Opportunity Academy Dean of Students SY26-27

Holyoke Public Schools•Holyoke, MA

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The Dean of Students supports the Principal in building and maintaining a strong, consistent, and positive school culture. This role is responsible for leading systems that ensure students are engaged, meeting expectations, and able to access learning every day. The Dean of Students will lead school culture and student behavior, engagement systems and attendance, and provide student support and interventions. This role also involves building and managing schoolwide systems, leading student activities and culture building, partnering with staff, families, and community, and ensuring a safe and effective learning environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Experience as an educator in an urban setting
Experience leading, supervising, and/or coaching staff
Proven ability to manage and coach a team toward clear, ambitious goals
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to align staff around a shared vision
Builds strong relationships with students, staff, families, and partners to drive results
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to respond effectively in the moment
Holds high expectations for all students and demonstrates a belief that every student can succeed
Experience working with diverse student populations, including students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and students from low-income backgrounds
Ability to lead with urgency while maintaining a calm, consistent presence
Demonstrates the ability to lead change, build culture, and motivate others

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Education or related field preferred
Massachusetts certification (or working toward certification) as a teacher, counselor, or administrator
Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Strong cultural competence and ability to work effectively across diverse communities

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain clear, consistent expectations for student behavior
Serve as the primary point person for discipline and culture
Serve as the primary authority for student behavior and discipline, including supporting teachers with in-class disruptions, removing students when necessary, and ensuring responses are consistent, restorative, and aligned to school expectations
Build a school environment that is structured, predictable, and focused on learning
Maintain a visible presence throughout the school day
Lead and supervise the engagement team to ensure consistent outreach and student support
Monitor student attendance and engagement
Implement strategies and systems to improve attendance and participation
Work with staff to ensure students are in class and engaged in learning
Address barriers that impact student attendance and engagement
Coach staff on effective implementation of the primary person model
Support systems for student check-ins, goal setting, and ongoing communication
Ensure consistency in outreach, relationship-building, and student support practices
Monitor the effectiveness of the model and adjust as needed
Develop relationships and behavior plans for students who need additional support
Coach, support, and hold students accountable toward increasingly positive behavior
Lead restorative and corrective responses to behavior
Support school implementation of Restorative Justice in collaboration with the Student Support Team
Work directly with students to build positive relationships and improve outcomes
Develop and oversee systems related to student behavior, transitions, and school routines
Track and analyze data related to behavior and attendance
Identify trends and lead efforts to improve school culture and operations
Ensure consistency in expectations and practices across the school
Manage and oversee the student referral process across all sites, including intake, communication, placement decisions, and follow-up to ensure consistency and alignment across programs
Organize student activities including clubs, events, and community service opportunities
Coordinate student leadership opportunities (e.g., student council)
Support school-wide events and incentives that build community and engagement
Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and support staff to support students
Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and expectations
Build relationships with families as partners in student success
Connect with community resources to support students as needed
Supervise key parts of the school day (arrival, transitions, lunch, dismissal)
Ensure students are where they are expected to be throughout the day
Support a safe, respectful, and focused school environment