Background Information: Spark Academy in Lawrence, MA, seeks a hardworking, dedicated Dean of Students to join our team of committed, growth-oriented educators. Spark Academy is an innovative public school dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where every student thrives. Recognized among the top 4% of schools in the state as a "School of Recognition," Spark Academy pairs research-driven academics with a strong, values-based culture that balances proactive and responsive approaches to meet the needs of our students. Our school provides students with six core academic periods, daily physical education, and an intervention period, ensuring comprehensive support for all learners. Featured on NPR's Only a Game, our program integrates frequent physical movement and exercise opportunities to bolster both academic achievement and overall well-being. Beyond the classroom, under the leadership of our Dean of Students and Culture, our climate, culture, and counseling teams work collaboratively to support students' social-emotional health, maintaining the high standards our community deserves. At Spark Academy, we embrace a growth mindset for both staff and students. We seek an educational leader who is positive, organized, adaptive, able to efficiently multitask with a high ability to execute well, and an expert "warm demander" with students. , consistently demonstrates a positive outlook, champions research-based strategies, and is dedicated to helping our students-and themselves-reach their fullest potential. Spanish speaking candidates strongly preferred.

Job Description: The Dean of Students and Culture is responsible for the overall positive and productive climate of Spark Academy, as described below:

Primary Responsibilities: Lead School-wide Implementation of Responsive Student Culture Systems: Safeguard our students' education by ensuring education is not being disrupted in any classroom. Oversee and support effective implementation of school-wide behavior system (including consequences (i.e. stumbles) and positive incentives (i.e. 3-pointers) Analyze, manage, and lead staff-wide use of data to analyze and continuously strive to improve how we support student behavior consistently throughout the school Oversee and coach staff to facilitate safe lunches, detentions (during and/or before school), morning entry, and dismissal. Develop and maintain climate room protocols, materials, set up, and systems to successfully allow students to reset, reflect, and prepare to quickly re-enter the classroom and continue to learn. Carefully monitor and analyze students with chronic disruptive behaviors; on a regular basis determine whether further interventions are necessary for students to be successful (i.e. behavior plans, Purpose program, etc.). Lead and oversee the creation of, maintain, and track individualized student behavior plans and safety plans for high needs students with students, families, teacher teams, and, when applicable, special education department. Develop and lead professional development and coaching related to school-wide behavior systems, student support strategies, family communication, and positive, proactive systems Develop, Organize, and Implement Proactive and Positive School-Wide Culture Initiatives and Celebrations: Design and organize activities and events that promote a positive school culture for students (e.g. birthday recognitions, academic achievement celebrations, Field Days, school-wide dances, 8th grade promotion, etc.). Lead development, organization, and execution of positive incentive system (e.g. Miracle March, Spark Bodega) Lead and execute initiatives to increase student voice and empowerment in the school (e.g. Student Government, Student Surveys) Create and facilitate structures and planning for After School Programming opportunities for students Provide students with guidance to improve their behavior and effort to become more successful in school and life Lead positive student culture and communication initiatives, such as daily Team Time creation, Advisory sessions, and Community Meetings Effectively communicate and work with families to support students' success in effort and behavior. Oversee school, district, and state-wide student safety and compliance systems Serve as a student advisor.

Manage and Develop Climate + Culture Staff: Supervise, coach, and support three grade level Climate Team Associates in supporting strong climate and culture systems in our school Supervise and support our counseling team in supporting students' social emotional development, protecting student privacy and safety, and supporting students in their developmental growth Oversee our safety officer and Board Certified Behavior Analyst in supporting a strong, safe, and positive school-wide culture. Support, coordinate, and oversee our GEAR UP high school, college, and career coordinator in leading strong 8th grade college/ career classes Organize 8th grade high school application process in tandem with GEAR Up and counseling team

Other tasks as assigned by principal.

Job Requirements: Bachelor's Degree required; Masters preferred MA Administrative license or willingness to become licensed within one year

Essential Skills: Excellent communication skills and strong public speaking skills; A capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment and the ability to remain calm and focused when faced with unexpected challenges; Organized and detail-oriented; Ability to execute many projects efficiently and effectively; Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred

This is a contracted administrative position with a 215 day work year.

Position : 384595003

Location : SPARK ACADEMY

Posting End : 12/31/9999

Salary: $91,250.00