Dean of Students

The Darrow School

The Darrow School, a small, independent, co-ed boarding/day school for grades 9-12, located on the New York State side of the Berkshires, offers an innovative, individually-focused college-preparatory curriculum featuring a unique combination of dynamic classroom instruction, active learning, and environmental stewardship. Students learn within an atmosphere that supports intellectual curiosity, creativity, and experimentation. The School emphasizes differentiated instruction and student-centered, active learning as key teaching philosophies. 

The Darrow School faculty and staff are fully engaged in the life of a boarding school beyond the academic day as well, supporting students in a range of co-curricular programming including athletics, residential life, weekend activities, and signature programs like Hands-to-Work, Winterm and Spring Term. Darrow School’s mission is to create a community of learning able to empower students with a wide variety of backgrounds and abilities, building on each student’s individual talents and interests to inspire enduring confidence for success in college and life.

Essential Responsibilities of Administrators at the Darrow School

Administrators at the Darrow School function as a part of the Senior Administrative Team to participate in strategic planning and high-level decision-making steering the direction of the School. Senior Administrators are also responsible for creating plans and procedures to ensure smooth and consistent operations on a day-to-day basis. It is expected that you participate in all Senior Team meetings and communicate effectively with other Senior Administrators.

Working at a boarding school is different from working anywhere else. It is a way of life more than it is a job. The academic program includes a traditional core curriculum as well as a large variety of elective courses. In addition to creating learning environments in the classroom, other responsibilities include supervising students in the dorms, coaching and/or leading extra-curricular activities, advising, and weekend responsibilities.

Dean of Students -- Specific Responsibilities

The Dean of Students works with teachers, parents, students, and the administration to ensure that a consistent, positive culture and high expectations are maintained throughout the school and by all teachers and students.

This position is responsible for but not limited to the following: 
• Working with the Head of School and administrative team to develop and manage academic and social policies, protocols, and practices that serve to support student development, learning, health, and safety 
• Facilitating the integration of boarding and day students by managing student travel, overseeing the host family/homestay program, encouraging wellness and co-curricular participation, scheduling special programs and events for attendance by the student body, such as Tuesday Community Program
• Coordinating and overseeing student and family events such as Prom, Baccalaureate, Commencement, family weekends, parent conferences, and new student orientation
• Taking the lead in disciplinary and honor code matters; oversees student conduct and maintains student discipline; addresses social and academic infractions; maintains correspondence related to conduct with parents and other concerned parties 
• Working with the administrative team to develop and implement the Student Handbook
• Supervising the Assistant Dean of Students for Residential Life and the Assistant Dean of Students for Student Affairs
• Communicating with parents and consultants of boarding students effectively, timely, and professionally
• Serving as Administrator on Duty; supporting and coordinating the house parent duty team one night each week and one weekend each month. Serving as the point person for the safety of the community and facilities
• Expected to be dynamic, collaborative, personable, outgoing, energetic, and organized while being flexible enough to adapt to the needs of the students and staff in the program, and work within a team model to provide our students with the best experience possible 
• Keeping the head of school informed regarding student issues
• Other duties as assigned by and in support of the Head of School