What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dean of Middle School (Full-Time) position at The Awty International School?
Dean of Middle School (Full-Time)
At Awty, we believe that students learn best and faculty perform best in a culture of vibrant diversity. Diversity is an essential quality of our school environment; our commitment to learning and the pursuit of excellence can occur only in such a context. It helps us guide our students to become responsible world citizens. Our commitment to learning about and respecting one another’s diversity brings distinct richness to the Awty experience for students, alumni, employees, and parents.
Position Summary: The Dean of Middle School position plays a central role in shaping positive experiences for students in grades 6/6eme to 8/4eme at Awty. This leader will cultivate a welcoming school environment, oversee student discipline, and provide guidance through a network of advisors and teacher leaders. They will champion academic programs, support experiential learning initiatives, and manage a vibrant co-curricular activities program. Additionally, the Dean of Middle School will be a visible presence at school events, fostering student engagement and building strong relationships with parents and the broader school community.
The position reports to the Head of Secondary, serves as a member of the Secondary Administrative Team, and coordinates with the Proviseure about French Program integration and student support.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Successful experience working with secondary students
- Minimum of 5 years of school leadership experience with students and/or faculty
Preferred Experience:
- Experience in an IB and/or International School setting
- Excellent communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills
- Prior training in effective student discipline strategies and/or Student Mental Health & First Aid
- Fluent in English and one of the school’s principal languages (Spanish or French)
Key Qualities:
- Responsiveness: Able to handle a high volume of e-mail and telephone traffic
- Flexibility: Able to adapt to changing conditions and new initiatives with a data-informed perspective
- Student-Centered: Able to facilitate the increasing development of student voice and participation in Middle School
- Belonging Mindset: Demonstrable track record of moving forward initiatives that ensure all students and faculty feel a sense of belonging
- Communication: Able to communicate in an effective and engaging, caring, and clear manner
- Curiosity: Show interest in people and the world and commit to constantly learning and improving
Responsibilities:
- Create a positive, inclusive and challenging student environment
- Build a clear, consistent and secure disciplinary frame
- Support the implementation of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and execute all program requirements in support of authorization and evaluation
- Lead the team of Grade-Level deans, who in turn, lead the Advisors, to create a network of adult advocates for our students
- Create a plan to deliver the yearly Advisory Priorities, as well as adapt to emergent situations or needs
- Support the Experiential Education program, especially Fall Trips, Transdisciplinary Projects, and Awty Connects Week
- Schedule, communicate and supervise Assemblies and Special Events
- Organize and supervise a thorough program of clubs and activities
- Be an active presence at secondary school events -- Athletics, Arts, and Co-Curriculars
- Serve as a positive and effective parent liaison
- Supporting design and implementation of social-emotional initiatives that lead to positive school climate, along with secondary counselors
- Support crisis management by co-developing and implementing protocols for responding to student emergencies, crises, or critical incidents
- Plan and facilitate monthly parent coffee chats to engage families in school priorities
- Serve as a member of the Secondary Administrative Team
To Apply:
Submit your application through the school's website. All applicants should include a cover letter detailing their experience with curricular leadership, a current resume and three professional references (including your most recent direct supervisor).
Direct inquiries to Tom Oden, Head of Secondary, toden@awty.org.
The Awty International School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ethnic or religious beliefs, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship, and athletic and other school-administered programs or in its employment practices. We actively seek diversity among faculty and administration as well as among students.
The position is a one-year renewable employment agreement, with competitive salary and conditions. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible.