Dean of Culture at KIPP Northeast Denver Middle School - KIPP Colorado Schools

About the Dean of Culture Role: As an Dean of Culture, your primary role is to build systems and structures that create the conditions and campus community to drive exceptional student experience and academic outcomes that equip all students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose —college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. APs of Culture are expected to lead and manage the proactive, positive systems that create joyful, rigorous, identity-affirming schools (for example, whole school Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports) and coordinate responsive systems aligned with our values. They partner with the principal to lead behavior and culture, and they are expected to cultivate a participatory, achievement-focused, and outcomes-driven school culture that honors the multi-faceted identities of our students. In support of the mission, vision, values, and strategic plan of KIPP Colorado, the Dean of Culture is responsible for leading and building capacity of all teachers and teacher leaders (especially Grade Level Chairs) to implement and continuously develop excellent classroom communities, a strong focus on learning and continuous improvement, and a culture of consistent and high expectations with a focus on restorative practices. The Dean of Culture partners with Deans of Instruction, the Principal, and the leadership team to develop teacher skills in best practices for classroom management and to implement school-wide expectations. They create and oversee co curricular activities that bridge culture, community, and academics and foster caregiver and community engagement. This is a full-time administrative exempt position reporting to the Assistant Principal of Culture (APC). 

About KIPP: Together with families and communities, KIPP creates joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. KIPP is a national network of tuition-free, public charter schools open to all students. There are 255 college-preparatory KIPP schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 100,000 students. Nationally, KIPP students are graduating four-year colleges at three times the national average for low-income students. 

Who we are: KIPP Colorado Public Schools is a network of six free college-preparatory public charter schools open to all students. Our 350-person staff educates 2,600 students from ECE to 12th grade. At KIPP Colorado, we partner with our KIPPsters, educators, families and communities to ensure that we are all united around the goal of a choice-filled future for our KIPPsters. Our KIPP Forward Team supports our 1,000+ high school Alumni as they create their own paths. Our core values of excellence, belonging, belief, advocacy and courage are central to who we are and how we operate at all levels of our organization.

What we do: We believe in the unique gifts and brilliance of every student. We believe in setting a high bar for joy and academic excellence to ensure the infinite possibilities our students have before them become a reality. We aspire to create and reinforce a culture of achievement, belonging and support. We know that every student is different and we personalize learning based on a student's needs, skills, and interests.
 

Role Responsibilities and More About How You’ll Spend Your Time in this Role
Professional Responsibilities 

• Believe deeply in the mission, values, and Race, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (RIDE) commitments of KIPP Colorado Schools and that all children can and will learn 
• Assume personal responsibility for student achievement 
• Read, internalize, and adhere to the KIPP Colorado Policies and Procedures manual and guidelines
• Provide an active presence, strategic supervision, and intentional monitoring to ensure student safety and engagement in rigorous learning (regardless of my role and its proximity to students)
• Take ownership for the development of your craft (meet 1x/1-2 weeks with a manager, implement feedback, engage in active practice, etc.)
• Commit to being prepared. Such as: internalizing and preparing for lessons; preparing for O3s/coaching, preparing for meetings, coaching, PD, etc. 
• Meet professional obligations including and not limited to meeting deadlines and honoring schedules 
• Consistently leverage existing professional tools, including but not limited to Google Suite (google documents, etc.) and Microsoft Suite (including but not limited to your KIPP Colorado email, Teams chat / meetings, Teams phone, and Microsoft outlook) 
• Maintain strong attendance each day and be on time to all responsibilities
• Collaborate with colleagues and seek feedback in the spirit of continuous improvement 
• Reflect on professional practices to meet individual professional development goals 
• Actively participate in professional development, grade level, and department meetings
• Actively engage and implement in all school-wide and Org wide professional development
• Serve as a positive, contributing member of a grade team or functional team, collaborating with colleagues to tackle common challenges and implement org and grade-wide initiatives
• Share candid, solutions-oriented feedback with peers and leadership on a regular basis, assuring that feedback is shared directly with the intended recipient. Ensure that feedback is focused on improving outcomes and experiences for students
• Assist with both student and staff recruitment and engagement- including events, home visits, calls home, and other determined and related requirements
• Know that you role, professional development, org wide meetings, etc. may require you to travel around Denver to other KIPP Campuses, our Home Office, or other KIPP or PD events 
• Assist with other duties as assigned (such as but not limited to, lunch duty, arrival/dismissal duty, bathroom duty, school support duties, etc.) 

