Dean of Students - 201 Days

Overview

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County.


Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030.

At Hixson Middle School, we are committed to creating a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment where students in grades 6-8 can thrive academically, socially, and personally. We believe every student has untapped potential, and our mission is to help them discover and refine their skills, intellect, and character so that their futures truly have no bounds. To achieve this, we offer a rigorous curriculum, vibrant extracurricular opportunities, and a strong culture of respect, responsibility, and relationships.


For teachers, Hixson Middle is more than a workplace-it is a collaborative community where educators are valued, supported, and empowered to grow in their practice. We believe in professional collaboration, open communication, and strong family partnerships that help students succeed. Joining our team means joining a culture that values empowerment, innovation, and balance. Just as we prepare students for boundless futures, we also equip teachers with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to make a lasting impact. At Hixson Middle, teaching is not only about content-it's about building confidence, inspiring curiosity, and shaping the future together.

The Dean of Students will collaborate with school administrators, teachers/staff, parents, and selected LEA personnel to ensure that all students are successful in the academic and community environments. The Dean of Students will think critically about ways to solve disciplinary and attendance issues, including academic and non-academic issues, in order to ensure that students are getting the support they need to maintain and/or improve high levels of academic performance. The Dean of Students will engage in instructional conversations, training, and learning opportunities that focus on supporting teacher learning and student achievement. The Dean of Students will lead with an instructional presence.


Responsibilities

• Communicate with families and work collaboratively with the school's Family Partnership Specialists and School Counseling staff.
• Impact student achievement in the core academic areas by providing guidance and supporting students who are experiencing difficulty with study habits, attendance, and behavioral expectations.
• Serve as a resource to staff by supporting the school action plan, quality instruction, and implementation of high-quality instructional materials.
• Lead school-wide culture and climate programs such as: School-Wide Positive Behavior Initiatives and the Anti-Bullying Program. Facilitate training for students, teachers, and parents to help strengthen the school and community partnership.
• Develop individualized student plans to support students with making positive choices.
• Create and coordinate education supports to meet the needs of students.
• Support and monitor students regarding academic, behavioral, and social behaviors.
• Facilitate meetings for the purpose of meeting curriculum guidelines and/or ensuring that state mandates are achieved.
• Attend school leadership meetings, and other meetings or professional development opportunities with student support strategies.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences.
• Monitor student growth and progress.
• Plan and implement talk structures that support student discourse, both academic and behaviorally focused.
• Work with mentor teachers and teachers to ensure that students are being challenged in an academically rigorous setting, while being supported emotionally.

Qualifications

Knowledge/Education/Experience:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree. Master's degree is preferred.
• Teaching candidates must hold a valid state of Tennessee Teaching or School Service certification. If you hold a teaching license in another state, you must apply for a Tennessee teaching license.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, especially the ability to communicate and collaborate with school age students.
• Effective organizational skills, attention to detail, strong work ethic, and ability to multitask.
• Ability to read and interpret documents, write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups.
• Ability to research and interpret state and LEA student data.
• Ability to interpret, apply and explain laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and contracts which affect the school.
• Ability to utilize student formative and summative test data with all stakeholders.
• Experience enforcing consequences and upholding high standards.
• Experience working with urban school students and their families in a diverse environment.
• Experience as a teacher, social worker, or school psychologists, preferred.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with
  students, educators, parents, and community members.
• Demonstrate excellent planning, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making,
  and time management skills.

Compensation

Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience.

Salary Scale

This position may be eligible for an increase in total compensation. The Differentiated Compensation Plan applies to designated schools and hard-to-staff positions. Please see for more details.