Middle School Dean (Grades 5 & 6)

About Grace

Grace Church School is a JK–12, independent school located on two nearby campuses in downtown New York City. An Episcopal school, welcoming children of all faiths and of none, Grace believes in the inherent, precious dignity of every individual and seeks to provide an outstanding education worthy of our common humanity. Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to the Episcopal values of dignity and belonging.

Grace is a school of big ideas, and our structured curriculum promotes academic excellence through a pedagogy of joy: an approach that reflects our belief that joy is the fuel of academic achievement, and that students learn best when motivated by delight, wonder, curiosity, and purpose. We work hard to nurture a culture of dignity and belonging, and we seek to foster in each student skills of intellectual excellence and habits of ethical virtue. Grounded in tradition, the school remains ever open to innovation, looking to the best research on the science of learning and the craft of teaching to advance the timeless values and aspirations of our mission.

About the Position

Grace Church School seeks a student-centered Fifth and Sixth Grade Dean. The Dean will be responsible for the oversight of each student’s social, emotional, and intellectual growth and grade-level advisory teams. They will work closely with the division head, Seventh and Eighth Grade Dean, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Diversity Liaison, Learning Specialist, and School counselor, as part of the guidance and student support team. 

A middle school dean must be willing to reflect, remain curious, communicate well with students and parents, maintain a growth mindset, value creativity, harbor a sense of humor, and have some fun.

The ideal candidate  will be an excellent classroom teacher and highly experienced in student support, academic advising, and counseling, working closely with students, families,  and faculty in the daily transactions of school life. They will have a deep appreciation and understanding of adolescent development. They will have a positive and collaborative attitude and be committed to addressing social justice, diversity, equity, and anti-bias education within the curriculum. They will bring tools and strategies for meeting the needs of each individual student’s instruction and foster community. They will communicate effectively with students, families and colleagues and will value professional growth.

Reporting to the Head of the Middle School, the Fifth and Sixth Grade Dean has a faculty contract, teaches part-time, and is part of the middle school administration.

Primary responsibilities will include:

• Leading, advising, and managing the day to day business of the fifth and sixth grade students
• Working closely with the division head to nurture and support the growth and development of our students
• Leading the grade-level advisory teams and coordinating mission-aligned programming that fosters  a culture of dignity and belonging and executive functioning skills
• Leading grade-level student profile meetings
• Managing student profiles and files, which includes meeting with teachers, and communicating academic progress and concerns to students, faculty, and parents, collecting forms for families when requested, in collaboration with the middle school learning specialist,
• Facilitating  student support as needed
• Participating in Guidance Meetings
• Participating in and helping to organize grade orientations and field trips
• Teaching in the Middle School
• Consulting on disciplinary issues with the Head of Middle School
• Review of report cards for students in grade 5 and 6
• Planning and organizing  onboarding and orientation processes for new and returning students
• Organizing cross-divisional book buddies
• Managing student lunch table assignments
• Running 5th and 6th Grade Lunch

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree, teaching experience,  and strong communication skills, both in writing and public speaking, are required. 

Familiarity with the Responsive Classroom Advisory Program is a plus. Training in Restorative Practices desired. 

Compensation

This is a full-time faculty position with an expected base salary of $68,000–$155,040 commensurate with education and experience on the faculty salary scale.

Grace Church School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that equity and inclusion are not only hallmarks of a just society, but also virtues essential to sound learning. Our commitment to antiracism, equity, and belonging calls on all faculty members to promote a culture of dignity and belonging for everyone at Grace by recognizing and honoring the unique gifts of its students, families, faculty, and staff. We encourage applications from candidates with broad and diverse backgrounds and from individuals of all races, nationalities, identities, and religious and non-religious traditions, and beliefs.