Please note that applications will be reviewed beginning in August. Candidates selected to move forward in the process can expect to hear from us in mid-to-late August.
At ISB, We All Belong
ISB is dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all individuals feel they belong, are seen, valued, and heard. We embrace diversity as a source of strength and are enriched through our differences. We are committed to equitable treatment for all, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, background, identity, orientation, or ability.
We seek employees who are committed to cultivating a sense of belonging, ensuring that everyone at ISB feels safe, respected, and treated fairly.
Our Mission
We are an inspiring international community in Beijing where thinkers and leaders find their place in the world and serve others. So that learning is at its best, we build strong relationships and set high expectations together. We are committed to challenging and joyful learning with the freedom to explore.
JOB GOAL / PURPOSE
Middle School (MS) Dean of Students assists MS Administration in the daily operations of the school related to students. The Dean of Students is responsible for all student discipline, coordination of MS student life, and aspects of MS scheduling. International School of Beijing seeks a dynamic leader who is passionate about the MS age group to serve as Dean of Students.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
Student Behavior Management and Discipline
- Manage and prevent discipline issues through peer mediation, restorative practices, and progressive discipline in alignment with school policies
- Navigate behavioral issues with strong understanding of causes and functions of such behaviors, particularly regarding students with diverse learning and developmental needs
- Advocate for every student, ensuring approach with students, colleagues, and the community supports multiple forms of diversity
- Use a tiered MTSS response to support behavior and disciplinary incidents, and support teachers with tiered behavior interventions
- Provide consultation on identity-based harm policy and response practices for child safeguarding policy, and coach faculty in managing identity-based harm
- Track student absences and tardies to provide interventions and ensure student wellbeing
- Serve as a member of the MS Child Protection team
- Work closely with faculty, staff, and Grade Level Deans to ensure alignment with school policies in managing classroom behavioral issues, promoting Tier 1 strategies that support all learners
- Communicate clearly and in a timely fashion, both verbally and in writing, with families and appropriate school staff regarding disciplinary events
- Keep accurate records regarding disciplinary infractions and consequences and explore discipline data to implement preventative actions
Maintain presence in common areas and classrooms to be aware of social dynamics and remain proactive
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Student Life Coordination
- Lead Student Council to ensure student voice in decisions and policies
- Coordinate with admissions to plan and lead new student orientation twice annually
- Coordinate with counselors to support students in transition (entering/leaving school, Grade 5 to 6 and Grade 8 to 9)
- Lead student offboarding process for students leaving ISB
- Schedule, coordinate, and oversee the quality and purpose of Middle School Assemblies
- Develop and implement ongoing student programming that is both fun and builds community, coordinating with the Activities department and Experiential Learning department to avoid duplication and/or overlap
- Communicate effectively and proactively with parents regarding upcoming student events and promote Middle School activities
- Manage Student Life and Student Council budgets
- Help plan and schedule adult chaperones for Middle School student events, such as socials, and be actively engaged in attending and leading these events
- Oversee Grade 8 Formal and Culmination, and liaise with PTA volunteers
- Work collaboratively with teachers, student support services, and administration to support student needs
- Actively promote positive Dragon Spirit in ISB and the Middle School
- Chaperone overnight school trips and day field trips
Collaboration and Visibility
- Serve on the MS SEL team with administration and counselors
- Collaborate cross-divisionally with other APs and DOS
- Be an approachable and visible leader across the school day, connecting positively and proactively with students, colleagues, and parents in support of our student body
- Support school wide and divisional DEI initiatives, including engagement with the DEI leader, ABAR committee and Child Safeguarding team
Build trust and relationships with traditionally underrepresented/marginalized students and families as part of continuous ongoing preventative efforts
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Scheduling and Logistics
- Assist the Assistant Principal with construction of the Middle School schedule
- Coordinate with PowerSchool schedulers to ensure proper course allocations for all students, or to make schedule changes
- Create schedule for newly enrolled students, and manage student course change request process
- Manage the Homeroom placement process using Class Creator, paying close attention to group dynamics and ensuring balanced groupings
Perform any other duties as assigned by the MS Assistant Principal, MS Principal or the Head of School
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Master’s Degree and a valid certification (or the substantial equivalent) in school counseling, administration, or teaching.
- Prior experience as a Middle School Dean of Students, Counselor, or mid-level leader
- Minimum five years of prior experience as a Middle School teacher
- Demonstrated commitment to child safeguarding and supporting DEI in a diverse community
- A genuine commitment to the wellbeing, belonging, and success of young adolescents
- Experience managing and preventing SEL issues through peer mediation, restorative practices, and targeted interventions
- Certification in DEI or extensive experience and professional development in successfully navigating incidents of identity-based harm in a school
- An aptitude for building and maintaining positive relationships with students, colleagues, and parents
Superior organizational strategies, incident documentation skills, follow-through, and resilience in solving problems
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COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE PREFERRED
- Formal administrative training / certification
- Prior international school experience
- Prior experience and genuine interest in supporting Middle School students, with a deep knowledge of the unique needs of this age group
- Resilience, positivity, and a growth mindset toward resolving problems and collaboration
- Ability to effectively communicate and present to large audiences
- Familiarity with Microsoft 365 digital suite
