Salary Range:$80,000 - $90,000 plus $12,000 Temporary Cost of Living Allowance & MWA Benefits
Position Summary
The Dean of Students, under the direction of the Assistant Principal of Student Conduct and Discipline and in collaboration with the Dean of Student Discipline, is responsible for forming relationships with students and families in the MWA community to support alignment with the MWA mission, codes of conduct, and student behavior expectations (as detailed in the MWA Student-Parent/Guardian Handbook. Under the direction of the AP for Student Conduct and Discipline, they will advise and take the lead on the following:
Leading restorative practice meetings with individuals, small groups, and whole classes.
Leading training for teachers and some staff who directly support students on restorative practice techniques and approaches to use with students for Level 1 and 2 infractions.
Conducting classroom observations and providing consultation and support related to classroom management system design and implementation
Conducting investigations related to reports and referrals (mostly related to Level 3 and Level 4 infractions) and applying consequences as detailed in the Student-Parent/Guardian Handbook
Being a presence in various spaces and times of the day, such as passing periods, breaks, and lunchtime, as well as periodic and regular presence in hallways and collaborative learning spaces
Making referrals to student services related to behaviors of concerns or patterns of behavior to request a student assessment for possible additional supports or services that would better enable the student to access their educational opportunities
The Dean of Students will also help compile, analyze, and respond to data such as student attendance, disciplinary data, and academic data to ensure students meet MWA expectations for success.
Primary Responsibilities
Restorative Practices
Lead various restorative-based meetings, including 1:1, small group, and classroom-wide meetings and some student/staff check-ins and follow-ups.
Lead training for faculty and direct student support staff on Restorative Practices with some basic skills and tools that can be used to address situations in the moment or soon after that allow incidents to be addressed and appropriately processed before asking the dean to intervene.
Keep and manage excellent records of restorative practice (documents and system entries/notes) sessions conducted by faculty, staff, and deans. Share out high-level themes of the kinds of incidents resulting in a restorative practice session and a summary of any other key takeaways learned in the various sessions on a monthly or quarterly basis – e.g. # of sessions by division and/or grade level, top 2-3 themes of the incidents, and key learnings from the RP meetings.
Student Conduct and Discipline
Under the direction of the AP for Student Conduct and Discipline, the Dean will follow-up on and investigate referrals and reports involving student conduct that entails interviewing students and staff, collecting written statements, conferring with the AP for Student Conduct and Discipline (or Principal), and applying consequences as outlined in the Student-Parent/Guardian Handbook.
Record and document all suspensions and log them into PowerSchool, recording all pertinent and required fields of information, and being sure that the incidents (based on the suspension form and Student-Parent/Guardian Handbook are all properly noted in the suspension forms and PowerSchool.
Under the direction of the AP for Student Conduct and Discipline identify and address students whose patterns of repeated behavior suggest potential danger to the school community in their inability to adhere to school policies and procedures or who could pose a potential danger to others. Facilitate meetings with the student and their parents about the concerns, patterns, expectations, and potential next steps if the patterns persist.
Follow up with students and staff who were impacted by incidents (particularly Level 3 and 4 infractions – e.g. violence, hate speech, and bullying) by conducting a post-incident debrief to learn how they are doing now, did/do they feel supported, and what else might we do to support them.
Support the Assistant Principal for Student Conduct and Discipline and Dean of Student Discipline in co-leading high-impact professional development offerings for MWA staff related to our discipline policies and procedures, particularly for Level 3 and 4 infractions.
System Development/Management
Appropriately communicate (phone calls, forms, and letters) and document all student referrals, suspensions, and restorative practice meetings to parents and guardians; properly save and file documentation both electronically and in hard copy form; communicate all issues concerning student welfare and well-being in a timely fashion to make sure responses or actions are appropriate and legally compliant.
