, dismissal, lunches, passing periods, extracurricular activities, and school events.
• Support emergency management procedures and school safety planning.
• Assume administrative responsibilities in the absence of a building principal as assigned.
• Assist with scheduling, student activities, testing, and operational functions as needed.

• Build strong partnerships with students, families, and staff.
• Communicate effectively regarding student progress, behavior, attendance, and academic expectations.
• Collaborate with principals, teachers, counselors, and support staff to improve student success.
• Partner with community agencies, law enforcement, and outside organizations when appropriate.
• Attend and actively participate in leadership meetings, professional development, and district initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong instructional leadership skills
• Knowledge of effective teaching practices and school improvement
• Ability to coach and support teachers toward continuous growth
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with students and adults
• Strong conflict resolution and restorative leadership skills
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and decision-making abilities
• Ability to analyze student achievement, attendance, and discipline data
• Knowledge of Michigan school law, FERPA, and educational best practices
• Commitment to equity, collaboration, continuous improvement, and student success

A COMPLETED ONLINE APPLICATION IS REQUIRED.