Dean of Students - LTS, 1.0 FTE - West Middle School

Shakopee Public Schools is searching for a Long Term Substitute (LTS) Dean of Students for West Middle School from approximately January 29, 2026 through April 30, 2026.

Summary:
The primary responsibility of the Dean of Students is to work collaboratively with the building administrative team in the performance of various leadership responsibilities that include student behavior management, student support for attendance, academics and supervision. The Dean will be responsible for the supervision of non-licensed staff and will carry out other administrative duties as assigned.

Major Areas of Accountability:
Instructional Leadership

• Lead and facilitate the intervention process
• Assist with the development and implementation of the school improvement plan
• Lead through presence in classroom, building and school functions
• Conduct regular non-licensed staff evaluations
• Advocate at a district and community level for school needs

Student Management

• Understand and follow district policies as they relate to student discipline and communication
• Supervision of building: halls, lunch room, etc.
• Develop, implement and evaluate student management programs and systems
• Address transportation issues when needed
• Have an understanding of special education (SpEd) and individual education plans (IEPs) to help manage behaviors
• Monitor student attendance and work with staff and county to implement attendance plans for individual students
• Facilitate the implementation of the student code of conduct in accordance with school and system policy to ensure a safe and orderly learning environment

Communications

• Communicate with stakeholders in a timely manner
• Communicate with staff, students, parents and community about concerns, activities and progress of the school.

School Safety

• Collaborate with administrative team to organize and evaluate drills and safety protocols
• Ensure a safe learning environment through consistent monitoring of safety protocols

Staffing and Human Resources

• Supervision of non-licensed staff

Perform related work as assigned.

Critical Skills & Expertise
Physical Involvement

• Position requires occasional repetitive motions in using electronic equipment

Mental Involvement

• Position requires responding to multiple and sometimes simultaneous requests from building staff for assistance
• Position requires handling multiple tasks
• Position requires setting priorities
• Position requires conflict resolution
• Maintains confidentiality in handling information
• Need for accuracy

Working Conditions

• Normal office conditions
• Occasional offsite meetings

Supervision of Other Employees

• Assign work, provide training and review work product for paraprofessionals

Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Training

• Current/valid teacher’s license issued by the Minnesota Department of Education is required
• Enrollment in, or completion of, a MN administrative licensure program
• Training in how to lead the implementation of equity, diversity and culturally responsive pedagogy, as well as a willingness to extend professional development in these areas
• Training in how to lead the implementation of authentic learning, assessment for learning and other key elements of instructional leadership, as well as a willingness to extend professional development in these areas

Experience

• Successful prior supervisory and/or leadership experience in a middle school
• Demonstrated understanding, promotion and support of culturally responsive teaching and behavior management practices
• Demonstrated skill in building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students, staff and faculty
• Coaching, mentoring or facilitation experience with regard to leading efforts in diversity, equity, social justice and multicultural education initiatives
• At least five years’ experience at the secondary school level
  • Teaching in a core instruction subject area
  • Working directly with students from diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Working on a building or district leadership team
  • Leading best practices in student interventions

Special Knowledge or Skills

• Knowledge of district policies and procedures, student management and discipline
• Proficient in technology and demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to set priorities, handle multiple tasks, organize tasks, take direction from several sources and give work direction
• Ability to be patient, flexible and work with adolescents and families
• Demonstrates an ability to think through multiple scenarios for a given situation and act accordingly, address and problem-solve complex issues, as well as learn from experiences
• Displays professionalism, self-confidence, assertiveness and enthusiasm for working with others

Equipment, Machines, Tools, Electronic Devices, Software

• Ability to find resources to support the educational process

Job Outcomes:

• Demonstrates awareness and acceptance of diversity within cultures, lifestyles and values systems of others
• Projects a positive, cooperative and respectful attitude with community members, parents, staff, parents, students and other employees
• Provides the best opportunity for every individual student to reach their maximum potential
• Provides a safe and effective learning environment

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• HSA & VEBA options
• Flexible Spending & Dependent Care options
• Accidental Injury & Critical Illness Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short- & Long-term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) Plan district contribution
• 403(B) plan district contribution

Salary can range anywhere between $51,000 to $120,813 depending upon education level and experience.

Our staff receive:

• Professional development opportunities offered through the District
• Strong mentoring program for first year staff