About Mastery:
Founded in 2001, Mastery Schools is a public charter network of 23 K-12 schools in Philadelphia and Camden, serving more than 14,000 students.
At Mastery, we’re on a mission to provide all students with the academic and personal skills they need to succeed after graduation and pursue their dreams. Student achievement is not just a goal for our organization; it's the reason we exist, and every member of our team is dedicated to securing student success. We are also committed to pursuing equity, actively disrupting systemic racism, and addressing the disparities that limit our students' choices.
Our culture is built on respect, service, and the belief that the success of our students, their families, and the communities we serve will help us achieve our mission. We foster a positive, open, and inclusive environment where honesty, humor, and continuous improvement are celebrated.
Join us in creating a model urban school district that serves all students with excellence. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
This role is eligible for up to $5,000 in bonuses as well as up to $5,000 for relocation expenses! Positions available in both Philadelphia and Camden!
New-to-Mastery Deans can expect a starting annual salary of between $47,750-$90,500 based on years’ experience and level of education.
The Opportunity:
Mastery Schools is seeking dynamic and passionate Deans of Students to lead our urban school turn-around efforts in Philadelphia. Deans are responsible for ensuring that Mastery Schools are peaceful communities and that student attendance, punctuality and the focus on high academic achievement never falters. Through intense data management and tracking, incentive systems, facility and grounds monitoring, and climate initiatives, Mastery Deans know every student, can forecast distractions, and ensure that students proactively make the right choices. Deans work side by side with the instructional staff providing classroom management support and training. Additionally, Deans work with students, providing them with the ongoing mentorship and direction they require to successfully navigate their educational experience and reach their most ambitious goals. All Mastery Charter schools have a “Culture Team” comprised of an Assistant Principal of School Culture and one or more deans. The Culture Team works collaboratively with other administrators, as well as the instructional staff, to ensure that the school’s climate reflects Mastery’s focus on college-bound academics and student fellowship.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Under the guidance of the Assistant Principal for School Culture, ensuring a high achievement culture
- Influencing the growth and development of an achievement-focused school culture through the Social Emotional Learning program, including leading circles, community meetings, and/or teaching SEL course(s)
- Managing discipline for up to 800 students with a restorative justice model
- Meeting with students, teachers and parents, collectively or independently, to implement ways to support a positive and cooperative school environment
- Maintaining databases and up to date student information on attendance, discipline and merit records
- Executing decisions based on reasonable judgment that strives to provide fair and equitable treatment and consideration for all students
- Maintaining and monitoring safety and order by being accessible and visible in hallways, classrooms, during arrival/dismissal of students, lunch periods, after school programs including detention, homework club, etc.
- Supporting teachers in developing and implementing classroom management strategies and plans for individual students as needed
- When interventions and proactive approaches fail, Deans drive the discipline process including detention, suspension and related punitive actions.
- Duties as assigned by supervisor or Principal to aid in the overall school culture
Qualifications:
- General computer competency
- Administrative background that reflects strong management and communication skills
- Ability to work well in a team and enhance cooperative working relationships
- Strong leadership skills and a demonstrated capacity to work with urban youth
- Knowledge of public education and charter schools highly desirable but not required
- Excels in problem solving, has a sense of humor and has a desire to provide only the highest quality education for students
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Education or related field
- Minimum two (2) years of experience working within a school setting that serves school-aged children
- Teaching experience preferred
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required such as maneuvering in classrooms and office space-reaching file cabinets, filing, faxing, scanning, coping, typing, mailing, and making phone calls; Must be able to sit for up to two (2) hours looking at a computer monitor, using a keyboard and mouse and typing.
Mastery's Benefits Package:
We offer a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Some of our most popular benefits include our 403(b) retirement plan for PA employees (with a 5% match from Mastery), enrollment in the State of New Jersey Pension Plan for NJ employees, a robust Employee Assistance Program, mental health and counseling programs, an annual Professional Development Fund, and discounts and perks at a myriad of retailers, travel organizations, insurance providers, and so much more, as well as a Benefits VIP Helpdesk to help you navigate various benefits-related topics.
Please go here to see all of our Benefits offerings!
Annual Calendar:
As you plan to make Mastery your new work home, please feel free to review our
Calendar for the 24/25 School Year. We like to think our calendar is a benefit of working here too!
Why You Should Apply:
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. Mastery may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
