Dean of Students (see addt'l job info)

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

The Dean of Students plays a key role in fostering a positive and supportive school climate by overseeing student discipline, attendance, and behavior management programs. Under the supervision of the Principal, the Dean of Students works collaboratively with administrators, teachers, students, parents, and community stakeholders to promote a safe and respectful learning environment within the Washoe County School District.

As part of a leadership team, the Dean of Students is responsible for site progress toward achieving the district and school's mission, vision, and core beliefs. Incumbent provides management of site programs, accountability directives, student discipline, and facilities. The incumbent acts as liaison to parents, community, and other district groups. Monitors and assists with student progress, evaluates and ensures high-quality staff performance, and works with the parents and the community. Incumbent performs related work as required. The Dean also plays a key role in promoting equity, social-emotional learning, and academic achievement for all students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Behavior and Discipline

• Develops, implements, and oversees student behavior policies, discipline procedures, and restorative practices in alignment with district policies and state regulations.
• Works with school counselors, social workers, and other support staff to address student behavioral and social-emotional needs.
• Leads initiatives to promote positive school culture, including anti-bullying programs, conflict resolution strategies, and peer mediation efforts.
• Utilizes effective methods for behavior prevention and management; supports staff with behavior management strategies and communicates expectations with students and families.
• Work closely with students, teachers, and families to address behavioral concerns and develop intervention plans.

Attendance and Student Engagement

• Monitors student attendance, identifies trends, and collaborates with families and staff to improve student engagement and reduce absenteeism.
• Assists in producing various reports, including attendance (absence and tardiness), Count Day, SPP, MTSS, and testing, and provides evidence if needed for appeal processes.
• Collaborate with counselors, teachers, and administrators to implement behavioral and academic support systems.
• Develop and oversee attendance improvement strategies, ensuring student accountability.

Instructional Support and School Leadership

• Supports the vision leadership of the school principal that involves staff, families, students, and the community in the identification and accomplishment of the school's mission.
• Encourages and develops the leadership of others; analyzes relevant information, makes decisions, delegates responsibility, and provides appropriate support and follow-up.
• Applies collaborative strategic planning to help identify and accomplish the school's mission, goals, and objectives.
• Acts as an instructional support resource for staff; regularly observes teaching methods and strategies and ensures their effectiveness.
• Encourages students and staff to participate in co-curricular activities that enhance and complement classroom learning.
• Demonstrates knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment and their relationship to program goals and objectives.
• Uses a variety of techniques and strategies to assess student performance and progress; proficient in data management systems and analysis of student achievement data.
• Supports Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and inclusive practices.

School Climate and Safety

• Foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive school environment that supports student learning and well-being.
• Lead initiatives to build positive relationships between students, staff, and families.
• Promote programs that support student leadership, engagement, and character development.
• Assist in crisis management and conflict resolution within the school community.
• Provides a safe, orderly climate for learning; manages the operation and maintenance of the physical environment.
• Ensures safety plans are current and scheduled drills are performed and recorded for compliance.

Teacher & Staff Collaboration

• Work with teachers to develop classroom management strategies that enhance student engagement.
• Provide support and training for staff on effective behavioral intervention strategies.
• Monitor teacher and student performance data to drive instructional improvements.
• Support teachers in professional growth, lesson planning, and curriculum.
• Regularly observe classroom instruction, provide feedback on teaching methods and strategies to ensure their effectiveness.
• Complete certified and classified evaluation.

Compliance and Administrative Responsibilities

• Assists in supervision of students during school activities, events, and transitional times (e.g., lunch, recess, arrival/dismissal).
• Ensures compliance with appropriate laws of the State of Nevada, district regulations, and the Nevada Department of Education policies.
• Assists in ensuring accurate procedures are followed for progress reports and student grades.
• Develops data reports that track student progress and needed student interventions.
• Organize and participate in school events that strengthen community relationships.
• May serve as Local Education Agency (LEA) for s and IEP to ensure compliance.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

• Education: Master's degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in administration, education, educational leadership, or other related field;

AND

• Licenses/Certificates: School Administrators' License required. Proper endorsement is necessary before applying to the qualifying pools.

AND

• Experience: A minimum of five years of certified teaching experience,

AND

• Licenses/Certificates: School Administrators' License required. Proper endorsement is necessary before applying to the qualifying pools.

AND

• Evaluations: Effective or Highly Effective evaluations in the last three consecutive years.

AND

Confidential References: Three current Confidential References returned and dated within the last eighteen months. One must be from your current supervisor, and one must be from your current evaluator (if your supervisor and evaluator are the same person, you only need one reference from them)—one from your most recent previous supervisor. If your current supervisor and evaluator are the same person, you will need to add one additional reference from someone who can speak to your leadership skills. References must be filled out for the position you are applying for, not the position you currently hold.

• COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of child development, human relations, and challenges facing students and families.
• Understanding of strategies for collaborating with families, community leaders, and school personnel.
• Expertise in data collection, analysis, and data-driven decision-making for school improvement.
• Familiarity with district-wide discipline plans, behavior matrices, attendance policies, and inclusive practices.
• Proficiency in effective classroom instructional pedagogy and curriculum pacing.
• Knowledge of school law, public relations, and staff supervision.
• Strong skills in planning, organizing, managing staff, and resolving conflicts constructively.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to establish positive relationships within diverse communities.
• Ability to coach instructionally, de-escalate student behavior, and support team-building efforts.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/ PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

• Exposure to weather: Occasional exposure to outdoor weather.
• Exposure to loud noises: Occasional exposure to loud noises.
• Working in confined spaces: Occasional work in confined spaces.
• Working at heights: Rarely working at excessive heights
• Working with hazardous materials: Rarely working with hazardous materials.

Physical Demands

• Lifting/Carrying: Occasionally lifting to 25lbs, rarely lifting over 25lbs.
• Standing/Walking: Requires prolonged standing and walking throughout the workday.
• Bending/Stooping: Occasional bending and stooping to retrieve items.
• Reaching: Occasionally reaching above shoulder level.
• Pushing/Pulling: Occasionally moving objects by pushing or pulling.
• Climbing: May rarely need to climb stairs or ladders to access equipment.
• Fine motor skills: Requires dexterity for handling small parts and tools.

THIS JOB SPECIFICATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO IMPLY THAT THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE STANDARDS OF THE POSITION. INCUMBENTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS, AND TO PERFORM ANY OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THEIR SUPERVISOR.