The Academic Dean works with the Upper School Division Head, the Upper School leadership team, and, at various times, subject-area Department Chairs, the Registrar, the Director of College Counseling. The Academic Dean will focus on all aspects of the School’s academic and instructional programs for grades nine through twelve with specific responsibilities. The Academic Dean is a key leader in fostering a student-centered environment that supports both academic excellence and the social-emotional well-being of students.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintain the Upper School’s academic programs in alignment with the School’s mission, philosophy, and goals
Maintain congruency between the School’s board-approved mission statement and all academic activities
Work with the Division Head, Director of Teaching and Learning, and the School’s leadership to strengthen horizontal and vertical alignment of the curriculum for grades nine through twelve
Work with Learning Support, Department Chairs, and faculty to ensure alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to meet the needs of diverse learners
Cultivate a robust academic environment and stay current on research-informed practices in curriculum, instruction, and assessment
Provide guidance and support to faculty in matters related to curriculum, instruction, and assessment
Work with the Division Head and Registrar to construct the School’s master class schedules
Ensure alignment of course requests and class scheduling with the College Counseling office and coordinate scheduling efforts with the Director of College Counseling and Division Head
Interview prospective Upper School faculty candidates and assist the Admissions Committee as needed
Organize and administer the Upper School’s semester exam schedules and spring Advanced Placement testing
Coordinate student enrollment in Global Online Academy and Independent Study Projects
Conduct ongoing reviews of standardized testing results in collaboration with College Counseling
Solicit, organize, and communicate all book orders for Upper School courses
Assist the Division Head with teacher observations, feedback, and evaluations
Assist the Division Head with new and returning faculty orientation and ongoing mentoring
Co-facilitate the Upper School Assessment+ PLC
Monitor and support student academic progress, fostering a balance between individual family needs and broader academic goals
Promote student growth and well-being in collaboration with faculty, counselors, College Counseling, and families
Perform other duties as assigned by Upper School Division Head
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Candidates should hold a master's degree
Independent school teaching and administrative experience preferred
Candidates should strongly identify with the School’s mission, philosophy, and goals
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team-oriented environment
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on empathetic and solution-focused communication
Highly organized and able to meet deadlines
Experience supporting students and families through academic challenges
A genuine affinity for working with students and their families
School Type: Independent, college preparatory, non-sectarian, non-profit, co-educational day school for grades PK through 12Founded: 1988; first graduating class – 1994; alumni - 1,479Location: The Woodlands, TX, a planned community 40 miles north of HoustonAccreditation: Accredited by The Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS); member of The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).