Secondary Academic Dean Job Description 

Reports to: Head of School
Term: 12 Months
Status: Full Time

Primary Purpose:
Assist the Head of School in the overall administration of the instructional program and campus-level operations, fostering a learning environment that maximizes the potential of each student. Coordinate assigned student activities and services.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Master’s degree required.
• Texas principal/assistant principal or other appropriate Texas certificate required.
• Certified T-TESS appraiser.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Thorough understanding of curriculum, instruction, and student learning.
• In-depth knowledge of school operations (scheduling, duties, safety, etc.).
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate with school support teams (TASC, SPED, etc.).

Experience:

• Three years’ experience as a classroom teacher at the appropriate grade level(s) required.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Management:

• Participate in the development and evaluation of educational programs.
• Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs, assisting teachers in piloting such efforts when appropriate.
• Promote the use of technology in the teaching/learning process.
• Serve as the campus testing coordinator.

School/Organizational Climate:

• Promote a positive, caring climate for learning.
• Deal sensitively and fairly with persons from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Communicate effectively with students and staff.
• Create, maintain, and support a learning environment that is academically, emotionally, and physically safe.

School/Organizational Improvement:

• Commit to preparing students for their future by building relationships, promoting rigorous and relevant learning, and developing each student’s unique talents and skills.
• Participate in the development of campus improvement plans with staff, parents, and community members.
• Assist the Head of School in developing, maintaining, and using information systems to track progress on campus performance objectives and academic excellence indicators.

Personnel Management:

• Observe teacher performance, record observations, and conduct evaluation conferences. Serve as the second appraiser for the designated teacher appraisal system, with the Head of School as the first designated appraiser.
• Assist the Head of School in interviewing, selecting, and orienting new staff.

Administration and Fiscal/Facilities Management:

• Embrace shared leadership and collaboration with administrative staff and teachers.
• Supervise operations in the Head of School’s absence.
• Assist in planning daily school activities by participating in the development of class schedules, teacher assignments, and extracurricular activity schedules.
• Supervise reporting and monitoring of student attendance, working with the attendance clerk on follow-up investigations.

Professional Growth and Development:

• Participate in professional development to improve skills related to the job assignment.
• Conduct and facilitate professional learning committees, document proceedings, and utilize data to guide instructional strategies.

School/Community Relations:

• Embrace and promote cultural diversity on campus and in the community.
• Articulate the school’s mission to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
• Demonstrate awareness of school-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
• Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Share supervisory responsibility for professional staff with the Head of School. Supervise teachers and paraprofessionals as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Work with frequent interruptions.
• Occasional district-wide travel; occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

A background check is required for all positions.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.