Laboratory Schools: Dean of Students, Lower School

Lab School Lower School At the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, students in Nursery through Grade 12 experience a world-class educational journey. Founded in 1896 by John Dewey as a place for educators to develop and explore novel approaches to pedagogy and curriculum, Lab continues to provide excitement and imagination in learning to this day. Academic rigor, experiential learning, and intellectual discourse are hallmarks of a Lab education. Lab educators are recognized for excellence in teaching and pride themselves on innovation in the classroom. Students in every grade have access to unparalleled resources, and all members of the Lab community benefit by partnerships and connections with the University of Chicago. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity.

No less than scholarship, Lab’s mission prioritizes honoring diversity and exhibiting kindness. We are committed to building and supporting a teaching and learning community where young people see aspects of their backgrounds and identities reflected around them, where they feel a deep sense of belonging, and where they discover and use their voices to full effect. Today, 53-59 percent of Lab’s student body are students of color. Families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are also affiliated with the University of Chicago. Half of our families live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northwestern Indiana. Inclusion is a fundamental value at Lab, such that we celebrate every facet of community members’ identities, and even where we disagree, we emphasize respect, civility, and maintaining a spirit of community.

Lab seeks the finest employees to join our vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training in many different disciplines, who have in common a love of learning and the wish to inspire that same love of learning in young people. We seek candidates for employment who thrive in an educational environment. We provide a great professional home for those committed to collaboration, ongoing personal and professional growth, and cultivating positive relationships. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of color, LGBTQ identified candidates, candidates from historically marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds, and candidates with a demonstrated commitment to a deepening diversity, equity, and inclusion practice. In turn, we strive to ensure that Lab is a joyful, welcoming, and inspiring place to work. Through our connection to the University, faculty, staff, and administrators enjoy benefits and opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment. The Dean of Students will support the Lower School Principal and Assistant Principal in providing for smooth functioning of all programs in the Lower School, helping to assure the academic and social progress of the students, maintaining good community relations, advising the Lower School Principal on matters concerning the Lower School and representing the Principal and Lower School as requested.

Reporting to the Principal of Lower School, the Dean of Students is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of Lower School students, ensuring smooth relationships with the Lab Schools community-students, parents, faculty, staff, and the University. The Dean of Students will meet regularly with the Lower School faculty, the Principal and Assistant Principal, academic and administrative leadership, Learning and Counseling, the Admissions team, school nurses and the Parents' Association, and attend events as needed.

Academic administrators are expected to build deep relationships with students, families, faculty and staff to foster a culture of community. We are looking for team members who will emanate optimism, solve problems collaboratively, reflect on how actions impact others, create an engaging and inclusive school culture, respond to the changing needs of the student community, and share in the united pursuit of Lab’s mission.

• Maintain congruence between the School’s mission, core values, and core beliefs and all activities of the Lower School.
• Supports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work in the Lower School working with the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the LS DEI Coordinator, the LS Administrative team, and faculty to incorporate this work throughout program.
• Effectively communicate to the Lower School community information regarding programs, events, and policies to support student life and wellness.
• Foster positive connections between students, faculty and parents
• Establish a working relationship with the Early Childhood Campus (N-2), Middle School and High School to support consistency across divisions.
• Work with the Principal and Assistant Principal to develop and coordinate special activities that empower student leadership and develop a sense of community responsibility.
• Work with the Principal and Assistant Principal to educate the faculty on the shared nature of responsibilities, including discipline, attendance, mandated training and supervision.
• Serve as the point person for the student referral system working with the Department of Learning and Counseling, school nurses, and Extended Day programs on student concerns and support.
• Help lead student and family orientation programs and provide continued support for new students and families.
• Oversee and approve all student fundraising proposals and initiatives
• Support school and student initiatives such as assemblies, community meetings, buddy programs, clubs, field trips, and other special events.
• Supervise arrival and dismissal to ensure safety and security of Lower School students.
• Participate in the admissions, enrollment, and placement process.
• Lead the disciplinary process using restorative justice and Responsive Classroom tools.
• Conduct an annual revision of the Lower School handbook and school policies.
• Supervise the attendance process and ensure effective implementation of policies and procedures. Communicate with faculty and families regarding these policies.
• Partner with Learning & Counseling to support social emotional learning for students in the Lower School.
• Participate in the hiring of faculty and staff.
• Provide faculty support as needed.
• Work with counselors, PE, & Science teachers to coordinate growth and reproduction programming for fourth and fifth graders.
• Coordinate the annual Picture Day process, including communicating with outside providers, creating schedules for LS classes, and coordinating parent volunteers.
• Work with the Lower School Parents’ Association council on school initiatives and special programs.
• Supports students, families, and faculty. Administers student services in the areas of extracurricular activities and programs, investigation and discipline. Administers communications systems between home and the school, including providing for parent conferences. Manages student personnel matters.
• Build deep relationships with students, families, faculty and staff to foster a culture of community. Emanate optimism, solve problems collaboratively, reflect on how actions impact others, create an engaging and inclusive school culture, and share in the united pursuit of Lab’s mission.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• Master’s degree in Education, Social Work, or related field.

• Previous experience as a school counselor, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, Principal, or equivalent administrative experience.
• Experience working in an independent school setting.
• Experience with Responsive Classroom.
• Significant experience in creating, implementing, managing and assessing educational programs.
• Significant experience in working with students and student concerns.
• Experience leading, developing and managing change management initiatives.
• Experience working with a wide range of students, faculty, and families with diverse backgrounds such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, learning abilities, class, language and nationality.

• Ability to use standard productivity software (Microsoft Office, Google Suite, calendar/schedule software, etc.).
• Ability to use Schoology, PowerSchool, and other learning management platforms.

• Ability to be agile and flexible.
• Ability to interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents.
• Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion issues and dynamics in the classroom and in developing healthy, supportive relationships with all students.
• Strong knowledge of course subject matter.
• Knowledge of instructional methodologies and progressive educational principles.
• Strong knowledge of child development.
• Ability to develop curricula, lesson plans and assessment tools.
• Analytical skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Decision-making skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Organizational skills.
• Computational skills.
• Creativity.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team required.
• Ability to manage stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to think strategically.

• Cover letter (required)
• Resume (required)
• Professional references (required)
• Brief statement (required) regarding: Philosophy of Education and ways in which your qualifications can help Lab achieve its goals of inclusivity, equity, and diversity.

Academic Affairs Individual Contributor 40 No No No Salary Exempt $7,380.00 - $10,250.00 Yes