SY 26/27 Dean of Culture

KIPP•Kansas City, MO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dean of Culture and Climate plays a vital role in creating a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment for all students and staff. Working in partnership with the school leadership team and the Director of Culture and Climate, this position will implement school-wide initiatives that foster positive behavior, social-emotional learning (SEL), and a strong school culture aligned with KIPP KC's values.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required
Minimum of 3-4 years of experience in educational leadership, counseling, or a related field with a track record of effective classroom management.
Proven track record of implementing successful programs that have improved school climate and student behavior.
Commitment: Upholds KIPP Kansas City’s mission and values, including a deep belief in the potential of all students.
Philosophy: Deep understanding of Restorative Practices and Trauma-Informed Care.
Conflict Resolution: Ability to remain calm and de-escalate high-stress situations with students and parents.
Cultural Competency: A commitment to equity and the ability to work effectively in diverse communities.
Proactiveness: The capability to establish culture protocols and routines to address culture nuances and develop a positive school culture.
Responsiveness: Ability to respond to situations in a calm manner with the expertise to de-escalate a situation.
Evaluative: Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and implement strategic interventions based on findings.

Nice To Haves

Master’s in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or Ed Leadership preferred.

Responsibilities

Design and implement a school-wide behavior management system (e.g., PBIS, Restorative Justice, or Merit/Demerit) that is consistent and equitable.
Oversee the daily execution of culture and climate initiatives within the school, i.e Culture Playbook, Live School.
Identify school-specific needs and opportunities for improvement in climate and culture, and collaborate with the principal and staff to develop and implement targeted strategies.
Foster student leadership opportunities that promote positive school culture.
Lead the school’s strategy to reduce chronic absenteeism through incentives and family outreach.
Integrate SEL principles into the school curriculum and daily activities, ensuring all students develop the skills necessary for self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Collaborate with the Student Support Services team to ensure that all teachers have been trained and have access to the Character Strong SEL Curriculum.
Collaborate with teachers and counselors to ensure that the SEL curriculum is implemented and there is active student participation daily in all classrooms.
Implement and oversee behavior management systems that are equitable and effective, promoting positive interventions and reducing suspensions and expulsions.
Collaborate with ISS Coordinator and Wellness Lab Coordinator on restorative practices being implemented and executed in these spaces to reduce the number of out–of-school suspensions and expulsions.
Manage high-level disciplinary issues and lead "re-entry" meetings after suspensions to ensure students are ready to return to the community.
Ensure clear and consistent behavioral expectations are communicated and enforced throughout the school.
Collaborate with the school social workers to support at-risk and in-crisis students.
Partner with teachers to improve classroom management, helping them build strong relationships with "tough-to-reach" students.
Collaborate with teachers, staff, parents, and students to create a culture of shared responsibility and positive school climate.
Serve as the primary point of contact for families regarding student conduct and school culture, fostering a "team" approach to student success.
Develop strategies and programs to actively engage families in school activities and decision-making.
Collect and analyze data related to school climate, student behavior, and SEL implementation.
Generate reports for the principal, school and regional leadership team on the effectiveness of climate and culture initiatives.
Utilize data to identify areas for improvement and inform future strategies.
Collaborate with the principal and staff to identify professional development needs related to positive classroom environments, SEL strategies, and positive behavior support.
Assist in planning and coordinating professional development opportunities to equip staff with the skills and knowledge to foster a positive school environment.