Position Summary
The Dean of Instructional Culture is a school-based leadership position responsible for building
teacher capacity to create highly effective learning environments through the implementation of
strong classroom systems, instructional routines, and student engagement practices. The
primary focus of the role is adult coaching, professional learning, and leading our Restorative
Practices program. Success will be measured through classroom observation data, teacher
implementation of agreed-upon practices, coaching outcomes, and schoolwide indicators of
instructional excellence.
Duties & Responsibilities
Teacher Coaching & Development
Conduct observations, facilitate coaching cycles, provide actionable feedback, and model best practices
practices, and support the implementation of classroom systems and routines.
Professional Development
Design and facilitate professional learning focused on Tier 1 practices, engagement,
instructional culture, and classroom excellence.
Observation & Data Analysis
Collect and analyze observation data, monitor implementation fidelity, and identify trends to
inform coaching and professional learning.
Academic Culture & Schoolwide Systems: Support implementation of schoolwide systems and
routines that maximize instructional time and promote academic excellence.
Student Support & Intervention Systems
Collaborate with teachers and support teams to address classroom-level barriers to
engagement and achievement.
Restorative Practices & Conflict Resolution:
Develop staff capacity in using restorative practices and serve as a lead mediator for
student conflicts. Design and facilitate restorative circles, conferences, and other interventions
to repair harm and build community.
Staff Leadership & Talent Development
Support onboarding, hiring processes, mentoring, instructional rounds, and teacher leadership
Development.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
Build strong relationships with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders in support
of student success.
Communication & Problem-Solving
Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Principal regarding instructional culture and teacher
development.
Performance Metrics
• Classroom observation data
• Teacher implementation of Tier 1 systems and routines
• Coaching cycle completion and teacher growth
• Student engagement indicators
• Professional development effectiveness
• Reduction in loss of instructional time
• Schoolwide consistency in classroom expectations
Desired Competencies
• Commitment to mission and excellence
• Expertise in instructional systems and classroom management
• Strong coaching and adult-learning skills
• Data-driven decision making
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to build trust and lead change
Education & Experience
• Bachelor's Degree required; Master's preferred
• Valid teaching certification preferred
• Minimum three years of successful teaching experience
• Experience coaching teachers and leading professional learning preferred
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- Valid teaching certification
- Minimum three years of successful teaching experience
- Experience coaching teachers and leading professional learning
What We Do
University Prep Schools is a tuition-free K-12 public charter school network headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. Established in 2000, it is the city's largest charter network, operating ten schools and serving over 4,500 students. The organization is dedicated to providing high-quality education and preparing scholars for success in college and beyond.
