Department
11420 Lab Schools Ed Programs

About the Unit
The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools provide one of the world's most outstanding pre-collegiate educational experiences. Because Lab is part of the University of Chicago, the importance of intellectual life-of thought and exploration-infuses all aspects of our curriculum, and students in every grade benefit from outstanding UChicago academicians and access to unmatched resources. John Dewey-one of the great minds in education-established the Schools in 1896 as a place to explore and implement his theories on childhood education. Today's students still benefit from his vision, and today's Lab faculty are recognized as experienced leaders in their field. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are affiliated with the University, half live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northern Indiana. Lab's student body reflects the diversity that is deeply valued by the Schools and its community; approximately half of our 2,000 students are people of color and families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. The Laboratory Schools seek the finest employees-people who wish to inspire a love of learning in our students and join a vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training, in many different disciplines. At Lab, we value learning experientially, exhibiting kindness, and honoring diversity. We seek employees who share a similar commitment to these values. Lab people are engaged and excited by our mission of igniting and nurturing an enduring spirit of scholarship, curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the youngest members of the University of Chicago's academic community. The Laboratory Schools is a great place to work and our connection to the University provides our faculty and staff with opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment.

Job Information
Job Summary:

The Dean of Students will work as a team with the Principal, Dean of Teaching and Learning and the Dean of Faculty in providing for the smooth functioning of all programs in N-2. Helping to assure the academic and social progress of the students, maintaining good community relations, advising the N-2 Principal on matters concerning N-2 and representing the Principal as requested. The Dean will ensure that the school's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is included in all work. The Dean reports directly to the Principal of the N-2 division.
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, and share in the united pursuit of Lab's mission .

Responsibilities:

• Supports children and families in N-2 by building relationships, being a public face available to answer questions, solve problems, and facilitate connections.
  
• Makes connections between students, families, grade levels, divisions, and campuses.
  
• Coordinates all-building assemblies and gatherings and facilitates an all-building gathering at least once a quarter
  
• Participates in the admissions, enrollment, and placement processes for N-2 and placement in 3rd grade, including attending playgroups in coordination with the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid
  
• Works across departments in support of ensuring continuity for students with Learning & Counseling, Extended Day, and Coordinator for Wellness and Title IX
  
• Participates in the hiring of faculty and staff.
  
• Aids in the development of an orientation program and continued support for new parents.
  
• Reads progress reports
  
• Works with the Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Dean of Teaching & Learning, N-2 to incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion goals throughout program
  
• Establishes a positive, cooperative working relationship with other school administrators
  
• Work with administration and counselors to revise and update the student handbook and code of conduct for grades for N-2, including provisions regarding bullying.
  
• Works with staff and teachers to create and strengthen systems that simplify and improve experiences for families and students.
  

Competencies:

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

Additional Requirements
Education, Experience, and Certifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Master's degree preferred
• Advanced degree in education preferred or comparable experience

Experience:

• Leadership experience in education required
• At least three years of leadership experience preferred
• Early childhood - 2nd grade teaching experience strongly preferred
• Experience working in a team setting
• Supervisory & evaluation skills required; preferably in a unionized environment
• Experience in curriculum development preferred
• Experience leading, developing and managing change management initiatives
• Familiarity with Reggio and project based learning.
• An understanding of Dewey's philosophies and experiential learning.
• Significant experience in creating, implementing, managing and assessing educational programs preferred
• Experience working with a wide range of students with diverse backgrounds such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, learning abilities, class, language and nationality

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Ability to use standard productivity software (Microsoft Office, calendar/schedule software, etc.) and student database software required.
• PowerSchool experience preferred.

Required Documents:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Professional references
• Brief statement of philosophy regarding:
  • Ways in which your qualifications can help Lab achieve its goals of inclusivity, equity, and diversity.
  • Approach to teaching

Benefit Eligibility
Yes

Pay Frequency
Monthly

Pay Range
Depends on Qualification

Scheduled Weekly Hours
40

Union
Non-Union

Job is Exempt?
Yes

Drug Test Required?
No

Does this position require incumbent to operate a vehicle on the job?
No

Health Screen Required?
No

Background Check Required?
Yes

Posting Date
2018-01-23-08:00

Remove from Posting On or Before
2018-07-23-07:00

Posting Statement:
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity /Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form .

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.