Job Description

Title: Dean of Students SY26/27                                                          Location:  Prairie-Hills Junior High School

Employment Type:  Full Time                                                              Work Days: 260 days / 1 Months

Department:  Student Services                                                            FSLA:  Exempt

Reports to: Superintendent                                                                 Supervise: Community Liaisons

Job Summary: 

The Dean of Students supports the principal and assistant principal in fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment that promotes student success. The Dean serves as a leader in student management, attendance, and behavior interventions, emphasizing restorative practices, social-emotional learning, and positive school culture.

Education, Certification, and Licensure:

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a General Administrative or Principal endorsement (or evidence of eligibility).
• Minimum of three years of successful teaching, counseling, or student support experience, preferably at the middle/junior high level.
• Demonstrated experience in student behavior management and restorative practices.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students, families, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of adolescent development, social-emotional learning, and equity-centered discipline approaches.

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of successful experience in a teaching, counseling, or student support role, preferably at the middle or junior high school level.
• Demonstrated experience managing student behavior and promoting positive school culture through restorative, equitable, and trauma-informed practices.
• Proven ability to work effectively with adolescents and address the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of middle school students.
• Experience collaborating with teachers, counselors, and support staff to implement intervention plans that improve student behavior, attendance, and engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and communicate effectively with families, community agencies, and diverse student populations.
• Experience facilitating or supporting school-wide programs, such as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), restorative justice initiatives, or multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS).
• Prior leadership or administrative experience in a school setting preferred but not required.
• Experience with student information systems (e.g., Skyward, PowerSchool, or Infinite Campus) and standard office productivity software is highly desirable.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Support the implementation of district and building-level behavior and discipline policies in alignment with Illinois School Code and board policy.
2. Serve as the primary contact for student behavior referrals and manage restorative discipline processes.
3. Assist in developing and maintaining a positive school climate and culture that promotes respect, equity, and student engagement.
4. Coordinate interventions and supports for students with chronic attendance or behavior concerns.
5. Collaborate with counselors, social workers, and special education staff to ensure appropriate supports and services for students.
6. Maintain accurate documentation of student discipline, attendance, and interventions using district information systems.
7. Communicate proactively with parents/guardians regarding student behavior, attendance, and academic progress.
8. Support supervision of common areas (e.g., hallways, cafeteria, bus areas, and school events).
9. Assist with building-level safety drills, crisis management, and emergency response procedures.
10. Participate in and lead professional development focused on restorative practices, social-emotional learning, and culturally responsive practices.
11. Serve on building and district committees as assigned.
12. Perform other duties as assigned by the principal.

Skills and Abilities:

The Dean of Students must demonstrate the following skills, abilities, and professional competencies necessary to foster a positive, safe, and equitable learning environment

• Ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and families based on trust, respect, and cultural responsiveness.
• Skill in leading teams and collaborating with teachers, counselors, and support staff to develop student success plans.
• Capacity to model and promote restorative, trauma-informed, and inclusive leadership practices.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to engage in active listening, conflict resolution, and mediation to support positive student outcomes.
• Skill in communicating complex or sensitive information in a clear, empathetic, and professional manner.
• Capacity to apply fair and consistent discipline while maintaining a supportive learning environment. Strong organizational and time-management skills to balance multiple priorities in a dynamic school environment.
• Ability to make sound, data-informed decisions aligned with district policies and the Illinois School Code.
• Understanding of adolescent development and social-emotional learning principles.
• Proficiency in using student information systems (e.g., Skyward, PowerSchool, Infinite Campus) and office productivity software.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and use data to monitor student attendance, behavior, and academic progress.
• Encourages collaboration and shared responsibility among staff, students, and families.
• Demonstrates the ability to lead by example and promote positive student and staff morale.

Other Skills and Abilities:

The Dean of Students must demonstrate a combination of professional competencies, personal attributes, and leadership behaviors that support a positive and effective school environment.

• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment in decision-making.
• Maintains confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive student, staff, and family information.
• Exhibits a calm, consistent, and solutions-oriented approach when addressing student behavior or crises.
• Advocates for equitable access to academic and behavioral supports for all students.
• Displays cultural sensitivity and responsiveness to the diverse needs of students and families.
• Promotes student voice, self-advocacy, and leadership opportunities within the school community.
• Effectively de-escalates conflicts and mediates disputes among students and staff.
• Supports teachers in implementing classroom management strategies that align with school-wide expectations.
• Reflects on personal leadership style and seeks feedback for improvement.
• Stays informed about educational trends, state regulations, and best practices related to student discipline and support.

Terms of Employment:
Salary is based on market comparisons as determined by the Superintendent and Board of Education.
Twelve-month work year.

Salary

$50,727 - $64,233

Salary is based on CBA Union negotiated terms

Physical Requirements:

While performing job, employee is required to (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, S = Seldom)

Work Environment:

Work is performed in an environment where unusual temperatures, noise, and hazards are relatively nonexistent. A flexible schedule is strongly recommended for this position. Requires frequent interaction with students, staff, and parents in classrooms, hallways, offices, and school grounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. May require flexible scheduling, including occasional evenings or weekends for school events or meetings. Must be able to stand, walk, and supervise students for extended periods and occasionally lift or move materials up to 25 pounds.

The information contained in this job description is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties performed by the individual holding this position may be assigned.