Dean of Students

Full-Time and Permanent; Exempt; 7.33 Hours/Day; 200 Days/Year; 10 Months/Year

CURRENT VACANCIES: RUFFNER MIDDLE SCHOOL AND AZALEA GARDENS MIDDLE SCHOOL

The Dean of Students is a school-based leadership role responsible for supporting a positive, safe, and orderly learning environment through student discipline, behavior support, and staff collaboration. The Dean works closely with school administration, teachers, and families to address student behavior, implement the school's discipline plan, and promote effective classroom management practices.

This position is an annual appointment. Employees must reapply each year. Individuals not selected for renewal will return to a classroom teaching position within their endorsed area(s).

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree and coursework or endorsement in administration and supervision preferred
• Valid Virginia Teaching License
• Continuing contract status (completion of probationary period as a licensed teacher)
• Tuberculin (TB) screening confirming absence of contagious tuberculosis

Key Responsibilities

Student Discipline & Behavior Support

• Review, investigate, and respond to student discipline referrals.
• Assess and address behavior issues that disrupt the learning environment or compromise safety.
• Implement and support the school's discipline plan in alignment with division policies.
• Apply conflict resolution and de-escalation strategies to manage student behavior.

School Climate & Safety

• Promote and maintain a safe, orderly, and respectful school environment.
• Collaborate with administrators and security personnel on student discipline and safety matters.
• Assist in emergency response situations, including fire, lockdown, and severe weather drills.
• Support supervision in high-traffic areas such as hallways, cafeterias, and arrival/dismissal areas.

Staff Support & Instructional Collaboration

• Observe classrooms and provide feedback to support effective classroom management and student engagement.
• Collaborate with teachers to address behavior concerns and improve instructional environments.
• Support consistent implementation of behavior expectations across the school.

Student & Family Communication

• Communicate with students and families regarding behavioral and academic concerns.
• Facilitate conferences with parents, teachers, and administrators as needed.
• Maintain accurate documentation of student behavior and disciplinary actions using systems such as Synergy®.

School Operations & Student Activities

• Support cafeteria operations to ensure orderly student conduct.
• Assist with bus operations and coordination to ensure safe student transportation.
• Support locker assignments and monitoring.
• Assist with school events, including after-school activities and athletic events.
• Participate in school initiatives such as fundraising and student programs.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain regular attendance and fulfill all assigned duties.
• Collaborate with administrators, teachers, and staff to support school-wide goals.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in compliance with district procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the principal or designee.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of student behavior management, discipline practices, and conflict resolution strategies
• Understanding of instructional best practices and classroom management techniques
• Knowledge of school operations, policies, and applicable state and local regulations
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism and sound judgment
• Proficiency in student information systems such as Synergy® and other technology tools
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in a school environment, including classrooms, hallways, and common areas.
• Duties require frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, and lifting.
• Position requires the ability to respond to student behavior incidents, including situations involving potential physical confrontation.
• Work involves exposure to normal day-to-day conditions and routine risks associated with a school environment.

Supervision & Reporting

The Dean of Students reports to the school principal or designee and performs duties in accordance with division policies and school procedures.