2025-2026 Dean of School Culture

Dean of School Culture (2025‑2026)

Company : Duluth Area Family YMCA

Overview

As a Dean of School Culture at Achievement First, you will be at the center of this work—coaching our teachers and driving decisions that will benefit our scholars. You will serve as a driver of high‑quality coaching instruction that enables teachers to develop and deliver strong content, helping scholars develop a lifelong love of learning. Your role will champion student excellence, foster a vibrant school community, and create a powerful learning experience that nurtures thoughtful work.

School Year : 2025‑2026

Typical Responsibilities

Analyze school‑wide data to design responsive and effective student interventions.

Develop highly effective instructional curriculum and schedule, in collaboration with the principal and Team Teaching & Learning.

Observe lessons regularly and deliver targeted feedback to teachers.

Collaborate with grade / subject teams to plan units, lessons, and assessments; regularly share feedback.

Assist teachers to devise and monitor high‑impact support plans for students.

Model outstanding instruction for teachers.

Coordinate and manage creative, inspiring professional development sessions aligned with school goals.

Direct the interim assessment process to ensure teachers use current data to drive instruction; facilitate regular, meaningful debriefs.

Lead staff trainings at the start and end of the school year and on professional development days.

Track academic data (e.g., homework completion rates) and communicate progress to students, teachers, and parents.

Participate in regular leadership team meetings.

Work closely with the dean of students to support character development and positive school culture.

Assist teacher leaders (e.g., coaches, grade team leaders) in developing leadership skills.

Skills and Characteristics

Commitment to Achievement First’s mission and values : Leading for Racial Equity, Embrace Challenge, and Go Further Together.

Track record of exemplary instructional and classroom management skills, meeting high standards for student achievement.

Proven ability to proactively and effectively coach and manage adults, driving student success through others.

Superior organizational skills, with the ability to coach others to improve organization and efficiency, and to manage long‑range projects.

People leadership : strong self‑awareness and awareness of others, with a balanced “warm / demanding” approach when leading adults.

Growth mindset for self and others; willingness to seek feedback and implement constructive feedback quickly and effectively.

Mastery and enthusiasm for subject matter.

Necessary Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree preferred.

Certified as a school leader per state guidelines and requirements; if not currently certified, ability to obtain necessary certification within the first two months of employment.

At least 3 years of K‑12 full‑time lead teaching experience with a record of high student achievement.

At least 1 year of experience coaching and leading adults to achieve high student success.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary based on equity lens, considering skills, education, and experience.

Dean salaries in NY range from

$91,114 – $98,538 ; CT / RI salaries $80,078 – $89,244.

As a regular full‑time employee of Achievement First, you will be eligible for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement benefit package with match, and paid Family Leave.

Achievement First is an equal‑opportunity employer that values diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language proficiency is a plus. Learn more about our diversity mission at

Achievement First Diversity .

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