Dean of Students

0054

Dean of Students

Independence Academy

Independence Academy Charter School is seeking a collaborative, student-centered Dean of Students to support a positive, structured, and inclusive school culture. The Dean plays a key leadership role in fostering a safe and engaging learning environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The ideal candidate is relationship-driven, solutions-oriented, and committed to restorative practices, strong communication, and high expectations for all students. The Dean works closely with teachers, families, and administration to ensure consistent behavior systems and student support structures across the school.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

The Dean of Students supports school-wide culture, student behavior, and systems implementation. The Dean will:
• Lead and support school-wide behavior systems and student expectations
• Promote a positive, consistent, and developmentally appropriate approach to student discipline
• Implement restorative practices and proactive behavior supports
• Support teachers with classroom management strategies and behavior interventions
• Meet with students and families to address behavioral concerns and create improvement plans
• Monitor student attendance and support interventions to improve engagement
• Collaborate with special education staff, counselors, and intervention teams to support students with diverse needs
• Maintain and write 504 educational plans, and attend 504 educational meetings
• Maintain accurate documentation of behavior incidents and follow district and state guidelines
• Supervise student transitions, arrival/dismissal, lunch, and other school activities
• Support crisis response and safety protocols as needed
• Supervise detention, and other behavior consequences
• Help coordinate school-wide events that strengthen student engagement and school culture
• Assist school counselor with suicide Risk Assessments
• Attend administrative meetings, including crisis meetings, planning meetings, and act as the back up for the athletic director when needed

Leadership and Professional Growth

The Dean of Students will:
• Serve as a member of the school leadership team
• Collaborate with administration to develop and refine school culture systems
• Analyze behavior and attendance data to inform school-wide decisions
• Participate in professional development related to leadership, restorative practices, and student support
• Support staff growth by modeling strong communication, professionalism, and problem-solving

At Independence Academy Charter School, we are committed to supporting leaders and educators as professionals and as people. We offer:
• Work–Life Balance: A four-day instructional work week designed to support sustainability
• Comprehensive Benefits: Fully paid medical benefits for eligible employees
• Professional Growth: Meaningful leadership development and ongoing professional learning
• Smaller School Environment: The ability to build strong relationships with students and staff
• Leadership Opportunities: A meaningful voice in shaping school systems and culture
• Collaborative Culture: A supportive, team-oriented environment focused on continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Valid Colorado Teaching or Administrative License (or ability to obtain) preferred
• Experience working in an educational setting, preferably with elementary or middle school students
• Strong knowledge of student behavior systems, restorative practices, and positive behavior supports
• Demonstrated leadership, organization, and communication skills
• Ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, and families
• Calm, consistent, and solution-focused approach to challenges

Professional Expectations
In addition to leadership responsibilities, the Dean of Students is expected to:
• Support and uphold IACS’s mission and educational philosophy
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and respectful school culture
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, staff, and school operations
• Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, flexibility, and strong judgment
• Respond positively to feedback and demonstrate a growth mindset
• Model the character traits and values expected of IACS students

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references (names, phone numbers, and email addresses) to:
Lisa Gonsalves, Executive Director
[email protected]
Becky Polniak
[email protected]
For more information about Independence Academy Charter School, please call (970) 254-6850 or visit http://independenceacademygj.com/.

7/01/2026

Salary Range: $65,000 to $85,000 a year based on experience