Dean of Students - Great Lakes Learning Academy

School Summary

Great Lakes Learning Academy is authorized by Central Michigan University. The school is operated by Great Lakes Learning Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Education, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. The school is governed by an independent board of directors, and all board meetings are open to the public.

Position Summary

Working from our office in East Lansing, Michigan, or your home office, the Dean of Students will develop positive relationships with students and families while working collaboratively with our partner school districts. The Dean of Students will work directly under building principals and will ensure that the school operates in compliance with all Michigan and federal regulations. Please note that travel throughout the state of Michigan may be required during the school year.

The Dean of Students will work collaboratively with the school leadership team to make certain that the school is providing adequate support for students while ensuring they are engaged in school programming.  Duties will include attending IEP meetings to share relevant information regarding student behavior and escalation, maintenance of student data, communication with parents, collaboration with resident school districts throughout the state, and the following:

Responsibilities

• In partnership with the leadership team, develop, lead, implement, and monitor a school-wide integration of positive behavioral intervention systems
• Coordinate the student escalation process and work collaboratively with building staff to ensure students, caretakers, and learning coaches are completing program requirements;
• Work in conjunction with the leadership team and truancy officers to engage students in the learning process as required by the school district;
• Effectively manages student discipline issues in partnership with the leadership team
• Collaborate with counselors, teachers, and building leadership to develop and implement effective positive behavioral intervention systems and strategies, assist with student issues, and coordinate available services.
• Communicates with parents through a variety of means; holds conferences as needed to discuss individual student’s progress and school programs; coordinates parent activities.
• Maintains and periodically reviews student discipline records.
• Responsible for providing engagement and behavioral intervention services to students at risk, including whole groups, small groups or one-on-one with students.
• Works with administrative staff to maintain school discipline plans.
• Fosters an environment conducive to learning.

• Communicates effectively with the educational community, parents, and supplemental agencies, as necessary.
• Follows rules, policies and procedures as specified.
• Trains and provides teachers information around classroom management strategies and discipline procedures.
• Assists the leadership team with professional development activities.
• Communicates with administrators in the identification of any particular needs of the students.
• Gathers appropriate data to demonstrate accomplishments of the annual objectives and elements of the job description.
• Routinely analyze student, class, grade level, and building data to drive instruction, student growth, and professional development to ensure that all student needs are met;
• Promote, model, and reinforce all of Pearson and GLLA procedures and policies
• Manage caretaker and learning coach relationships to ensure a positive experience is maintained for students, while also addressing concerns they may have; 
• Identify and support students struggling with poor attendance and disciplinary infractions.
• Help resolve problems that impede student learning
• Work collaboratively with student support teams and administration to plan individual, school and/or system-wide programs to promote a positive and caring school culture for students and teachers
• Act in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, statutes, and/or policies that relate to students and families and consult with school personnel to ensure compliance in those areas.
• Collaborate with resident school districts to schedule and participate in IEP committee during open enrollment periods to determine if virtual education would be appropriate program to meet student’s needs;
• Communicate and consult with teachers and learning coaches regarding the instructional program for gifted students, students with disabilities, and students with 504 plans
• Develop a working knowledge of GLLA’s curriculum options, and how they can be adapted and implemented to meet specific student needs.  
• Any other tasks designated by building administration

Requirements

• Qualified and certified to teach in Michigan
• Minimum 3 years teaching experience in a secondary school setting preferred
• Strong Knowledge of state laws regarding truancy for school age minors and how to file charges in jurisdictions across the state of Michigan
• Strong knowledge of GLLA’s attendance reporting and truancy policies, as well as the GLLA escalation system
• Ability to multi-task, and a logical mind to assess, filter, organize, and work with data
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to explain information and concepts clearly and concisely, with confidence, and to defend position, when challenged
• Ability to communicate tactfully and frankly with high risk students and families
• Finesse and grace to work through tough conversations with people who are sometimes upset and confrontational
• Ability to build positive relationships and educate courts across Michigan about attendance and truancy in a cyber school
• Travel and attendance at in-person events, including State Testing is required throughout the school year, as determined by the school. This may require overnight travel
• Ability to work some occasional evening hours, as needed to support some families
• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and an email address for two-step authentication.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.