Dean of Student Development , Grades K-4

JOB SUMMARY

The Dean of Student Development and Experience is a division-based administrator who stewards the student experience by shaping school culture, supporting student wellbeing, and ensuring developmentally responsive systems across The School at Columbia University (TSC). Working across divisions, the Dean provides continuity in student life structures, relational care, and shared practices.

Grounded in TSC’s values, the Dean leads community-building efforts, advances empathy and kindness through the Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) framework, and supports aligned, restorative approaches to student behavior that reinforce accountability, reflection, and a sense of belonging.

The Dean of Student Development and Experience is responsible for the coherence, consistency, and care of the student experience within their grade bands, ensuring that systems, programming, and daily practices reflect TSC’s values and developmental philosophy.

• Build, model, and sustain a positive, inclusive school culture rooted in empathy, kindness, and belonging across classrooms, common spaces, and school wide experiences
• Lead the implementation of the TSC Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) framework and curriculum in partnership with faculty and staff, supporting consistent language, practices, and expectations across grade levels
• Serve as a visible, accessible administrator and trusted advocate for students and families, strengthening relationships and supporting a cohesive student experience
• Serve on the Child Support Team (CST), meeting weekly to discuss student life and coordinate support for students in partnership with teachers, the SEL Team, and division leadership

• Lead and oversee restorative discipline practices for Tier 1 and Tier 2 student behavior in partnership with teachers, staff, the SEL Team, and division leadership, ensuring responses are consistent, developmentally appropriate, dignity-centered, and focused on reflection, accountability, repair, and skill-building rather than punishment
• Coach and support teachers and staff in using shared restorative language and practices across classrooms and common spaces, and facilitate restorative conversations and problem‑solving meetings as needed to address harm and strengthen relationships
• Monitor Tier 1 and Tier 2 behavior patterns and trends, identify proactive supports and early interventions, and communicate with families to reduce escalation and support students in successfully returning to classroom and school routines following reflection, restoration, or repair
• Co‑create responsive behavior support plans

• Collaborate with the SEL Team to implement morning meeting structures (Grades K–4)
• Support faculty in delivering consistent, developmentally appropriate SEL experiences across grade levels, ensuring alignment between classroom practices, advisory structures, and school wide SEL priorities, while reflecting students’ developmental needs across K–8
• Perform other responsibilities as required

• The Deans (K‑4 and 5‑8) will oversee the planning, coordination and execution of Integrated Project Week (IPW) (a four‑day, integrated, cross‑curricular student experience held in early March) in partnership with faculty and IPW coordinators, ensuring alignment with TSC’s values, developmentally appropriate structures, and a consistent, meaningful student experience from launch through reflection. Ensure strong long‑term planning, clear timelines, and coordinated structures

• The Deans (K‑4 and 5‑8) will oversee the Grade 8 Social Action Project (SAP) in partnership with the Grade 8 teaching team, supporting long‑term planning, mentorship structures, timelines, and presentation opportunities. The project culminates in a public expo where students share their work with the school community, developing skills in research, writing, problem‑solving, collaboration, organization, reflection, and presentation

For IPW and the Grade 8 Social Action Project, the…