What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dean of Student (Culture & Behavior) position at Louisiana Key Academy?
Description
The Dean of Students (Culture & Behavior) is a key member of the Louisiana Key Academy Baton Rouge campus leadership team, serving students in grades 1-8. This role is responsible for cultivating and sustaining a structured, supportive, and positive school culture aligned with LKA's mission to serve students with dyslexia.
The Dean leads the design and implementation of school-wide behavior systems, ensuring practices are proactive, consistent, and grounded in an understanding of how dyslexia impacts behavior, executive functioning, and emotional regulation. The Dean supports staff in effective classroom management, partners closely with families, and fosters a culture of accountability, respect, and growth for all students.
The Dean maintains a balance of high expectations and high support, ensuring that discipline practices are both accountable and restorative.
Essential Functions And Responsibilities
Leadership & School Culture:
Required
The Dean of Students (Culture & Behavior) is a key member of the Louisiana Key Academy Baton Rouge campus leadership team, serving students in grades 1-8. This role is responsible for cultivating and sustaining a structured, supportive, and positive school culture aligned with LKA's mission to serve students with dyslexia.
The Dean leads the design and implementation of school-wide behavior systems, ensuring practices are proactive, consistent, and grounded in an understanding of how dyslexia impacts behavior, executive functioning, and emotional regulation. The Dean supports staff in effective classroom management, partners closely with families, and fosters a culture of accountability, respect, and growth for all students.
The Dean maintains a balance of high expectations and high support, ensuring that discipline practices are both accountable and restorative.
Essential Functions And Responsibilities
Leadership & School Culture:
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve school-wide culture and discipline systems
- In conjunction with the Principal, Character Development Coach, or their designees, lead initiatives that promote character development, student accountability, and a positive school climate
- Plan and oversee culture-building events, assemblies, and recognition programs
- Supervise and manage school-wide culture meetings and events
- Ensure alignment of school culture practices with LKA’s mission and dyslexia-informed approach
- Oversee all student discipline, ensuring fair, consistent, and developmentally appropriate implementation
- Design and manage a tiered behavior support system aligned with MTSS/PBIS principles
- Establish and maintain clear discipline procedures outlined in the Student & Family Handbook, including defined consequences and processes
- Ensure all student behavior incidents, interventions, and consequences are documented accurately and in real time (or within 24 hours) in the school’s behavior management system (Kickboard)
- Monitor and hold staff accountable for consistent, accurate, and timely use of Kickboard
- Utilize Kickboard data to analyze trends, identify root causes, and drive continuous improvement in culture and discipline
- Ensure consistent follow-through and communication regarding disciplinary actions
- Ensure that all students and families know and abide by the school rules and norms.
- Ensure appropriate, consistent, and developmentally appropriate responses to behavior as outlined by LKA Student & Parent Handbook.
- Partner with Principal & Special Education (SPED) Coordinator to manage monthly documentation, reporting and execution of the discipline & behavior system (Behavior Intervention Plans).
- Coach and develop teachers on effective classroom management and culture-building practices
- Provide ongoing professional development in behavior intervention, de-escalation, and student engagement
- Partner with teachers to create and implement individualized behavior plans
- Model strong student interactions and consistent discipline practices
- Collaborate with the school leadership team to address root causes of student behavior
- Participate in MTSS/RTI and student support meetings
- Develop, implement, and monitor Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
- Refer students for counseling or additional services when appropriate
- Support students in developing self-regulation, accountability, and social-emotional skills
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with families
- Communicate proactively and consistently regarding student behavior and expectations
- Partner with families to support student growth and reinforce behavior expectations at home
- Educate families on LKA’s discipline philosophy and dyslexia-informed practices
- Ensure all disciplinary practices comply with state regulations and school policies
- Maintain accurate and complete student discipline records
- Support crisis response, safety protocols, and incident management as needed
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field
- Minimum of 3 years of successful teaching experience with a strong record of classroom management and student achievement
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive school culture
- Strong knowledge of:
- Behavior management systems
- Behavior intervention strategies
- Child development and social-emotional learning
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
- Louisiana Teaching Certification
- Experience working with students with dyslexia or other learning differences
- Experience in school leadership, discipline, counseling, or student services
- Knowledge of PBIS, MTSS, or restorative practices
- Background in mental health, behavior intervention, or family systems