Campus Community and Culture Leadership

• Partner with the APO to support the development of processes and protocols for enhancing school culture 
• For supported grade levels, partner with APC to determine when and how to modify rituals, systems and practices for the overall betterment of the school
• Where applicable, manage, evaluate, develop, and coach Restorative Practices Coordinators or Behavior Specialists / Interventions (or equivalent) 
• Manage and oversee Grade Level Chairs; support them in school-wide systems alignment, MTSS implementation, development, data analysis, and planning and running team meetings
• Partner with APC to ensure accountable implementation of school-wide systems, including duties, PBIS, MTSS, and classroom behavior systems 
• Evaluate whole school performance data to make holistic as well as individual recommendations for improving school-wide cultural practices, with specific attention to supporting Multilingual Learners and Students with Disabilities (especially those with Behavior Intervention Plans) 
• Partner with AP of Instruction, AP of Culture, and Deans of Instruction to ensure consistent implementation of whole-school systems and coaching / support for staff 
• Consistently implement and uphold all campus and regional cultural expectations 
• Manage Grade Level Chairs’ implementation of grade level and school-wide culture plans
• Develop teachers’ capacity with classroom management and student culture knowledge, skills, and mindsets
• Support teachers with student accountability and discipline matters, including coordinating and facilitating student-teacher interventions and parent-teacher-student interventions.
• Co-manage and co-lead the school’s summer orientation sessions
• Manage responses to parent concerns not resolved at the teacher or Grade Level Chair Level, especially associated with concerns about behavior, classroom culture, or discipline policies in the grade levels directly supported

School Operations

• Manage academic and cultural programming in all designated grade levels
• Coordinate all logistics and planning for end-of-year trips and quarterly team and family trips, including planning and implementing trip preparations throughout the year
• Co-manage Summer School (if applicable)
• Co-plan and lead all Data Days
• Co-manage Detention (or equivalent) with the Leadership Team
• Co-manage duties (arrival, dismissal, hallway transitions, lunch, recess) Lunch Duty with the Leadership Team
• Co-lead Saturday School with the Leadership Team (if applicable)

Family Engagement

• Works with Family Engagement Coordinator (FEC) or campus equivalent on events to include, educate, and build relationships with families and students
• Works with Family Engagement Coordinator (FEC) or campus equivalent to oversee family classes
• Supports teachers with student of concern parent meetings
• Attends all parent/family engagement meetings (such as Cafecito or CSC)
• Implement systems to monitor and respond to family communication in IC behavior and conference tab usage by teachers

Student Identity Development & Culturally Responsive Teaching

• Collaborate with Principal, APC, and Instructional Leaders to create, design, and execute e professional development to teachers on culturally sustaining and culturally responsive teaching
• Supports the creation and planning of events to celebrate and promote diversity, including but not limited to cultural celebrations (AAPI Month, Women’s History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month)
• Work with Principal, APC, and APO on ensuring visual culture reflects culture priorities, student and family identities, and strategic plan

Student Culture

• Coaches classroom teachers in strong behavior and culture practices to enable rigorous and engaging academic instruction to thrive
• Work with student leaders and staff to ensure a school culture where we are recognizing and celebrating excellence 
• Partners with Assistant Principal of Culture to develop, implement, and maintain school-wide culture systems
• Co-leads and participates in monthly culture walkthroughs with leadership team 
• Assist with student behavior infractions when they occur, and lead the school in setting up and maintaining system for implementing effective restorative practices work with the Assistant Principal of Operations to plan and execute student opportunities, including: field trips, student conferences, student leadership opportunities, and summer programs for students (in collaboration with KIPP Forward staff)
• Set goals and progress monitors teacher effectiveness with upholding consistent culture and systems through quarterly culture walkthroughs
• Implement PBIS, restorative justice and discipline programming and data monitoring
• Implement whole school culture plan

Student Leadership Development

• Implement and partner with APC to refine the plan for developmentally appropriate and values-aligned student voice and leadership 
• Work with student leaders to create systems and structures that promote student voice, agency, and leadership opportunities
• Work with staff and students to ensure our students are gaining the professional skills and knowledge to be successful at any college and in any career
• Coordinate and progress monitor non-academic activities such as overseeing after-school clubs and co-curricular opportunities
• In collaboration with KIPP Forward, build partnerships with external entities that will provide growth and leadership opportunities for our students
• Work with students, families, and teachers to help students successfully apply to external opportunities

Restorative Practices

• Partner with APC to ensure effective delivery of restorative practices, anchored in Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
• Ensures restorative practices are utilized with fidelity, including providing development and coaching for all campus-based staff 
• Ensures constant oversight of the schools climate in regards to the of the use of restorative practices

