Dean of Students at Deep Roots Charter School in Philadelphia, PA

Dean of Students

Summary

The Dean of Students ensures that Deep Roots Charter School is a joyful, safe, and achievement-oriented environment for all students. This individual plays a central role in shaping and sustaining the school's culture by leading behavior systems, coaching staff, building student relationships, and partnering with families. The Dean of Students works closely with the Director of School Culture to implement proactive and restorative practices that help students internalize the school's values and reach their full potential. This role is ideal for someone who is student-centered, solutions-oriented, and passionate about equity and school culture.

The Dean of Students reports to the Director of School Culture.

About Deep Roots

Where students discover joy, belonging, and purpose

Authentic RelationshipsAt Deep Roots Charter School, we take the time to know our students and their families – their backgrounds, purpose, and passion – and provide a variety of experiences from leadership to mentoring, to social-emotional learning and multiple clubs within the school day.

Personalized LearningEvery child receives individualized attention tailored to their unique learning needs and strengths. Deep Roots maximizes various learning styles and prioritizes individual student support.

Our Core Values:Practice: Each and every individual in our school community, from students to leadership, will engage in deliberate practice, and value this as the path to excellence.

Service: Our service-learning model will be discipline-based; it will require students to have a presence in the community, and reflect on their experiences regularly.

Purpose: We want to empower our students to uncover their unique gifts and talents, and apply them towards an outward purpose about which they are passionate.

Antiracist & Inclusive:We stand as an actively anti-racist organization, dedicated to supporting all students and families. We advocate for our communities and strive to dismantle barriers within and beyond our school walls.

Responsibilities & DutiesLead School Culture & Behavior Systems

• Establish and maintain a positive, structured, and inclusive school culture aligned with DRCS values
• Design and lead implementation of behavior systems, including restorative practices and tiered supports
• Maintain a consistent presence in hallways, classrooms, and common spaces throughout the school day
• Manage arrival, lunch, recess, transitions, and dismissal routines to ensure a safe and orderly environment
• Respond to urgent student needs with a calm, supportive, and solutions-focused approach

Support Students & Families

• Serve as the primary contact for student discipline, behavior plans, and restorative conversations
• Monitor student attendance and partner with families to address chronic absenteeism
• Lead reentry meetings and develop clear behavior expectations with students and caregivers
• Build strong relationships with students through daily interactions, check-ins, and mentorship
• Facilitate family meetings, culture orientation sessions, and conferences related to behavior or attendance

Coach and Collaborate with Staff

• Support teachers in developing and implementing proactive classroom management strategies
• Provide on-the-ground coaching to ensure consistency in behavior expectations school-wide
• Collaborate with the Director of School Culture to lead professional development focused on culture and inclusion
• Collect and analyze student behavior data to inform interventions and drive continuous improvement

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation
• Participate in safety drills and crisis response procedures
• Support school-wide events, service-learning activities, and student celebrations
• Perform other duties as assigned to uphold a strong school culture

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
• 3+ years of experience in an urban school setting strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success implementing school culture systems and working with students and families
• Experience with restorative practices and behavior interventions strongly preferred
• Strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive leadership