Middle School Academic Dean

Job Description

The John Cooper School is currently seeking a Middle School (MS) Academic Dean for the 26/27 school year. The MS Academic Dean will focus on all aspects of the School’s academic and instructional programs for grades six through eight with specific responsibilities. The MS Academic Dean is a key leader in fostering a student-centered environment that supports both academic excellence and the social-emotional well-being of students.

The John Cooper School, located in The Woodlands, TX, on a beautiful 40-acre campus with a total enrollment of 1,300 students, is an independent, coeducational college preparatory day school serving students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. The Middle School (Grades 6
- 8) is a dynamic, caring, and collegial environment.

• Maintain congruency between the School’s mission and all academic programs within the Middle School
• Work with the Division Head and other members of the School’s leadership team to strengthen horizontal and vertical alignment of the curriculum for grades six through eight
• Work with the MS Learning Specialist, department leadership teams, and faculty to ensure alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to meet the needs of diverse learners
• Cultivate a robust academic environment and provide guidance and support to faculty in matters related to pedagogy, instruction, and assessment
• Work with the Division Head and Administrative Assistant to construct the master class schedules
• Interview prospective Middle School faculty candidates and assist the Admissions Committee as needed
• Organize and administer the Middle School’s course placement testing and final exams for certain courses
• Conduct ongoing reviews of standardized testing results in collaboration with the MS Learning Specialist
• Solicit, organize, and communicate all book orders for Middle School courses
• Assist the Division Head with teacher observations, feedback, and evaluations
• Assist the Division Head with new and returning faculty orientation and ongoing mentoring
• Monitor and support student academic progress and oversee grading, comment writing, and report cards
• Promote student growth and well-being in collaboration with faculty, counselors, and families
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of Middle School

• Candidates should hold a master's degree in education or related field
• Independent school teaching and administrative experience preferred
• Candidates should strongly identify with the School’s mission, philosophy, and goals
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team-oriented environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on solution-focused communication
• Excellent organizational, management, and leadership skills
• Knowledge of curriculum and pedagogy over a broad range of grade levels
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with students and families through academic challenges
• A genuine affinity for working with students and their families

• Required to walk; stoop, kneel or crouch; reach with hands and arms
• Generally, the job requires 10% sitting, 90% walking, and standing
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds

Interested candidates should email a single PDF that includes the following:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Philosophy of Education
• List of three References – two professional and one personal (we will not contact references without candidate permission)

The John Cooper School seeks to attract qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds to its faculty, staff and student body. The School does not discriminate against any individual in admissions, educational programs, personnel policies, general practices or employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, national or ethnic origin, physical disability or age.