SY25-26 - High School Associate Dean

Background:

Washington Leadership Academy (WLA) is a world-class college prep high school in Washington D.C. that prepares students to thrive in the world and to change it for the better. WLA employs college prep academics, computer science instruction, and real world experiences to ensure that students achieve their full potential. WLA fosters a community of wellness where students and staff members feel like family. WLA is one of 10 schools in the nation to be recognized as a “Super School” and awarded a $10 million grant to redesign high school and empower young people.

The High School Dean for 9th and 10th Grade plays a critical role in shaping and maintaining a strong, positive school culture rooted in accountability, respect, and high expectations. Reporting directly to the Director of Culture, the Dean is responsible for leading all disciplinary matters for 9th and 10th grade students, ensuring consistent enforcement of the school’s code of conduct, and fostering student growth through restorative practices and proactive culture-building strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary disciplinary lead for 9th and 10th grade students, handling all behavior infractions in alignment with the school’s code of conduct.
• Implement and maintain school-wide and grade-level behavior systems that promote structure, consistency, and a safe learning environment.
• Collaborate with the Director of Culture to support a unified, school-wide approach to discipline and culture.
• Investigate incidents, document student behavior, and issue appropriate consequences or restorative interventions.
• Build strong, respectful relationships with students to support behavior redirection and promote positive decision-making.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with families regarding student behavior, discipline incidents, and next steps.
• Lead or assist with conflict resolution and restorative circles to mediate peer or staff-student issues.
• Monitor and analyze discipline data to identify trends and inform interventions or adjustments to behavior systems.
• Partner with grade-level teachers, counselors, and support staff to ensure consistent implementation of school expectations.
• Maintain a visible and supportive presence during arrival, transitions, lunch, and dismissal to ensure student safety and compliance with school norms.
• Support the planning and execution of school culture events and incentive programs for 9th and 10th grade students.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; background in education, psychology, or criminal justice preferred.
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience working with high school students in an urban or diverse school setting.
• Deep belief in the potential of all students and commitment to high standards of behavior and academic success.
• Strong conflict resolution, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Experience with behavior management, restorative practices, or student support services preferred.
• Ability to remain calm, consistent, and fair under pressure.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation and follow-up.

To apply:

• Please submit an application and upload a resume here.
As part of the application, you may be asked to submit references, lesson plans, and/or performance tasks

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, and use his/her hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move heavy classroom materials or equipment. The specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision.

Washington Leadership Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is a drug-free workplace. Salary is competitive and is commensurate with experience. WLA provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a retirement plan.

Washington Leadership Academy reserves the right to amend this job description at any time prior to or during employment.