Dean of Students

Overview

Orchard Knob Middle School (OKMS), a dynamic community in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is dedicated to accelerating student achievement through rigorous, standards‑aligned instruction and intentional systems of support. The school cultivates a culture grounded in high expectations, strong relationships, and purposeful instruction. Core belief:
Hustle. Grind. Execute.

OKMS prepares every student for high school success and beyond by employing data‑driven practices, clear learning targets, and checks for understanding. Students engage in college and career pathways, real‑world learning, enrichment opportunities, athletics, after‑school programming, and an eLab digital fabrication space. Partnerships with families and community organizations expand opportunities and outcomes for students.

The Dean of Students will collaborate with administrators, teachers, staff, parents, and selected LEA personnel to ensure student success academically and in the community. Responsibilities include solving disciplinary and attendance issues, supporting teacher learning and student achievement, and leading an instructional presence.

• Communicate with families and work collaboratively with the school's Family Partnership Specialists and School Counseling staff.
• Impact student achievement in the core academic areas by providing guidance and supporting students experiencing difficulty with study habits, attendance, and behavioral expectations.
• Serve as a resource to staff by supporting the school action plan, quality instruction, and implementation of high‑quality instructional materials.
• Lead school‑wide culture and climate programs such as School‑Wide Positive Behavior Initiatives and the Anti‑Bullying Program. Facilitate training for students, teachers, and parents to strengthen the school and community partnership.
• Develop individualized student plans to support students with making positive choices.
• Create and coordinate education supports to meet the needs of students.
• Support and monitor students regarding academic, behavioral, and social behaviors.
• Facilitate meetings to ensure curriculum guidelines and state mandates are achieved.
• Attend school leadership meetings and other professional development opportunities focused on student support strategies.
• Participate in parent‑teacher conferences.
• Monitor student growth and progress.
• Plan and implement talk structures that support student discourse, both academic and behaviorally focused.
• Work with mentor teachers and teachers to ensure students are challenged in an academically rigorous setting while being supported emotionally.

Knowledge/Education/

Experience:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree preferred.
• Teaching candidates must hold a valid state of Tennessee Teaching or School Service certification. Candidates holding a teaching license in another state must apply for a Tennessee teaching license.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, especially the ability to communicate and collaborate with school‑age students.
• Effective organizational skills, attention to detail, strong work ethic, and ability to multitask.
• Ability to read and interpret documents, write routine reports and correspondence, and speak effectively before groups.
• Ability to research and interpret state and LEA student data.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and explain laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and contracts that affect the school.
• Ability to utilize student formative and summative test data with all stakeholders.
• Experience enforcing consequences and upholding high standards.
• Experience working with urban school students and their families in a diverse environment.
• Experience as a teacher, social worker, or school psychologist preferred.

Skills/

Qualifications:

• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with students, educators, parents, and community members.
• Demonstrate excellent planning, organizational, problem‑solving, decision‑making, and time‑management skills.

Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience.

Salary Scale: salary information available at the district website.

This position may be eligible for an increase in total compensation. The Differentiated Compensation Plan applies to designated schools and hard‑to‑staff positions. For more details see https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..