Middle School Dean of Students

Stratford School, a subsidiary of Spring Education Group, a leading independent WASC-accredited private school from preschool through 12th grade was founded with a vision of creating an unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. At Stratford School, we understand every child has his or her own interests and passions and contributes in his or her own way. Our purpose statement speaks for all of us - "Stratford School - Connecting students to their unique futures." Our proven curricula includes our STEAM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum that was recognized by the White House as a leader in early childhood STEM education. Our steadfast commitment to this vision continues to guide our growth each year. It is the First California school to earn the Carnegie Science Seal of Excellence for STEM.

Campus: Stratford Preparatory

Position Status: Exempt

Reports to: Middle School Principal

Who We Are

Stratford Schools is a premier network of private, secular day schools dedicated to providing superior educational outcomes for students from preschool through high school. Our network currently includes over 25 campuses across California, each offering a unique and dynamic learning experience designed to meet the needs of our diverse student body. Stratford School's purpose, "Connecting students to their unique futures," reflects our commitment to showing young people how they can successfully and independently develop the knowledge, skills, and depth of character they need to thrive in a transforming world.

Our newest campus, Stratford Preparatory, is a coeducational middle and high school currently serving Grades 5-10, with an expected enrollment of approximately 750 students in the upcoming school year. Building on 20+ years of creating outstanding educational outcomes for our students in Preschool to Grade 8, we are expanding Stratford School's mission through high school. We began this journey by relocating Stratford Raynor Middle School (Grades 6-8) and welcoming our first class of Grade 9 to our new Blackford Avenue campus in San Jose in the Fall of 2022.

Stratford Preparatory provides a rigorous and engaging college preparatory curriculum that focuses on the real-world application of engineering, technology, and leadership skills. We offer a breadth of Advanced Placement (AP) and dynamic post-AP college-level courses. Additionally, we provide students with opportunities to become confident learners, generous in spirit, and eager to pursue their passions. Stratford Preparatory is building a team of talented, passionate, and hard-working educators excited by the opportunity and challenge of growing a new school and ensuring our students receive the best education in the world. Join us!

What We're Looking For

As Dean of Students, you help lead the efforts to build and maintain a strong, positive, achievement-oriented school culture. You will manage the school's student support and behavior programs and establish strong, mutually respectful relationships with students and families. This position is visible in all areas of the school and is responsible for all issues relating to the well-being and academic success of the students. This is a full-time, year-round position.

Primary Responsibilities

• Promote a positive school culture that fosters academic achievement, personal growth, and responsible behavior.
• Review progress reports and other academic data to identify students struggling academically or socially-emotionally. Develop and implement targeted interventions and support plans for these students, working collaboratively with teachers and parents.
• Manage and supervise student behavior and discipline, ensuring school policies and procedures are followed, and students receive appropriate consequences to learn and grow from their mistakes.
• Develop and refine school policies and procedures that support a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment where all students feel like they belong.

• Collaborate with teachers, leaders, and other staff to develop and implement academic and social-emotional programs and interventions that support student success.

• Communicate regularly with parents and families, addressing conduct concerns and providing updates on student progress and school events.
• Develop and implement programs and initiatives that promote student engagement, such as student leadership, clubs, and extracurricular activities.
• Coordinate and supervise school-wide events and activities, such as assemblies, dances, and field trips.
• Coordinate the planning and preparation of new student orientation, working with school staff to ensure incoming students and their families feel welcomed and informed about school policies, procedures, and expectations. Collect and analyze feedback from families and students to improve the orientation experience.
• Participate in school-wide committees and initiatives, such as school improvement planning and WASC accreditation initiatives.
• Attend professional conferences, seminars, and workshops in education.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Middle School Principal.

Personal Attributes

• A mission-driven individual who leads by example with enthusiasm, passion, and sparking intelligence.
• Exudes courageous, compassionate, and caring leadership that engenders support among colleagues, staff, and the community through their knowledge, experience, creativity, vision, and dedication to the school's mission.
• An individual of high integrity and reputation who understands the importance of trust, respect, collaboration, and high standards of excellence.
• A good listener who is intuitive, thoughtful, considerate, and compassionate about relationships with others.
• Ability to exercise excellent judgment and decision-making in difficult student cases and situations. An individual with excellent problem-solving and negotiation skills.
• Strong knowledge of and commitment to middle school education.
• Ability to effectively analyze data to improve student achievement

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor's required, Master's preferred
• 3-5 years of experience as a middle or high school dean in a charter or independent school preferred.
• Technologically savvy
• Must be able to attend occasional meetings and events outside of regular school hours, including evenings and weekends.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In general, this position requires an individual to frequently walk, stand, sit, squat, stoop, reach, kneel, rise from the floor, twist, listen, read, write, and speak the English language. In addition, this position often requires an individual to carry, lift, use repetitive or fine hand movements, and occasionally push, pull, or bend. This position is regularly required to hear and use clear vision with or without correction.Spring Education Group, including, but not limited to SEG Inc., and their affiliates (collectively "Company") is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants for employment and employees are provided equal employment opportunities, including in recruitment, hiring, and assignment, without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion and religious creed, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or familial status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. The Company expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee or student harassment or discrimination.

Other details

• Job Function: Middle School Education
• Pay Type: Salary
• Employment Indicator: Full Time
• Required Education: Bachelor's Degree