Job Description
POSITION NAME: Grade School Dean DEPARTMENT/GRADE LEVEL: Grade School
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
The grade school dean at Maryknoll School, a Catholic educational institution, plays a vital role in advancing the school's mission by supporting its spiritual, academic, and extracurricular programs. This dynamic leader fosters a Christ-centered learning environment, promotes academic excellence, and ensures holistic student development.
The grade school dean collaborates with faculty, staff, Chinese immersion coordinator, administrators, parents, and the school community to maintain a positive, disciplined, and inclusive culture aligned with Catholic values. The grade school dean oversees grade level chairs, Grade PK-5 school counselor, the Extended Learning director, the school nurse, and the grade school office coordinator (shared with middle level dean).
The grade school dean ensures an innovative Catholic education program by leading in spiritual, academic, and curriculum development, financial and personnel management, student/teacher/program evaluations, public relations, planning, and facility maintenance.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: (The essential functions/major responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)
Spiritual Leadership
· Uphold the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church.
· Be prayerful, faith-filled, and committed to spiritual growth.
· Create an environment for faith and moral development.
· Apply Church documents and religious resources in education.
· Foster the spiritual growth of the school community.
· Lead the school community in prayer.
· Link the school with other Hawaii Catholic schools.
· Integrate gospel values and Christian principles into the curriculum.
· Articulate and direct the Catholic educational vision.
· Recognize and accommodate cultural and religious differences.
· Promote and uphold the Catholic identity of the school in all aspects of its operation.
· Encourage faith formation for students, faculty, and staff through prayer, liturgical celebrations, and retreats.
· Collaborate with the Pastor, Campus Ministry, and Theology departments to integrate Catholic teachings and traditions into school life.
Academic and Curricular Leadership
Student-Focused Responsibilities and Activities
· Develop, implement, and evaluate the curriculum to ensure high academic standards.
· Plan instructional programs aligned with the school's philosophy and mission.
· Encourage instruction that meets diverse student needs and abilities.
· Develop and monitor school improvement programs.
· Assess student programs and their impact on learning.
· Keep students/families informed about school policies, procedures, and activities.
· Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and the principal on academic issues and crisis intervention.
· Acquaint individuals with appropriate agencies for problem resolution.
· Manage and implement student activities with grade level chairs.
· Encourage broad student participation in school programs, including art, music, and athletics, with staff, Campus Minister, and Athletic Director.
Teacher-Focused Responsibilities
· Collaborate with grade level chairs and principal in hiring, mentoring, and evaluating faculty and staff.
· Support teachers in instructional strategies, classroom management, and professional growth.
· Provide guidance to meet diverse student needs and improve instructional quality.
· Promote high expectations and identify areas for staff performance improvement.
· Evaluate the instructional program through strategic goals and continuous supervision.
· Facilitate professional growth through meetings, in-service days, and conferences.
· Oversee academic scheduling, including course offerings, teacher assignments, and student placements.
· Works with extended learning director, department chairs, registrar and principal in creating, offering and conducting a robust summer school program to both grade school Maryknoll students and students from other grade schools (private and public) for either course recovery or advancement.
· Monitor and analyze student performance data to inform instruction and interventions.
· Lead accreditation and strategic planning efforts with faculty.
Grade Level Chairs and Curriculum
· Provide academic leadership and curriculum oversight to grade level chairs, ensuring rigor, alignment with standards, and integration of Catholic values.
· Mentor and evaluate teachers to improve instructional practices.
· Support professional development and training opportunities for teachers.
· Oversee student assessments, monitor performance data, and ensure academic excellence.
· Collaborate on course scheduling and teacher assignments.
· Manage the department’s budget and resources effectively.
· Address academic concerns and ensure a supportive environment for students, families, and faculty.
Academic Advising and School Counseling
· Works with school counselor and registrar (when applicable) on academic issues
· With the school counselor and principal, provides crisis intervention when appropriate.
· With the school counselor and principal, seeks to acquaint individuals with appropriate agencies for resolution of problems.
· With the school counselor and principal, creates and maintains student academic restrictions list.
· Supports and contributes to the creating and maintenance of the course catalog for academic advising and enrollment/reenrollment.
Chinese Immersion Program
· Support curriculum development and alignment with academic standards in the Chinese immersion program.
· Monitor student performance and use data to guide decisions.
· Collaborate with the Chinese Immersion Program Coordinator to observe, evaluate, and mentor teachers, ensuring alignment with Catholic values.
· Communicate effectively about the program to stakeholders.
· Integrate Catholic teachings into the immersion curriculum.
· Partner with Chinese Immersion Program Coordinator, recruit, train, and retain qualified immersion teachers.
· Provide guidance on classroom management, student engagement, and instructional methods.
· Ensure the academic, social, and spiritual needs of immersion students are met.
· Collaborate on interventions and support for struggling students.
· Educate parents and the community about the benefits of immersion education.
· Plan culturally relevant events that honor both Chinese culture and Catholic traditions.
· Regularly review program goals and student outcomes.
· Use data to inform program improvements and resource needs.
· Advocate for resources to support the program’s growth and sustainability.
Administrative Duties and Roles
· Oversee daily school operations, including safety, facilities, and events.
· Monitor staff absences and manage substitute coverage.
· Develop and manage the school budget and resources for the division
· Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and regulations.
· Communicate effectively with parents and the school community.
· Coordinate building use and maintenance with the director of physical plant.
· Collaborate with the CFO and principal on budget monitoring and reporting.