Dean, Culture and Climate (Grades 6-8)

Dean of Culture and Climate (Grades 6-8)

Terms of Employment: 12-Month, Full-Time Employee 
Reports To: Principal, Middle School
Salary: Odyssey Charter School Salary Scale

Dean of Culture and Climate (Grades 6-8)

Terms of Employment: 12-Month, Full-Time Employee 
Reports To: Assistant Principal and Principal, Grades 6-8 
Salary: Odyssey Charter School Salary Scale

About Us

The future is brighter than ever for Odyssey Charter School, and we are in search of highly motivated, equally passionate individuals to join our Team. Odyssey is a full-scale K-12 Charter School currently serving over 2,500+ students. Our School has a growing dual immersion program, innovative green initiative, community food program, and high academic outcomes. 

Odyssey is united in its mission to prepare lifelong learners who are culturally aware, global citizens who utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills grounded in the classical teachings of Greek education and language. Through the Socratic Method and inquiry-based learning, students are empowered to leverage their unique skills and talents in an equitable and collaborative environment where all students can succeed. 

Position Summary 

The Dean of Culture and Climate serves as the building leader responsible for student culture, behavior intervention systems, attendance supports, restorative practices, and student accountability for grades 6-8. The Dean works collaboratively with administrators, counselors, teachers, families, and student support teams to establish and maintain a positive, safe, and supportive learning environment. 

The Dean leads the implementation of Tier II and Tier III behavioral interventions and supports, coordinates restorative practices, monitors student behavior data, and develops intervention plans for students requiring additional behavioral, attendance, and social-emotional support. The Dean serves as the primary administrator for student discipline matters while partnering with the Assistant Principal to ensure alignment with school-wide culture initiatives and expectations. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution. 

• Must hold a valid, active Delaware Teaching License and Certificate in required content area in accordance with 14 Del. C. § 1531. 

• Successful completion of Praxis II exams. 

• Proficient in English Language, both written and spoken. 

• Demonstrated experience in school culture, student discipline, student services, counseling, administration, or related educational leadership roles. 

• Strong commitment to the mission and vision of Odyssey Charter School. 

• Experience implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and restorative practices. 

• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff. 

• Strong organizational, communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to analyze behavioral and attendance data to drive decision-making. 

• Proficiency with student information systems and Google/Microsoft platforms. 

• A global citizenship and collaborative mindset? 

• Experience working in a multicultural/multilingual environment 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master's Degree in Education, School Leadership, Counseling, Social Work, or related field. 

• Previous experience as a Dean, Assistant Principal, Student Advisor, School Counselor, or Culture Coordinator. 

• Experience leading restorative practices and student accountability systems in a middle school setting. 

• Training in trauma-informed practices, social-emotional learning, and culturally responsive practices. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Student Culture and Climate 

• Lead efforts to establish and maintain a positive school culture aligned with Odyssey's mission and values. 

• Serve as the primary administrator responsible for student behavior, discipline, and accountability. 

• Monitor school climate indicators and implement strategies to improve student engagement, belonging, and connectedness. 

• Collaborate with students, staff, and families to foster a safe and supportive learning environment. 

• Support student leadership opportunities and culture-building initiatives. 

Tier II and Tier III Behavioral Supports 

• Coordinate and monitor Tier II and Tier III behavioral intervention systems. 

• Develop, implement, and monitor behavior intervention plans and support plans for students exhibiting chronic or severe behavioral concerns. 

• Facilitate student problem-solving meetings and restorative conferences. 

• Coordinate re-entry meetings following suspensions or significant disciplinary incidents. 

• Partner with counselors, special education staff, interventionists, and teachers to support students requiring intensive interventions. 

• Participate in MTSS, Student Support Team, Attendance, and PBIS meetings. 

Discipline and Restorative Practices 

• Investigate student disciplinary incidents and determine appropriate interventions and consequences consistent with the Student Code of Conduct. 

• Maintain accurate disciplinary records and documentation. 

• Ensure disciplinary practices are equitable, restorative, and aligned with school policies. 

• Lead restorative circles, mediations, and conflict-resolution processes. 

• Support staff in implementing restorative and trauma-informed practices. 

Attendance and Student Accountability 

• Monitor attendance trends and collaborate with families and support staff to address chronic absenteeism and tardiness. 

• Coordinate attendance intervention plans for students identified as at risk. 

• Maintain communication with families regarding attendance and behavioral concerns. 

• Participate in attendance review meetings and hearings as necessary. 

Data Analysis and Systems Management 

• Analyze behavioral, attendance, and climate data to identify trends and areas for improvement. 

• Prepare reports and recommendations for school leadership. 

• Support the implementation and monitoring of PBIS and MTSS frameworks. 

• Utilize data to evaluate intervention effectiveness and student outcomes. 

Family and Community Engagement 

• Serve as a primary point of contact for families regarding student discipline and behavioral concerns. 

• Conduct conferences with students, families, and staff to resolve concerns and develop action plans. 

• Build collaborative relationships with community agencies and support organizations as needed. 

School Operations and Supervision 

• Supervise students during arrival, dismissal, lunch, transitions, and other unstructured times. 

• Support school-wide events, extracurricular activities, and special programs. 

• Assist with crisis response, safety procedures, and emergency management as assigned. 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or Assistant Principal. 

Standard Requirements 

• Favorable Criminal Background Check  

• Favorable Child Abuse Registry Check  

• Tuberculin Test  

• Mandatory Direct Deposit of paycheck  

Application Procedures 

Internal Candidates: 
Qualified applicants must complete an online application or submit a current resume with license/certification information. Letters of recommendation are optional. 

External Candidates: 
Qualified applicants must complete an online application and submit: 

• Letter of interest  

• Current resume  

• Recent evaluations and/or student teaching evaluations  

• Transcripts  

• Current, Active License/Certification  

• Three (3) professional references, must be supervisory level 

• Three (3) letters of recommendation dated within the last year  

Previous submissions will not automatically be considered. Applicants must apply specifically for the Job ID associated with this position. 

For assistance with the application process or to request a paper application, please contact the OCS Human Resources Team at 302-516-8000. 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement 

Odyssey Charter School is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment or educational programs, services, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, military/veteran status, disability, marital status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Delaware Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other relevant laws. 

For assistance with the application process or to request a paper application, please contact the OCS Human Resources Team at 302-516-8000. 

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INTERNAL NOTES: 

Distinction from Assistant Principal Role 

The Dean of Culture and Climate primarily focuses on: 

• Tier II and Tier III behavioral interventions 

• Student discipline and accountability 

• Restorative practices 

• Attendance interventions 

• School culture and climate 

• Behavioral data analysis 

• Family engagement related to student behavior 

The Assistant Principal primarily focuses on: 

• Tier I systems and school-wide prevention 

• Instructional leadership and coaching 

• Teacher evaluation and development 

• Strategic planning and school improvement 

• Academic programming and curriculum implementation 

• Operational leadership and staff supervision