Agency

NC School for the Deaf

Division

NC School for the Deaf

Job Classification Title

School Principal (NS)

Position Number

60039088

Grade

ED27

About Us

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services.

Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website.

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Description of Work

The Dean of Education is a key member of the school leadership structure responsible for leading a high-quality, student-centered academic program that ensures Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students have access to rigorous instruction, meaningful language development, and pathways to post-secondary success.

This position demonstrates a commitment to instructional excellence, bilingual-bimodal education, educator development, equitable access, and continuous improvement. Through visionary leadership, collaboration, and data-informed decision-making, the Dean of Education advances curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning systems that empower students to achieve their academic, career, and personal goals.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

***This is an Anticipated Vacancy***

Job Description Summary

The North Carolina School for the Deaf (NCSD) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Dean of Education to provide leadership, supervision, and oversight within the school’s academic program. Under the direction of the Superintendent, the Dean of Education provides strategic and instructional leadership for the Preschool–Grade 12+ academic program at NCSD. This position is responsible for the administration, coordination, supervision, and continuous improvement of the school’s instructional programs, ensuring that students receive a rigorous, accessible, and language-rich bilingual educational experience aligned with their individual strengths, needs, post-secondary goals, and career aspirations.

The Dean of Education leads the development and implementation of a high-quality bilingual-bimodal educational program designed to support student achievement, language acquisition, literacy development, college readiness, career preparation, specialized diploma endorsements, early postsecondary opportunities, and industry-recognized certifications.

This position serves as the School Principal and primary instructional leader for faculty and academic programming, fostering a culture of high expectations, collaboration, professional growth, and continuous improvement.

About the North Carolina School for the Deaf:

The North Carolina School for the Deaf (NCSD) is a specialty school for Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HH) students, ages 3 (three) to 22 (twenty-two), with a catchment area encompassing the 46 westernmost counties in North Carolina. Established in 1894, the school provided significant milestones in deaf and blind education. 

North Carolina School for the Deaf operates per the academic calendar, from August to May, with additional summer programming in June. Students are typically present on campus Sunday afternoons through Friday afternoons. In general, support services and administration operate year-round.
 

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Instructional Leadership and Academic Program Administration

• Provides leadership, direction, and supervision for all academic programs and instructional initiatives for Preschool through Grade 12+.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates instructional programs aligned with NC Standard Course of Study requirements, evidence-based practices in Deaf education, and the school’s bilingual-bimodal educational framework.
• Leads curriculum development, instructional planning, academic programming, and continuous improvement efforts to support student achievement and post-secondary readiness.
• Ensures academic pathways provide meaningful opportunities for students, including diploma pathways, career and technical education opportunities, dual enrollment opportunities, specialized endorsements, and transition-focused academic planning.

Faculty Supervision and Professional Learning

• Provides supervision and evaluation of licensed instructional personnel and assigned academic staff in accordance with state requirements and school policies.
• Develops and communicates staff assignments, responsibilities, schedules, and expectations aligned with instructional priorities.
• Conducts classroom observations, provides instructional feedback, and supports professional growth through coaching, collaboration, and targeted professional learning.
• Establishes systems that promote effective instructional practices, educator collaboration, and continuous improvement.

 

Curriculum, Assessment, and Accountability

• Leads the development and implementation of curriculum frameworks, instructional resources, and assessment practices aligned with state standards and the unique educational needs of Deaf and hard-of-hearing learners.
• Analyzes student achievement data and assessment results to identify instructional priorities and improve academic outcomes.
• Supports the implementation and monitoring of the School Improvement Plan, including academic goals, instructional strategies, and measurable outcomes.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state educational requirements related to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and accountability.

 

Special Education and Instructional Compliance

• Provides leadership and oversight to ensure instructional programming supports compliance with IDEA requirements and promotes high-quality educational planning.
• Ensures systems are in place for effective development, implementation, and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Collaborates with instructional staff to ensure educational programming supports student access, progress, and achievement.

Academic Scheduling and Program Coordination

• Develops and oversees academic schedules, instructional pacing, and program structures to maximize learning opportunities and efficient use of instructional resources.
• Coordinates academic programming across grade levels to ensure vertical alignment and continuity of instruction.
• Supports effective collaboration among instructional teams, departments, and school leadership.

Admissions and Student Academic Placement

• Participates as a member of the Admissions Team to provide instructional expertise related to student placement, programming, and educational needs.
• Provides recommendations regarding academic programming, instructional supports, and appropriate educational pathways.
• Completes admissions observations as appropriate

Family and Stakeholder Engagement

• Communicates academic goals, initiatives, and student progress with families and stakeholders.
• Creates and sustains collaborative partnerships with families to support student learning, language development, and educational success.
• Represents the academic program with community partners, educational organizations, and professional networks.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Serves as a member of the Superintendent’s leadership team.
• Supports strategic planning, policy development, accreditation activities, and school-wide improvement initiatives.
• Promotes a culture of excellence, innovation, inclusion, and high expectations for all students.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Minimum Education and Experience Required:

• Completion of an approved program in school administration at the master's level or above.

Recruitment Salary Range:  

*$66,010 - *$87,793

*Dependent on qualifying education and relevant experience. 

Management Preferences:

• Degree in education, Deaf Education, Special Education, or a related field from an accredited institution.
•  "Superior" rating in American Sign Language (ASL) per the Sign Language Proficiency Interview Functional Descriptors.   
• North Carolina teaching license in Deaf Education or a related area.
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) is required; ASLPI Level 3 or higher preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of deaf culture, deaf education methodologies, and communication strategies for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
• Experience working with school-aged deaf or hard-of-hearing students is
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

*PLEASE include your NC Administrator's License number and expiration date on your application in the Certificates and License Section.

Pursuant to House Bill 11, all employees, hired in classified (and certified) positions on or after July 1, 2024, are employed pursuant to Chapter 115C of the General Statutes. This includes any transfers to NCSD from another state agency who are currently considered Chapter 126 (SHRA) employees.

Compensation & Benefits:

The State of North Carolina offers premier comprehensive benefits with low waiting periods and rich benefits. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with State Benefits, including paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, paid community service leave, retirement, health, dental and vision insurance. To view an example of total compensation, please click here NC OSHR: Total Compensation Calculator

Supplemental Information:

NCSD uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject and not subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals.  Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position.

Positions are subject to pre-employment drug testing and criminal record background checks. Also, the use of tobacco products of any kind including vapor products are prohibited from our campuses.

Application Process:
 Be sure to complete the application in its entirety and review BEFORE submission. Applications can be submitted more than once however, the most recent application is the one used to determine your eligibility.   Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.

• Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers.

• The posting will close at 11:59 p.m. the night before the end date.

• Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.  Transcripts and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. The State of North Carolina/Office of State Human Resources uses the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) as a referral resource for applicants who need to have their credentials certified as equivalent. For a list of organizations that perform this specialized service, please visit the NACES membership website at https://www.naces.org/members. 

 Veteran’s and National Guard Preference:

• Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD-214 Member-4 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications.

• Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.

• Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service, must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

 ADA Accommodations:

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), NCSD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, NCSD will ensure that people with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided with reasonable accommodation.  If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

Due to the volume of applications, we are unable to provide information on the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Wendy Charlene Helmig

Recruiter Email:

WENDY.HELMIG@NCSD.K12.NC.US