Dean of Culture (6-8) (26-27 SY)

Who We Are

Since its founding in 2010, Challenge Preparatory Charter School (Challenge Prep) has provided students and families with a successful academic program in Far Rockaway, Queens. We currently serve over 1200 scholars from Kindergarten to 12th grade across 3 sites. Our school’s mission is to prepare students from the greater Far Rockaway community to excel academically, to demonstrate mastery of the NY State Learning Standards, and to achieve their career aspirations. Challenge cultivates and supports the intellectual, aesthetic, social, emotional, and ethical development of its students and prepares them to be responsible 21st century citizens. To accomplish its mission, Challenge offers a rigorous instructional program in a safe, supportive, technology-infused and data-enriched and social-emotional learning sequence, authentic field experiences, career counseling, and college coursework. It is understood that we are one organization with multiple sites, and it is expected that all members of the team collaborate to support all of our scholars.

Understanding the Role

The 6-8 dean plays an instrumental role in establishing and reinforcing high expectations for positive student behavior. The dean will maintain consistent and constructive communication with scholars, teachers, administrators, and scholar families in an effort to ensure that school culture norms are effectively defined and reinforced. This position reports to the Principal.

• Establish and maintain a positive, safe, school culture
• Supervise the consistent and fair administration of school policies regarding student conduct and discipline
• Maintain the schools PBIS program
• Support teachers to create and sustain classroom management systems that ensure a focus on learning and student success
• Oversee the development and implementation of student supports and interventions.
• Maintain systems for collecting and tracking data on school culture metrics, including discipline and attendance
• Serve as a liaison to parents and facilitate parent education and involvement in support of school culture policies
• In working with the Parent Engagement Coordinator, play an active role in coordinating school partnerships
• Create and present formal reports on school culture and safety
• Facilitate faculty and staff professional development related to school culture and consistent enforcement of student discipline
• Organize school events that encourage community connection to and investment in the school culture and student success
• Establish a PBIS system for scholars in grades 6-8
• Utilizes the Citywide Behavioral Expectations as a guide to support student learning
• Utilizes a restorative approach to discipline
• Develops and implements a peer mediation club
• Participates in ongoing professional development
• Individual Student Planning and Assistance Academic
• Planning and support Crisis Interventions
• Education on understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses
• Goal setting/decision- making
• Transition plans
• Responsive Services Conflict resolution
• Consultation/collaboration with administration, faculty and parents
• Individual/family/school crisis intervention
• Individual and small-group counseling
• Referrals to other school and communication

• A love and passion for positive learning atmosphere for students, teachers, and administration
• Ability to lead and manage scholars and adults to achieve desired outcomes
• Ability to analyze behavioral situations, provide compelling feedback, and translate that into action
• Strong understanding of school policies, Restorative Justice, SEL, Social Work, PBIS, etc.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data to provide informed decision making
• Practical knowledge including organizational tools, computer skills
• Bachelor’s degree (required)
• Master’s degree in education, social work, educational leadership or similar field
• At least three (3) years of exceptional dean experience and outcomes (required)

• Challenge Charter School's staff members receive a competitive salary, paid time off, matching of retirement contributions up to 3%, and more
• The comprehensive benefits package includes four health plans to choose from, two dental plans, and vision insurance. We also offer flexible spending accounts for health, dependent care, and transit
• Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making, development, and team-wide priorities
• Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment
• Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planning
• Professional development: weekly PD, year-round training, and the ongoing coaching by professionals

$80,000 - $93,000 a year

School Sites

Grades 6-8: 15-20 Central Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691

Selection Process

Phase I - Virtual Interview with the HR Recruiter

Phase II - Demo, Panel Interview, and Interview with the Senior Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning 6-12

Final - Reference Check, Offer, and Contract

Work Year

This full-time position begins in mid-August and goes through the end of June.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Challenge Charter School is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, particularly in the Far Rockaway area, and committed to educating students. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our relentless work. Challenge Charter School offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Learn more about our mission, team, and the exciting things happening at Challenge by visiting

Salary Range

$80,000 - $93,000