Dean of Culture at KIPP Sunshine Peak Academy

KIPP Colorado•Denver, CO

1d•$73,440

About The Position

As an Dean of Culture, your primary role is to build systems and structures that create the conditions and campus community to drive exceptional student experience and academic outcomes that equip all students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose —college, career, and beyond. Deans of Culture are expected to support and manage the proactive, positive systems that create joyful, rigorous, identity-affirming schools (for example, whole school Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports) and coordinate responsive systems aligned with our values. They partner with the School Principal and Assistant Principal of Culture to lead behavior and culture, and they are expected to cultivate a participatory, achievement-focused, and outcomes-driven school culture that honors the multi-faceted identities of our students. In support of the mission, vision, values, and strategic plan of KIPP Colorado, the Dean of Culture is responsible for leading and building capacity of all teachers and teacher leaders (especially Grade Level Chairs) to implement and continuously develop excellent classroom communities, a strong focus on learning and continuous improvement, and a culture of consistent and high expectations with a focus on restorative practices. The Dean of Culture partners with Deans of Instruction, the Principal, and the leadership team to develop teacher skills in best practices for classroom management and to implement school-wide expectations. They create and oversee co curricular activities that bridge culture, community, and academics and foster caregiver and community engagement. This is a full-time administrative exempt position reporting to the Assistant Principal of Culture (APC).

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (required)
At least 2 years of relevant and aligned experience in the area of school culture management as a grade level chair, on a culture working group, or in a school culture role (required)
At least 2 years of K-12 teaching experience and a strong record of helping underserved students achieve academic success (required)
A full understanding and Commitment to an Exceptional Student Experience (more about that HERE) (required)
Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail; outstanding written and oral communication skills
Ability to manage the ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in an entrepreneurial environment
Proactive problem solver who demonstrates initiative and teamwork
Strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work
Multi-faceted, multi-skilled, resourceful and willing to do whatever it takes to help the school reach a level of academic excellence
High level of detail orientation and sound excellent organizational skills
Strong communication, feedback and facilitation skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Articulate, professional demeanor with strong self-confidence and initiative
Entrepreneurial mindset, with the creativity and versatility to work productively in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple deadlines and tasks with meticulous attention to detail
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop productive working relationships with stakeholders across functional and organizational lines
Passionate commitment to KIPP Colorado mission and to high standards of excellence

Nice To Haves

Spanish bilingual (preferred)
Past experience leading adults in a school environment (preferred)

