Dean of Culture/Student Support

The Dean of Culture at Odyssey will report to and work closely with the Executive Director, and collaborate with both the Assistant Director (5-8) and the Assistant Director (K-4) to develop and promote a culture of high expectations for students, teachers and families. The Dean of Culture will support teachers in developing a strong culture around Odyssey’s Habits of a Learner and creating a positive and supportive crew environment in their classrooms. The Dean of Culture will function as a liaison for families, including onboarding new families to Odyssey and as a facilitator between Odyssey and families for climate, culture, and behavioral needs.

Positive Student Behavior

• Steward of Odyssey’s Culture and Discipline Plan as well as school-wide systems and routines for students.

• Actively engages in identifying student needs, especially when it has to do with their academic or social lives, and provides/suggests solutions where necessary.

• First to respond to behavior calls when needed. Leader in writing behavior intervention plans and with immediate follow up with families.

• Consults with teachers, parents, and school personnel about learning, social, and behavioral issues. Confers with teachers and parents regarding the student's strengths, opportunities for growth and aptitudes.

• Serve as a liaison to parents and facilitate parent education and involvement, including reinforcing the need for parents to support the school’s policies and practices for student discipline, dress code, homework, and events.

• Maintains a positive school environment through effective conflict resolution, collaboration, positive reinforcement, and modeling. Implements curriculum and restorative approaches feedback to develop positive social skills.

• Contribute toward a safe environment by ensuring that student conduct is maintained and discipline is enforced fairly and consistently. Engages positively with students, teachers and families through logical consequences, interventions, restorative approaches and use of DPS Discipline Matrix/Ladder.

• Performs attendance related advising to assigned student caseload to motivate students to establish and achieve their attendance goals. Helps lead the attendance team and assists in the application of appropriate interventions for chronically absent students.

• Develops community partnerships that are willing to offer programs and/or services for students at the school in alignment of identified needs.

• Establishes and maintains accurate student records and files regarding attendance and disciplinary issues. Analyzes and reports data findings to school leadership, including Intervention Plans when necessary.

• Refers students to school counselors or social workers, especially in situations that have escalated beyond academic or social concerns.

• Contribute toward a safe environment by ensuring that student conduct is maintained and discipline is enforced fairly and consistently. Engages positively with students, teachers and families through logical consequences, interventions, restorative approaches and use of DPS Discipline Matrix/Ladder.

Culture, Character

• Use Habits of a Learner to promote and communicate clear school-wide expectations for character development and positive behavior.

• Support the implementation of Crew by providing guidance and professional development, resources and coaching to teachers and other staff.

• Support the creation of a crew curriculum map and support staff with delivery of crew lessons and implementation of Habits.

• Partner with the Executive Director and Assistant Director’s to support teachers in developing classroom structures that ensure all students are well known and consistent classroom routines are in place.

• Provide behavior counseling and support for high-needs students such as observations, parent conferences, home visits, and intervention groups.

• Welcome and support families in culturally responsive ways, and engage them in the school programming while communicating regularly with them.

• Serve as a member of the school leadership team.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of teaching, school administration, or school discipline and mental health experience (or similar) and a desire for school leadership

• Strong communication, technology and organization skills

• Experience working with diverse populations and a variety of age groups

• Experience using restorative approaches to support individuals and communities with repairing harm.

• Must be a self-aware, mission-driven, solutions-oriented, team player looking to become an expert learner.

• Commitment to outdoor education and adventure programming for students.

• Experience with EL curriculum or project-based learning a plus but not required

Compensation

• This is a full-time position (210 days as described in the school calendar)

• Annual salary will be based on experience and qualification and is estimate to be between $70,000-$75,000 (prorated for the year between start date and June 30, 2025)

• Includes health, dental, long term/short term disability and retirement benefits (PERA)