Associate Dean of School Culture & Community Experience | Middle School | BTWA MS

Job Description

Job Description:\n\nPosition Title: Associate Dean of School Culture & Community Experience | Middle School Location: Hamden / New Haven, CT Reports To: School Principal Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt Salary Range: $65,000 - $85,000, commensurate with experience. ABOUT BOOKER T. WASHINGTON ACADEMY Booker T. Washington Academies (BTWA) in New Haven, CT, serves K–4 scholars at its Elementary campus and grades 5–8 at its Middle School campus. Founded in 2014 around Booker T. Washington’s credo—“Excellence is doing common things in uncommon ways”—BTWA balances a rigorous academic program with the cultivation of morals, character, self-discipline, responsibility for one’s actions, lifestyle, work ethic, and educational uplift. Scholars develop proficiency in reading, writing, critical thinking, discussion, and problem-solving to meet college and career goals, while embracing and demonstrating the morals, character, self-discipline, and work ethic to be leaders in life and community. Recognized as a Connecticut School of Distinction in 2018 (Category 1) and again in 2024 (Category 2)—the only New Haven public school honored that year—BTWA equips graduates to work hard, harness the power of education, elevate themselves, and give back to their communities in a transformational way. For more information about Booker T. Washington Academy, please visit: About the Opportunity Booker T. Washington Academy Middle School (BTWA MS) seeks a passionate, equity-minded and relationship-driven Associate Dean of School Culture & Community Experience to join our leadership team and help strengthen the holistic student experience at one of Connecticut’s highest‑performing public charter middle schools. In this pivotal role, you will champion restorative, inclusive, and relationship‑centered approaches to student support, behavior management, and social‑emotional learning—ensuring every student feels safe, empowered, and accountable within a culture of high expectations, belonging, and academic excellence. As an Associate Dean of School Culture & Community Experience at BTWA MS, you will collaborate closely with teachers, families, the broader school leadership team, and community partners to sustain and elevate a school culture where students’ voices matter and where strong relationships drive strong outcomes. From leading daily culture systems and community‑building rituals to refining proactive supports and interventions, you will help ensure that every student experiences consistency, joy, and meaningful opportunities for growth. You will also play a key role in supporting teacher and staff development—empowering educators to create safe, focused, and affirming learning environments where students take intellectual risks, build character, and develop the habits needed for long‑term success. This is an opportunity for a steady, inspiring, student‑centered leader who thrives in a collaborative environment, embraces continuous learning, and is deeply committed to the success of all students. The ideal candidate brings strong cultural leadership, operational clarity, and a passion for helping young people grow into thoughtful, responsible, and resilient leaders. ~ ~ ~ Key Responsibilities of the Role As the an Associate Dean of School Culture & Community Experience at BTWA MS, you will be primarily responsible for: Student Behavior & Restorative Practices Implement and refine BTWA’s restorative accountability systems to promote ownership, growth, and ethical decision‑making. Lead culturally responsive, equitable strategies for crisis and conflict management. Maintain consistent, transparent communication with students and families regarding expectations, interventions, and supports. Regularly solicit and integrate student feedback to strengthen school culture and student leadership. Social-Emotional Learning & Student Empowerment Oversee SEL programming that builds resilience, self‑management, leadership, and personal accountability. Support the development of student leadership pathways, peer mentoring, and community‑building initiatives. Partner with counseling and student support teams to ensure coordinated, holistic services for students. Culture & Community Building Maintain a visible, proactive presence throughout the school day to reinforce a joyful, structured, and inclusive culture. Strengthen BTWA’s PBIS‑aligned systems for recognition, incentives, and proactive supports. Lead school-wide rituals, assemblies, and community events that celebrate student success and reinforce shared values. Support attendance initiatives, transitions, hallway culture, and arrival/dismissal systems to ensure safety and consistency. Teacher & Staff Development & Support Collaborate with teachers, students, and families to develop individualized behavior plans aligned with BTWA’s discipline and support systems. Lead professional development sessions that equip teachers to build strong classroom culture and implement restorative practices. Participate actively in instructional and culture leadership teams to address trends, share best practices, and support teacher growth. Provide real‑time coaching and feedback to teachers on culture systems, student engagement, and relationship‑building. Instructional Leadership & Support Partner with the leadership team to ensure that culture systems directly support a rigorous, engaging academic program. Collaborate with instructional leaders to align culture expectations with instructional priorities, ensuring classrooms are safe, focused, and conducive to learning. Operational Leadership & Data-Informed Practices Use qualitative and quantitative data to monitor and adjust student support programs, interventions, and disciplinary measures. Ensure accurate record‑keeping and compliance with behavior intervention protocols, state regulations, and school policies. Lead regular culture data reviews to inform continuous improvement and strengthen school-wide systems. Coordinate logistics for culture‑related operations (e.g., lunch, recess, transitions, arrival/dismissal). School-wide Leadership Responsibilities & Program Support Strengthen and refine existing culture systems to ensure consistency, clarity, and alignment with BTWA’s mission and values. Lead school-wide initiatives