Dean Of Scholars Fellow

Gestalt Community Schools is a system of K-12 college-preparatory charter schools in targeted Tennessee communities. GCS schools provide strong academic outcomes for their scholars through initiatives, including meaningful community involvement. GCS catalyzes community leadership to help revitalize the neighborhood as it operates its schools in that community. Instead of debating whether education impacts the community or vice versa, GCS believes integrating education and community is the most effective method to support student achievement (a true “Gestalt”).

The Dean of Scholars program allows aspiring school leaders to develop the skills and mindset necessary to build and sustain a strong student culture in a high-performing charter school. The fellow is a key member of the school’s leadership team and supports the school-wide culture through behavior systems, student support, and staff coaching. This emerging culture leader will be immersed in a comprehensive one-year, school-based fellowship program, working closely with a Gestalt Community Schools mentor Principal and/or Dean of Scholars while completing targeted projects and assignments aligned to the fellowship program.

The program requirements will determine leadership responsibilities and strongly emphasize the culture leadership strengths and growth areas of both the fellow and the assigned school.

The Dean of Scholars Fellowship at Gestalt Community Schools is designed to cultivate effective culture leaders through a structured program grounded in the 8 Levers of Effective School Leadership. To successfully transition into a Dean of Scholars role, fellows must meet specific criteria, including:

• Successful Program Completion: Candidates must complete all required components of the fellowship program, including implementation of behavior systems, analysis of discipline and attendance data, student intervention strategies, and mentorship experiences that build capacity to lead school culture.
• Scoring “Effective” in All
  
  Competencies:
  
  Candidates are assessed using a Leadership Framework that outlines the competencies necessary for successful culture leadership. To be eligible for a Dean of Scholars position, candidates must score “effective” or higher in each competency, demonstrating readiness to lead student culture and climate at the school level.

By fulfilling these requirements, candidates will be prepared to take on the responsibilities of a Dean of Scholars within the Gestalt Community Schools network, pending available opportunities.

Support Instructional Outcomes Through Culture Data
Use behavior, attendance, and culture data to identify trends that impact academic performance. Collaborate with instructional leaders to ensure culture systems support strong academic outcomes.

Contribute to a Data-Driven Culture
Support systems that ensure staff regularly review and respond to student behavior and attendance data to improve overall school performance.

Participate in Data Meetings
Contribute to data discussions by providing insights on student culture trends, helping teams connect behavior and engagement to academic success.

Support Instructional Culture Through Strong Systems
Reinforce classroom systems that maximize instructional time and minimize disruptions. Ensure alignment between behavior expectations and academic rigor.

Promote Consistent Student Engagement
Support teachers in building classrooms where students are actively engaged, on-task, and meeting behavioral and academic expectations.

Provide Feedback on Classroom Culture
Conduct walkthroughs and observations focused on student behavior, engagement, and classroom management. Provide clear, actionable feedback to improve classroom culture.

Support Consistent Implementation of Expectations
Ensure teachers consistently apply school-wide behavior systems, routines, and expectations with fidelity.

Support Culture-Focused Professional Development
Assist…