Student Discipline Policies and Practices 

• Oversees planning and execution of parent meetings addressing behavioral concerns and disciplinary incidents
• Oversees and reviews all threat assessments conducted in response to major behavior events
• Creates and oversees implementation of Safety Plans written for students as a result of major behavior events
• Oversees Title IX’s and incidents of harassment
• Oversees ISS/OSS discipline practices and data collection

Advisory Coordination

• Support implementation and strong execution of plan for advisory instruction in collaboration with grade level chairs
• Work with APC, teachers and school leaders to develop a scope and sequence for advisory curriculum
• Work with APC and grade level leads and appropriate Home Office Team Members to create an advisory curriculum and resources

Supporting All Learners 

• Partner with AP of Special Services to ensure effective, equitable, and excellent implementation of all Behavior Intervention Plans and behavior MTSS systems 
• Support and coordinate MTSS implementation at grade levels MTSS Chair with fidelity checks, progress checks, support in interventions, identifying gaps

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in active presence and strategic supervision and monitoring to ensure student safety and engagement in rigorous learning
• Partner with the Dean of Special Services and Special Education Teachers to ensure proper implementation of 504s, BIPs, IEPs, safety plans, accommodations, modification, and language support for students
• Enforce positive behavior systems and monitor behavior data 
• Attend designated school functions outside of school hours (Back to School Night, Report Card Conferences, Community Events, etc.)
• Perform necessary support duties including (but not limited to) bus, lunch, and dismissal duties, chaperone field trips. Participate in parent meetings, conferences, and periodic evening events
• Develop strong relationships with the families of students through home visits, participation in school events and phone calls home
• Communicate regularly with families about academic progress and behavior
• Participate in daily duties (i.e. breakfast, lunch, dismissal) to support school operations
• Maintain accurate records and student data tracking systems
• Assist with both student and staff recruitment
• Other duties as assigned

About the skills and qualifications you will bring to this role: 

• Bachelor's degree (required)
• Spanish bilingual (preferred)
• At least 2 years of relevant and aligned experience in the area of school culture management as a grade level chair, on a culture working group, or in a school culture role (required)
• At least 2 years of K-12 teaching experience and a strong record of helping underserved students achieve academic success (required) 
• Past experience leading adults in a school environment (preferred) 
• A full understanding and Commitment to an Exceptional Student Experience (more about that HERE) (required) 
• Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail; outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage the ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in an entrepreneurial environment
• Proactive problem solver who demonstrates initiative and teamwork
• Strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work
• Multi-faceted, multi-skilled, resourceful and willing to do whatever it takes to help the school reach a level of academic excellence
• High level of detail orientation and sound excellent organizational skills
• Strong communication, feedback and facilitation skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Articulate, professional demeanor with strong self-confidence and initiative
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with the creativity and versatility to work productively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple deadlines and tasks with meticulous attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop productive working relationships with stakeholders across functional and organizational lines
• Passionate commitment to KIPP Colorado mission and to high standards of excellence

Compensation and Benefits: Employee retention and satisfaction is imperative for KIPP Colorado. We seek to provide competitive compensation and benefits including the following:

• Competitive Market Salary: Starting salary for this role begins at $73,440 and is commensurate with experience
  • Please submit a comprehensive resume to assure all your experience is accounted for! Tip: We don't care if your resume is more than one page, we are eager to see and compensate you for all of your experience and accomplishments
• Excellent Healthcare Plan: 100% of employee-only monthly premium paid by KIPP Colorado and options for family enrollment and coverage, through United Healthcare 
• Time Off!!!: More than 6 weeks of annual vacation and Paid Time Off (PTO) 
  • Based on hire date, employees are eligible for up to 8 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) 
  • All employees receive summer break through an organization-wide closure, based on work location and position
  • Access to parental and medical leave: includes 6 weeks paid and 6 weeks unpaid for a total of 12 weeks (after your first year)
• Career Trajectory: Access to opportunity to move up, across schools, and grow your career during weekly coaching sessions to refine your craft
• Mental Health Care: Immediate and ongoing access to mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program
• Technology & Access: Equipment provided: laptop & phone 
• Retirement Planning: Participation in the Colorado PERA retirement program, including a PERA 401k option
• Move to Join Us: Relocation reimbursement (when applicable)
• Additional Pay: Most schools offer various stipend opportunities
• Other Insurance Options: 
  • Wellness reimbursement
  • Voluntary employee, spousal, and child life insurance
  • Voluntary long term disability insurance
  • Voluntary short term disability insurance
  • Optional Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• Additional Information: For more information, you can view our benefits FAQ here