Director of School Culture

Wissahickon Charter School is seeking a Director of School Culture for our Fernhill Campus. The Director of School Culture (DSC) is responsible for establishing and maintaining a safe and positive school environment through the creation and oversight of effective and efficient systems for school culture. The DSC will directly supervise the Dean of Culture (DOC) and a team of six Behavioral Support staff. They will also be responsible for the ongoing coaching and professional development of the Dean and Behavioral Support staff. The DSC will consistently model Wissahickon's CARES values and how to build strong, mutually respectful relationships with students and families, and will support all members of the staff in doing the same by developing and leading school-wide professional development and coaching teachers when needed. They will also conduct any necessary follow-up with students and families when egregious situations arise, including coordinating Discipline Review Hearings when needed. The DSC reports to the Principal and works in close conjunction with the Fernhill leadership team.

Responsibilities

Culture Leadership

• Along with the Dean and each school's leadership team, refine and implement a school-wide behavior management system with meaningful consequences and rewards
• Oversee Wissahickon's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for Behavior and Social-Emotional Learning
• Establish, maintain and continually improve clear culture/behavior systems and routines and ensure that they are followed
• Review school culture performance data and develop and implement plans to build on successes and address any gaps
• Working with the Network Director of School Operations, develop and implement plans to improve culture during non-instructional time (e.g. lead training for lunch, recess, after school staff)
• Serve as the point person when a student or group of students exhibit egregious behavior, including coordinating Discipline Review Hearings and overseeing the process for alternative placements for students
• Prepare and deliver high quality professional development for staff
• In collaboration with the school's leadership team, oversee the implementation of the Social Emotional Learning curriculum
• Facilitate and follow up on Interdisciplinary Team Meetings
• Partner with the Director of Learning Supports to ensure that any behavioral issues are addressed in a way that is legally compliant with IDEA

Supervision and Staff Development

• Supervise the Dean of Culture, ensuring that the Dean implements WCS's behavior management system, communication systems, and data tracking systems with fidelity
• Supervise a team of six behavioral support staff members
• Articulate a vision of excellence and expectations for each role they supervise and set a culture of ownership around those expectations
• Prepare and deliver evaluations for the Dean and Behavioral Support Staff and coach all culture staff towards their professional goals
• Seek out relevant off-site professional development for members of the culture team to attend
• Lead professional development for all staff when needed and potentially coach teachers in classroom culture/management domains
• Be involved in the hiring processes for any culture team openings at their site

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a leader of school culture
• Lead teaching experience in a K-8 school strongly preferred
• Prior success supervising, mentoring or coaching adults
• Strong knowledge of effective, research-based behavioral methods and strategies for urban youth, including a restorative justice model; experience with Responsive Classroom and/or PBIS a plus
• Experience writing strong behavior plans required

• Superior organizational skills and the ability to maintain systems and processes related to school culture and discipline
• Experience managing others to implement systems and processes that increase effectiveness and efficiency
• Excellent analytical skills and demonstrated resourcefulness in problem-solving; does not get stuck by obstacles or resource constraints
• Collaborative and consensus-based management style

• Comfort with giving and receiving feedback and the ability to have difficult conversations in a respectful manner
• Experience and familiarity with Macs, Google platforms, and the Microsoft Suite; knowledge of PowerSchool, Kickboard and/or Class Dojo a plus
• Willingness to work autonomously, collaboratively, and/or under the direction of senior staff, as needed
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively across a diverse range of stakeholders and constituents
• Commitment to honest and open dialogue about race, equity and bias in our school systems and relationships
• Commitment to the mission of Wissahickon Charter School and the belief that all children can learn

How to Apply

To be considered, visit our website at http://wissahickoncharter.org/join-our-team and click on the Apply Now button. Please note that a cover letter and resume are required.

Wissahickon Charter School is committed to hiring a diverse staff and encourages those from traditionally under-represented backgrounds to apply. Wissahickon Charter School does not discriminate in hiring and employment, or in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or other programs.