Dean of Students
The Milwaukee Jewish Day School (MJDS) is a private, pluralistic school located in the north shore of Milwaukee. Our families represent and embrace a diverse range of Jewish practices. Staff members do not need to be Jewish to work here. We welcome educators of all backgrounds who are committed to our mission and community.
Our school serves students in K3 through 8th grade. At MJDS, our outstanding teachers guide students on an interdisciplinary, student-owned learning journey, where a culture of innovation and Jewish values are pillars of our school. We are seeking a passionate, innovative, and engaging educator who is committed to meeting the needs of all students, collaborating with staff, and partnering with families.
Job Description: Our Dean of Students cultivates and sustains a positive, inclusive, and respectful school culture rooted in Jewish values, where every student feels safe, supported, and part of a joyful and engaged community. Working in partnership with families, teachers, and the support team, they lead efforts to develop the whole child-socially, emotionally, cognitively, and behaviorally-through reflection, intentional systems, and restorative practices.
Expectations:
Cultivates and sustains meaningful relationships with students through consistent presence, active listening, and authentic engagement; ensures each student feels known, respected, and supported in their growth and belonging
Establishes strong partnerships with families through proactive, transparent, and responsive communication and proactive engagement, ensuring families feel informed, valued, and connected to their child's school experience
Creates experiences that cultivate a rich, engaging student life
Builds systems that promote belonging, engagement, and positive behavior
Designs and implements student disciplinary practices
Establishes, communicates, and upholds clear behavioral expectations that are consistent, fair, and restorative
Supports faculty in addressing student academic, social, emotional, and executive functioning development
Collaborates with teachers in matters of classroom management and general school procedures
Collaborates with Support Team and School Counselor to ensure constructive and supportive strategies for student growth
Supervises student coaches around intervention, goal-setting, and documentation, monitoring student growth and parent communication
Attends and participates in weekly leadership and support team meetings
Counsels students when necessary
Participates in student meetings as needed
Plans and facilitates extracurricular opportunities for students
Supports teachers at Parent-Teacher and Student-Led conferences
Coordinates safety and security logistics and drills in collaboration with the Operations Manager, building engineer, police department, and property manager
Assists in the admissions process for testing, observing, and evaluation applicants for enrollment
Oversees all field trips for grades 3K-8th
Attends all school events
Collaborates with and supports the Co-Directors of Teaching and Learning on programming--family orientation, open houses, conferences, transition meetings
Designs and implements professional development opportunities as they relate to school culture and student life
Collaborates with Head of School on handbook and student policies and procedures
Oversees the coordination of musics, arts, physical education, library
Represents MJDS at community events
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Deep understanding of child and adolescent development, including social-emotional and behavioral growth
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with students, staff, and families
Effective communication skills, including clear, proactive, and responsive written and verbal communication
Familiarity with behavioral intervention frameworks, and restorative practices
Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, including the ability to navigate complex student situations
Knowledge of effective classroom management practices and school-wide culture systems
Coaching and mentoring skills to support teacher growth in classroom management and student engagement
All staff members at MJDS believe:
In encouraging curiosity and awareness of the world around us
Each person is an individual with unique gifts who will be loved, respected, and valued every day
Growth requires risk and FAILure
In seeking to understand before being understood
In assuming the best of all people
In always being solutions-oriented
Everyone has the ability to heal injustice
Learning should be collaborative, student-owned, and move each student from engagement to empowerment
Required Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Administrative license or experience
Experience working with a wide range of students 3K-8 grade