Middle School Dean of Students

Stratford School, part of Spring Education Group, is a leading independent WASC-accredited private school in California offering courses from preschool through 12th grade with a vision of creating a 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 their own way. Our proven program includes our STEAM-based curriculum that was recognized by the White House as a leader in early childhood STEAM education, and we are also the first California school to earn the Carnegie Science Seal of Excellence for STEM.

We are seeking a Dean of Students who helps lead the efforts to build and maintain a strong, positive, achievement-oriented school culture. You will manage the behavior programs for the middle school and establish strong, mutually respectful relationships with students and families. This position is a visible presence in all areas of the school and is responsible for all issues relating to the well-being and academic success of the middle school students at school. This is a full-time, year-round position. 

The ideal candidate is resilient, flexible, always learning, and knows how to lead. The ideal candidate will also be creative, innovative, and able to build strong relationships with students, parents, faculty, and external partners. If you are excited about this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our students' lives, we encourage you to apply

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.
• Support 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. 
• Support the development of student and teacher schedules 
• Participate in school-wide committees and initiatives, as well as participating in staff and faculty meetings and trainings
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Middle School Principal and Vice Principal

Qualifications:

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a related field. A master's degree is preferred
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience as a Dean or similar administrative role in an educational environment, preferably within an administrative role
• Or proven success over several years as a classroom teacher
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships with students, teachers, and parents. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Have an ability to effectively analyze data to improve student achievement 
• Possess excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills 
• Experience working with high school students. 
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Strong leadership and collaboration, displaying a positive attitude, and demonstrating cultural proficiency
• Must be able to attend occasional meetings and events outside of regular school hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Possess the helpful attributes of patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor 

General information:

• This role reports directly to the Middle School Vice Principal
• The full-time equivalent salary range for this position is $70,000 - $90,000.
• This position is regular, 12 months, full-time, and exempt
• Employees in exempt positions are expected to work as many hours as their responsibilities require, which includes evenings and weekends
• The school location is 3800 Blackford Ave., San Jose, CA

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.