Dean of Students

About U Prep Schools:

If you are dedicated to a pursuit of excellence in both yourself and our students; if you are self-motivated; if you are an innovator and if you want to play a key role in changing young lives --we are looking for U. Our mission: to give students the courage to pursue a future full of possibilities. Our students come to our network of schools looking for a rewarding and fulfilling education. Comprised of three public charter school districts; University Preparatory Academy, University Prep Science and Math and University Prep Art and Design; we educate over 4,500 students in the burgeoning city of Detroit. Help us to prepare our students for success in life and be a part of U.

Summary:

Deans hold leadership positions within the schools and must share their colleagues’ commitment to achieving the mission of the school. They must possess an unrelenting drive to change lives, make a difference, transfer knowledge, and create opportunity. Deans will effectively manage people and demonstrate the ability to build culture.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• School Culture & Climate: Establish and maintain a positive school culture that is safe, inclusive, and conducive to learning. Promote good character, academic mindset, and celebrate student achievement. Regularly assess the school climate and lead school-wide initiatives to foster a sense of belonging and mutual respect among students and staff.
• Student Behavior & Discipline: Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of school-wide behavior expectations and discipline systems. Manage student behavior, oversee disciplinary processes, and ensure consistency and equity in the application of policies. Collaborate with staff and families to design and oversee individual behavior interventions as needed.
• Positive Behavior Interventions: Implement and lead Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and other proactive strategies to reinforce positive student behavior and reduce incidents of disruption or harm.
• Restorative Practices & Conflict Resolution: Support staff capacity in using restorative practices and serve as a lead mediator for student conflicts. Design and facilitate restorative circles, conferences, and other interventions to repair harm and build community.
• Socio-Emotional Support: Monitor and support students’ socio-emotional and behavioral development in collaboration with student support teams. Work proactively with counselors and other staff to ensure students are supported holistically.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Collect, analyze, and interpret school culture and behavior-related data to evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives. Use data to identify trends, develop responsive strategies, and communicate progress to stakeholders.
• Professional Development: Provide ongoing professional development to staff on culturally responsive teaching, classroom management, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional learning. Offer coaching and support for staff in addressing classroom culture challenges.
• Community Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with students, staff, and families. Engage with the broader community to support the school’s mission, culture, and student success. Serve as a liaison for families regarding school culture and student conduct.
• Communication & Problem-Solving: Respond promptly and effectively to inquiries from students, staff, and families. Communicate clearly and compassionately, and collaborate with others to resolve issues that impact the school culture.
• Crew Implementation: Support the planning, facilitation, and ongoing improvement of Crew (or advisory) to ensure it meets student developmental needs and strengthens the sense of community.
• Staff Hiring & Evaluation: Assist the Principal with interviewing, hiring, and onboarding staff. Observe and evaluate performance, recognize excellence, and implement appropriate interventions or discipline when necessary