Responsibilities

Believe deeply in the mission, values, and Race, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (RIDE) commitments of KIPP Colorado Schools and that all children can and will learn
Assume personal responsibility for student achievement
Read, internalize, and adhere to the KIPP Colorado Policies and Procedures manual and guidelines
Provide an active presence, strategic supervision, and intentional monitoring to ensure student safety and engagement in rigorous learning (regardless of my role and its proximity to students)
Take ownership for the development of your craft and engage actively in coaching sessions (meet 1-2 times every 1 or 2 weeks (depending on need and role) with a manager, receive coaching, implement all provided feedback, engage in active practice, etc.)
Commit to being prepared. Such as: internalizing and preparing for lessons, preparing for O3s/coaching, preparing for meetings, coaching, PD, reading and internalizing written communication, etc.
Meet professional obligations including and not limited to meeting deadlines and honoring schedules
Consistently leverage existing professional tools, including but not limited to Google Suite (google documents, etc.) and Microsoft Suite (including but not limited to your KIPP Colorado email, Teams chat / meetings, Teams phone, and Microsoft Outlook calendar)
Maintain strong attendance each day and be on time to all responsibilities
Collaborate with colleagues and seek feedback in the spirit of continuous improvement
Reflect on professional practices to meet individual professional development goals
Actively participate in professional development, grade level, and department meetings
Actively engage and implement in all school-wide and Org wide professional development
Serve as a positive, contributing member of a grade team or functional team, collaborating with colleagues to tackle common challenges and implement org and grade-wide initiatives
Share candid, solutions-oriented feedback with peers and leadership on a regular basis, assuring that feedback is shared directly with the intended recipient. Ensure that feedback is focused on improving outcomes and experiences for students
Assist with both student and staff recruitment and engagement- including events, home visits, calls home, and other determined and related requirements
Know that your role, professional development, org wide meetings, etc. may require you to travel around Denver to other KIPP Campuses, our Home Office, or other KIPP or PD events
Assist with other duties as assigned (such as but not limited to, lunch duty, arrival/dismissal duty, bathroom duty, hallway duty, school support duties, etc.)
Partner with the APO to support the development of processes and protocols for enhancing school culture
For supported grade levels, partner with APC to determine when and how to modify rituals, systems and practices for the overall betterment of the school
Where applicable, manage, evaluate, develop, and coach Restorative Practices Coordinators or Behavior Specialists / Interventions (or equivalent)
Manage and oversee Grade Level Chairs; support them in school-wide systems alignment, MTSS implementation, development, data analysis, and planning and running team meetings
Partner with APC to ensure accountable implementation of school-wide systems, including duties, PBIS, MTSS, and classroom behavior systems
Evaluate whole school performance data to make holistic as well as individual recommendations for improving school-wide cultural practices, with specific attention to supporting Multilingual Learners and Students with Disabilities (especially those with Behavior Intervention Plans)
Partner with AP of Instruction, AP of Culture, and Deans of Instruction to ensure consistent implementation of whole-school systems and coaching / support for staff
Consistently implement and uphold all campus and regional cultural expectations
Manage Grade Level Chairs’ implementation of grade level and school-wide culture plans
Develop teachers’ capacity with classroom management and student culture knowledge, skills, and mindsets
Support teachers with student accountability and discipline matters, including coordinating and facilitating student-teacher interventions and parent-teacher-student interventions.
Co-manage and co-lead the school’s summer orientation sessions
Manage responses to parent concerns not resolved at the teacher or Grade Level Chair Level, especially associated with concerns about behavior, classroom culture, or discipline policies in the grade levels directly supported
Manage academic and cultural programming in all designated grade levels
Coordinate all logistics and planning for end-of-year trips and quarterly team and family trips, including planning and implementing trip preparations throughout the year
Co-manage Summer School (if applicable)
Co-plan and lead all Data Days
Co-manage Detention (or equivalent) with the Leadership Team
Co-manage duties (arrival, dismissal, hallway transitions, lunch, recess) Lunch Duty with the Leadership Team
Co-lead Saturday School with the Leadership Team (if applicable)
Works with Family Engagement Coordinator (FEC) or campus equivalent on events to include, educate, and build relationships with families and students
Works with Family Engagement Coordinator (FEC) or campus equivalent to oversee family classes
Supports teachers with student of concern parent meetings
Attends all parent/family engagement meetings (such as Cafecito or CSC)
Implement systems to monitor and respond to family communication in IC behavior and conference tab usage by teachers
Collaborate with Principal, APC, and Instructional Leaders to create, design, and execute e professional development to teachers on culturally sustaining and culturally responsive teaching
Supports the creation and planning of events to celebrate and promote diversity, including but not limited to cultural celebrations (AAPI Month, Women’s History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month)
