Dean of Education - NCSD

State of North Carolina•Burke, NC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dean of Education is a key member of the school leadership structure responsible for leading a high-quality, student-centered academic program that ensures Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students have access to rigorous instruction, meaningful language development, and pathways to post-secondary success. This position demonstrates a commitment to instructional excellence, bilingual-bimodal education, educator development, equitable access, and continuous improvement. Through visionary leadership, collaboration, and data-informed decision-making, the Dean of Education advances curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning systems that empower students to achieve their academic, career, and personal goals. The North Carolina School for the Deaf (NCSD) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Dean of Education to provide leadership, supervision, and oversight within the school’s academic program. Under the direction of the Superintendent, the Dean of Education provides strategic and instructional leadership for the Preschool–Grade 12+ academic program at NCSD. This position is responsible for the administration, coordination, supervision, and continuous improvement of the school’s instructional programs, ensuring that students receive a rigorous, accessible, and language-rich bilingual educational experience aligned with their individual strengths, needs, post-secondary goals, and career aspirations. The Dean of Education leads the development and implementation of a high-quality bilingual-bimodal educational program designed to support student achievement, language acquisition, literacy development, college readiness, career preparation, specialized diploma endorsements, early postsecondary opportunities, and industry-recognized certifications. This position serves as the School Principal and primary instructional leader for faculty and academic programming, fostering a culture of high expectations, collaboration, professional growth, and continuous improvement. The North Carolina School for the Deaf (NCSD) is a specialty school for Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HH) students, ages 3 (three) to 22 (twenty-two), with a catchment area encompassing the 46 westernmost counties in North Carolina. Established in 1894, the school provided significant milestones in deaf and blind education. North Carolina School for the Deaf operates per the academic calendar, from August to May, with additional summer programming in June. Students are typically present on campus Sunday afternoons through Friday afternoons. In general, support services and administration operate year-round.

Requirements

Completion of an approved program in school administration at the master's level or above.
Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) is required.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
NC Administrator's License number and expiration date.

Nice To Haves

Degree in education, Deaf Education, Special Education, or a related field from an accredited institution.
"Superior" rating in American Sign Language (ASL) per the Sign Language Proficiency Interview Functional Descriptors.
North Carolina teaching license in Deaf Education or a related area.
ASLPI Level 3 or higher preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of deaf culture, deaf education methodologies, and communication strategies for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
Experience working with school-aged deaf or hard-of-hearing students.

Responsibilities

Provides leadership, direction, and supervision for all academic programs and instructional initiatives for Preschool through Grade 12+.
Develops, implements, and evaluates instructional programs aligned with NC Standard Course of Study requirements, evidence-based practices in Deaf education, and the school’s bilingual-bimodal educational framework.
Leads curriculum development, instructional planning, academic programming, and continuous improvement efforts to support student achievement and post-secondary readiness.
Ensures academic pathways provide meaningful opportunities for students, including diploma pathways, career and technical education opportunities, dual enrollment opportunities, specialized endorsements, and transition-focused academic planning.
Provides supervision and evaluation of licensed instructional personnel and assigned academic staff in accordance with state requirements and school policies.
Develops and communicates staff assignments, responsibilities, schedules, and expectations aligned with instructional priorities.
Conducts classroom observations, provides instructional feedback, and supports professional growth through coaching, collaboration, and targeted professional learning.
Establishes systems that promote effective instructional practices, educator collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Leads the development and implementation of curriculum frameworks, instructional resources, and assessment practices aligned with state standards and the unique educational needs of Deaf and hard-of-hearing learners.
Analyzes student achievement data and assessment results to identify instructional priorities and improve academic outcomes.
Supports the implementation and monitoring of the School Improvement Plan, including academic goals, instructional strategies, and measurable outcomes.
Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state educational requirements related to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and accountability.
Provides leadership and oversight to ensure instructional programming supports compliance with IDEA requirements and promotes high-quality educational planning.
Ensures systems are in place for effective development, implementation, and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Collaborates with instructional staff to ensure educational programming supports student access, progress, and achievement.
Develops and oversees academic schedules, instructional pacing, and program structures to maximize learning opportunities and efficient use of instructional resources.
Coordinates academic programming across grade levels to ensure vertical alignment and continuity of instruction.
Supports effective collaboration among instructional teams, departments, and school leadership.
Participates as a member of the Admissions Team to provide instructional expertise related to student placement, programming, and educational needs.
Provides recommendations regarding academic programming, instructional supports, and appropriate educational pathways.
Completes admissions observations as appropriate.
Communicates academic goals, initiatives, and student progress with families and stakeholders.
Creates and sustains collaborative partnerships with families to support student learning, language development, and educational success.
Represents the academic program with community partners, educational organizations, and professional networks.
Serves as a member of the Superintendent’s leadership team.
Supports strategic planning, policy development, accreditation activities, and school-wide improvement initiatives.
Promotes a culture of excellence, innovation, inclusion, and high expectations for all students.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.