focused on SEL integration, restorative practices, and community engagement. Support the implementation of new culture initiatives based on school needs, data trends, and student voice. Serve as a key member of the school’s leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and school-wide decision‑making. ~ ~ ~ Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate While no candidate will possess every quality below, the ideal candidate for the Founding Dean of Students will likely demonstrate many of the following abilities, attributes, and experiences: Required Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Experience: At least 3–5 years of youth development or school‑based experience with a strong track record of building positive culture and relationships. At least 1–2 years of experience coaching or leading adults to improve student outcomes. Restorative Practices: Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and manage restorative and behavior intervention systems. Communication: Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Initiative: Experience organizing schoolwide initiatives that promote a positive, inclusive school climate. Data Proficiency: Ability to use data to assess, refine, and strengthen student support and culture systems. Experience supporting diverse learners — Demonstrated experience and success differentiation supports for diverse learners, including multilingual learners (ELs) and students with IEPs Mission Alignment: Deep alignment with the mission and values of Elevate Charter Schools and BTWA, including excellence, character, self‑discipline, responsibility, and educational uplift Core Values Alignment: Deep belief in our community and in the potential of every single scholar to learn, grow, and achieve at a high level. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field preferred. At least 3 years of teaching experience with strong classroom culture and student outcomes. At least 3 years of experience as a high‑impact school leader (Dean, AP, Culture Leader, etc.). Valid CT teaching and/or school leadership certification or eligibility for reciprocity. Specialized training in restorative practices, conflict intervention, PBIS, or SEL frameworks. Prior experience in a charter, high‑performing urban, or turnaround school environment. Bilingual or multilingual proficiency is highly preferred particularly to support meaningful partnership and accessibility with our students, families, and community (Spanish fluency is a strong plus). ~~~ Mindsets We Value Our team is passionately committed to the vision and values of Elevate Charter Schools and Booker T. Washington Academy. The ideal candidate will have a positive mindset, a very strong work ethic, an inner drive for excellence and will thrive working in an entrepreneurial and results-driven environment Additionally, we deeply value, and are actively seeking candidates who demonstrate, the following mindsets and beliefs: Mission-Driven: In addition to deeply aligning and embodying the mission and values of ECS and BTWA, you believe in the brilliance and promise of all students, particularly students of color, and want to be part of their success story. Growth-Oriented: You welcome feedback, are deeply reflective on your personal practices, and are constantly seeking to improve your craft. Entrepreneurial: You are flexible, solutions-focused, and energized by the opportunity to build something from the ground up. Collaborative: You thrive in a team-based culture and believe that collective effort drives school success. Commitment to Excellence: You hold yourself, and others, to the highest of standards and have a student-centric, “whatever it takes” mentality to create a learning community where all students and stakeholders can grow and thrive. ~ ~ ~ Compensation and Benefits At Elevate Charter Schools, we are committed to ensuring fair and equitable compensation based on the skills and qualifications required for the role. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on an individual’s skills, education, and years of experience relevant to the role. The salary range for this position is $65,000 - $85,000+, commensurate with experience and qualification, and reflective of the responsibilities and expertise needed to succeed in this position. Final salary may be adjusted based on experience and qualifications. In addition to competitive compensation, Elevate offers a range of comprehensive benefits packages to all regular, full-time employees at a competitive value. ~ ~ ~ Physical Requirements This position requires the ability to perform the following physical activities with or without reasonable accommodation: Mobility: Ability to move around the office and school buildings, attend meetings, visit classrooms, and participate in professional development activities. Vision: Clear vision to read documents, view computer screens for extended periods, and present information to groups. Hearing: Ability to hear conversations and presentations in various settings. Communication: Clear speech to effectively communicate with teachers, staff, administrators, and parents. Occasional Physical Demands: Ability to lift and carry light materials (such as books and documents), bend or reach to access files or materials, and stand for extended periods during meetings or presentations. Edmonds Cofield Preparatory Academy is committed to providing a supportive work environment and will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role Elevate Charter Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Elevate is a non‑profit charter management organization serving public charter schools in Connecticut’s urban communities. Our scholars are 99% Black and Brown, and Elevate deeply values inclusion, representation, and diversity across our staff. Elevate Charter Schools is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for all stakeholders. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, especially those who share a similar background to the communities we serve. If you have questions about the application process, experience any challenges, or need support completing your application, please reach out to our talent team at View email address on ziprecruiter.com. We are committed to ensuring an accessible and welcoming experience for all candidates. Compensation Range: $65K - $85K