Work with Principal, APC, and APO on ensuring visual culture reflects culture priorities, student and family identities, and strategic plan
Coaches classroom teachers in strong behavior and culture practices to enable rigorous and engaging academic instruction to thrive
Work with student leaders and staff to ensure a school culture where we are recognizing and celebrating excellence
Partners with Assistant Principal of Culture to develop, implement, and maintain school-wide culture systems
Co-leads and participates in monthly culture walkthroughs with leadership team
Assist with student behavior infractions when they occur, and lead the school in setting up and maintaining system for implementing effective restorative practices work with the Assistant Principal of Operations to plan and execute student opportunities, including: field trips, student conferences, student leadership opportunities, and summer programs for students (in collaboration with KIPP Forward staff)
Set goals and progress monitors teacher effectiveness with upholding consistent culture and systems through quarterly culture walkthroughs
Implement PBIS, restorative justice and discipline programming and data monitoring
Implement whole school culture plan
Implement and partner with APC to refine the plan for developmentally appropriate and values-aligned student voice and leadership
Work with student leaders to create systems and structures that promote student voice, agency, and leadership opportunities
Work with staff and students to ensure our students are gaining the professional skills and knowledge to be successful at any college and in any career
Coordinate and progress monitor non-academic activities such as overseeing after-school clubs and co-curricular opportunities
In collaboration with KIPP Forward, build partnerships with external entities that will provide growth and leadership opportunities for our students
Work with students, families, and teachers to help students successfully apply to external opportunities
Partner with APC to ensure effective delivery of restorative practices, anchored in Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
Ensures restorative practices are utilized with fidelity, including providing development and coaching for all campus-based staff
Ensures constant oversight of the schools climate in regards to the of the use of restorative practices
Oversees planning and execution of parent meetings addressing behavioral concerns and disciplinary incidents
Oversees and reviews all threat assessments conducted in response to major behavior events
Creates and oversees implementation of Safety Plans written for students as a result of major behavior events
Oversees Title IX’s and incidents of harassment
Oversees ISS/OSS discipline practices and data collection
Support implementation and strong execution of plan for advisory instruction in collaboration with grade level chairs
Work with APC, teachers and school leaders to develop a scope and sequence for advisory curriculum
Work with APC and grade level leads and appropriate Home Office Team Members to create an advisory curriculum and resources
Partner with AP of Special Services to ensure effective, equitable, and excellent implementation of all Behavior Intervention Plans and behavior MTSS systems
Support and coordinate MTSS implementation at grade levels MTSS Chair with fidelity checks, progress checks, support in interventions, identifying gaps
Participate in active presence and strategic supervision and monitoring to ensure student safety and engagement in rigorous learning
Partner with the Dean of Special Services and Special Education Teachers to ensure proper implementation of 504s, BIPs, IEPs, safety plans, accommodations, modification, and language support for students
Enforce positive behavior systems and monitor behavior data
Attend designated school functions outside of school hours (Back to School Night, Report Card Conferences, Community Events, etc.)
Perform necessary support duties including (but not limited to) bus, lunch, and dismissal duties,chaperone field trips. Participate in parent meetings, conferences, and periodic evening events
Develop strong relationships with the families of students through home visits, participation in school events and phone calls home
Communicate regularly with families about academic progress and behavior
Participate in daily duties (i.e. breakfast, lunch, dismissal) to support school operations
Maintain accurate records and student data tracking systems
Assist with both student and staff recruitment
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

Competitive Market Salary: Starting salary for this role begins at $73,440 and is commensurate with experience
Excellent Healthcare Plan: 100% of employee-only monthly premium paid by KIPP Colorado and options for family enrollment and coverage, through United Healthcare
Time Off !!!: More than 6 weeks of annual vacation and Paid Time Off (PTO)
Based on hire date, employees are eligible for up to 8 days of Paid Time Off (PTO)
All employees receive summer break through an organization-wide closure, based on work location and position
Access to parental and medical leave: includes 6 weeks paid and 6 weeks unpaid for a total of 12 weeks (after your first year)
Career Trajectory: Access to opportunity to to move up, across schools, and grow your career during weekly coaching sessions to refine your craft
Mental Health Care: Immediate and ongoing access to mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program
Technology & Access: Equipment provided: laptop & phone
Retirement Planning: Participation in the Colorado PERA retirement program, including a PERA 401k option
Move to Join Us: Relocation reimbursement (when applicable)
Additional Pay: Most schools offer various stipend opportunities
Wellness reimbursement
Voluntary employee, spousal, and child life insurance
Voluntary long term disability insurance
Voluntary short term disability insurance
Optional Basic Life and AD&D Insurance