Organize and manage documentation of suspension forms, referrals, and student meetings. Include pertinent information such as the student's name, grade level/Wave, any identified disability or special need (IEP or 504 Plan), the subject or aim of the meeting or check-in, date, and whether or not the teacher has been called.
Meet regularly with members of the student support services team to discuss any current or emergent issues coming up for specific students to inform an approach towards
Identify ways to share Restorative Practice data with students and staff on a regular basis as well as identify positive trends in post-RP meetings in terms of reductions in some repeated behaviors.
Student and Family Support
Proactively develop relationships with students, families, faculty, and staff to build trust and open lines of communication and support.
With the Student-Parent/Guardian Handbook and restorative practices system as guides, respond to student-related incidents, investigations, and issues with transparent, appropriate, and timely responses, actions, and recommendations.
Present at Parent Meetings on various topics related to discipline and school policies that support and develop parent education and awareness to support their child’s successful navigation of MWA.
Reporting
In collaboration with the Principal and Assistant Principals, monitor and report progress against WASC/LCAP goals throughout the school year.
Work with the Director of Student Support Services and central office administrators to make sure MWA data, such as discipline data, is accurate and can be reported promptly to federal, state, and local agencies.
Ensure that all MWA staff are monitoring the safety and well-being of students and adults in the community, adhering to Mandated Reporter requirements, and communicating any concerns, with respect to the safety and well-being of MWA staff and students, to the CEO and MWA Board in some cases.
Additional Responsibilities and Expectations
Mission Alignment
Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, Making Waves Academy’s mission, core values, standards, competencies, and code of conduct outlined in the Employee Handbook.
Participate in the school community – attending school competitions, performances, assemblies, and supporting student events, student clubs, and club advisors.
Other
Manage special projects as assigned by the Assistant Principal of Student Conduct and Disciplines or designee.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment, but may also be required to visit classrooms. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, photocopiers, portable two-way radio transceivers, and smartphones.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to adhere to the following:
Frequently walk across the middle and upper school campus, and climb stairs.
Participate in campus supervision duty each week – Monday through Friday frequency may vary based on each semester's supervision assignment.
Lift files, open filing cabinets, bend or stand on a stool as necessary, and sit for long periods.
Travel
Some travelisrequired forMWA-relatedevents, such as workshops or conferences.
Qualifications
Experience
5+ years of experience working with students between the ages of 10-19 and families from historically underserved communities
Passion for MWA’s mission and demonstrated commitment to supporting first-generation students and/or children and families from historically underserved communities
Results driven; uses data to inform support pathways for students, parents, and staff through inter-departmental collaborations & Professional Development offerings
Understanding of California Education Code as it relates to student behavior and conduct
Familiarity with Restorative Justice and Positive Interventions and Services frameworks and philosophies
High degree of demonstrated cultural competency with the ability to lean into difficult conversations
Skills
Highly effective and professional communication skills with staff, students, and families
Ability to uphold and reinforce school policies and procedures when addressing students and families
Ability to meet deadlines on a tight schedule
Ability to adapt and align on school-related initiatives
Highly organized, goal-oriented, collaborative, and focused on outcomes
Fosters an environment and culture which promotes respect, responsibility, and trust
Ability to communicate with and build relationships with students and their families in the culturally and linguistically diverse MWA community
Ability to work collaboratively and independently
Ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments with limited supervision
Demonstrate an understanding of technology and literacy learning platforms (Microsoft Office Suite, PowerSchool, Canvas, Blackboard, Google Drive, and Calendar, if applicable)
Professional orientation – appearance, communication, organization, and attitude
Education
Bachelor’s Degree required
Licenses or Certificates Needed
Employment eligibility will include fingerprints, tuberculosis, COVID-19 vaccination, and/or other employment clearance
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Certificate of Clearance (COC) required
Read here for more information: https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/certificate-of-clearance-(cl-900)
Preferred but not required
Master’s or Advanced Degree
Spanish language proficiency
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Education and Training
Industries
Education Administration Programs
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Making Waves Academy by 2x