Dean of Students, K - 8

Position Summary

To assist the Principal and Assistant Principal in promoting high quality teaching and learning. The Dean will collaborate with the school administration, the Counselor Educator and other Deans to implement behavior intervention systems to support a positive atmosphere of strong, consistent and supportive discipline for all students. The Dean will assist at designated school functions, support families as partners and maintain an overall environment that promotes student development.

The Dean of Students does not supervise instructional staff in the school.

• Work with the Principal, Assistant Principal, Counselor Educator and other Deans to develop and implement disciplinary procedures and guidelines that foster a safe learning environment.
• Participate in and/or lead meetings related to students’ emerging or special needs or other difficulties.
• Act as a liaison between parents/custodians, the court system, and human service providers as necessary.
• Work closely with teachers to recommend and assist with behavior modification strategies in the classroom.
• Work with students regarding discipline and attendance issues and make appropriate referrals.
• Collaborate with families to support student learning at school and at home.
• Contribute to the management of student behavior in collaboration with specialist personnel as required.
• Assist the Principal and Assistant Principal in addressing student conduct issues.
• Collect discipline data (time‑outs, detentions, suspensions) and present this data at the weekly Student Support Team Meetings.
• Assess discipline data with the administrative team and develop strategies to reduce recidivism.
• Support the implementation of social curricula to provide instruction that results in students’ positive social, emotional and behavioral development.
• Per the Somerville Educators Union, Unit A, collective bargaining agreement.

• Support the Principal in ensuring that Tier 1 instructional practices support students’ academic, social, and emotional development.
• Ensure instructional practices reflect high expectations regarding content and quality of effort and work, engage all students, and are personalized to accommodate diverse learning styles, needs, interests, and levels of readiness.
• Maximize and use instructional time effectively.
• Foster positive, collaborative relationships with staff, students, families, and outside agencies involved in the work of the school.
• Support the development and maintenance of a positive, personalized school environment.
• Develop and implement effective plans, procedures, routines, and operational systems to address the full range of safety, health, emotional, and social needs of students.
• Implement school‑wide behavior expectations.
• Respond to student issues that arise during the school day and supervise students during transitions such as lunch/recess, entry, and dismissal.

• Support and model a culture in which all staff are reflective about their practice and use data, current research, best practices, and theory to continuously adapt instruction and practice to achieve improved results.

• Undertake such duties as may be assigned from time to time that are within the scope of the position.
• Participate as a member of the school’s student support teams and committees as requested by the Principal.
• Support the Principal in fostering a shared commitment to high standards in all aspects of the life and work of the school and the students.
• Contribute to the development of a professional learning community characterized by shared purpose, data analysis, collaborative activity, and collective responsibility.
• Behave in an ethical, fair, and culturally proficient manner at all times.

• Ability to apply knowledge of Positive Behavior Intervention Systems (PBIS) in an elementary school setting.
• Knowledge of tiered intervention practices and expertise in maintaining a positive classroom culture as an essential “Tier 1” practice.
• Leadership and management skills.
• High‑level communication and…