Dean, Culture and Climate; Grades 6-8

Dean of Culture and Climate (Grades 6-8)

The Dean of Culture and Climate serves as the building leader responsible for student culture, behavior intervention systems, attendance supports, restorative practices, and student accountability for grades 6-8. The Dean works collaboratively with administrators, counselors, teachers, families, and student support teams to establish and maintain a positive, safe, and supportive learning environment. The Dean leads the implementation of Tier II and Tier III behavioral interventions and supports, coordinates restorative practices, monitors student behavior data, and develops intervention plans for students requiring additional behavioral, attendance, and social-emotional support.

The Dean serves as the primary administrator for student discipline matters while partnering with the Assistant Principal to ensure alignment with school-wide culture initiatives and expectations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.
• Must hold a valid, active Delaware Teaching License and Certificate in required content area in accordance with 14 Del.
  
  C. § 1531.
• Successful completion of Praxis II exams.
• Proficient in English Language, both written and spoken.
• Demonstrated experience in school culture, student discipline, student services, counseling, administration, or related educational leadership roles.
• Strong commitment to the mission and vision of Odyssey Charter School.
• Experience implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and restorative practices.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff.
• Strong organizational, communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze behavioral and attendance data to drive decision-making.
• Proficiency with student information systems and Google/Microsoft platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Education, School Leadership, Counseling, Social Work, or related field.
• Previous experience as a Dean, Assistant Principal, Student Advisor, School Counselor, or Culture Coordinator.
• Experience leading restorative practices and student accountability systems in a middle school setting.
• Training in trauma-informed practices, social-emotional learning, and culturally responsive practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead efforts to establish and maintain a positive school culture aligned with Odyssey's mission and values.
• Serve as the primary administrator responsible for student behavior, discipline, and accountability.
• Monitor school climate indicators and implement strategies to improve student engagement, belonging, and connectedness.
• Collaborate with students, staff, and families to foster a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Support student leadership opportunities and culture-building initiatives.
• Coordinate and monitor Tier II and Tier III behavioral intervention systems.
• Develop, implement, and monitor behavior intervention plans and support plans for students exhibiting chronic or severe behavioral concerns.
• Facilitate student problem-solving meetings and restorative conferences.
• Coordinate re-entry meetings following suspensions or significant disciplinary incidents.
• Partner with counselors, special education staff, interventionists, and teachers to support students requiring intensive interventions.
• Participate in MTSS, Student Support Team, Attendance, and PBIS meetings.
• Investigate student disciplinary incidents and determine appropriate interventions and consequences consistent with the Student Code of Conduct.
• Maintain accurate disciplinary records and documentation.
• Ensure disciplinary practices are equitable, restorative, and aligned with school policies.
• Lead restorative circles, mediations, and conflict-resolution processes.
• Support staff in implementing restorative and trauma-informed practices.
• Monitor attendance trends and collaborate with families and support staff to address chronic absenteeism and tardiness.
• Coordinate attendance intervention plans for students identified as at risk.
• Maintain communication with families regarding attendance and behavioral concerns.
• Participate in attendance review meetings and hearings as necessary.
• Analyze behavioral, attendance, and climate data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for school leadership.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of PBIS and MTSS frameworks.
• Utilize data to evaluate intervention effectiveness and student outcomes.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for families regarding student discipline and behavioral concerns.
• Conduct conferences with students, families, and staff to resolve concerns and develop action plans.
• Build collaborative relationships with community agencies and support organizations as needed.
• Supervise students during arrival, dismissal, lunch, transitions, and other unstructured times.
• Support school-wide events, extracurricular activities, and…