Founding High School Dean of Student Supports (2026-2027)
Description
Organization Overview
Excel Academy is a network of 5 schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that prepares students in grades 5-12 to succeed in high school and college and engage productively in their communities. The majority of our 1,700 students identify as Latinx or Hispanic and will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Families choose Excel because our students consistently outperform their peers in growth and achievement and are 5x more likely to graduate from college.
Excel Academy is a network of 5 schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that prepares students in grades 5-12 to succeed in high school and college and engage productively in their communities. The majority of our 1,700 students identify as Latinx or Hispanic and will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Families choose Excel because our students consistently outperform their peers in growth and achievement and are 5x more likely to graduate from college.
At Excel, we believe that every student—regardless of race, zip code, or economic status—deserves access to a free, high quality holistic education. During their middle school journey with us, students grow at a pace faster than most peers in their state. This is possible through a combination of high expectations, rigorous instruction, and individualized support. At our nationally ranked high school, students achieve at the highest level and are poised for success in their chosen college or career path.
About our Team
Everyday, our team members choose to be positive, drive their own growth, uplift one another, and hold the highest possible beliefs for what students can achieve.
About the Role
The Founding High School Dean of Student Supports (DOSS) will provide focus and specialized support to Student Support Teams, including, but not limited to, Special Education, ELL, and Counseling. This position will report to the Head of School, and will ensure students receiving special education, 504 accommodations, and or ELL services make significant academic and social/emotional gains. The Dean of Student Supports will also manage key instructional roles across the learning support team and learning support leadership team.
Starting Salary: $68 - $107k, commensurate with experience.
Your Impact
Directly manage and cultivate key staff members
Manage Special Education Documentation
Oversee Student Supports and Intervention
- Oversee Special Education Consultants on a school-based level (SLP, OT, School Psych, etc.)
- Manage the implementation and quality of of all Special Education and ELL programming, including Extended School Year
- Coordinate, monitor and evaluate programming on a regular basis to ensure students with special needs have access to high quality programs, supports, and related services
- Hold a high level, holistic, understanding of how students with special needs, 504 plans, and ELLs are accessing academic programming and use data to drive necessary changes with key stakeholders
- Coordination and collaboration with the Network Director of Student Supports, and interim case management, for students that may be considered for outplacement.
- May lead Student Supports Team (SST)
Directly manage and cultivate key staff members
- Manage members of broader Student Supports Teams, which may include, Instructional Learning Specialists, Case Managers, ELL Specialists, Counselors, school Psychologist, and student supports administrators;
- Serve as the leader of school-based Student Supports Teams, including Special Education, ELL, and Counseling, at Excel Academy Charter High school
Manage Special Education Documentation
- Oversee Special Education compliance, including, evaluations, IEP and 504 paperwork;
- Support network and school PAC meetings coordination;
- Serve as Local Educational Agency representative (LEA)
Serve as a productive member of the Administrative Team
- Provide morning and afternoon coverage as specified by the team
- Drive school improvement through participation in quarterly strategic planning cycles and data analysis
- Write, revise and finalize school manuals annually
- Meaningfully participate in weekly administrative meetings and weigh in on school wide decision making
Serve as a productive member of the Excel Community
- Participate in generating and upholding Excel Staff norms
- Provide coverage when needed
- Follow the appropriate protocol when absent to request coverage
- Serve as a member of a GLT and homeroom team:
- Meaningfully participate in Friday meetings, school PD and family conferences
- Do whatever it takes to ensure the mission of the school is fulfilled
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Understand how your identity markers (including race, class, and gender) impact your leadership.
- Demonstrates understanding and respect for the cultures and languages of our communities.
- Solicit and welcome collaboration and feedback from colleagues, students, families and the surrounding community.
- Understand the impact of historical and structural racism and use this lens in your decision-making.
- Take action to demonstrate personal reflections and growth/ be responsive to feedback and lessons learned
Mission Alignment
- You share a commitment to and belief in all students and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel’s values and educational model;
- You are committed to addressing racial and economic inequity in education;
- You work effectively in a team environment and have a willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work; and
- You are open to change, are willing to problem-solve, and seek feedback for your own professional growth and improvement.
Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree is preferred;
- RIDE Certified or in the process of obtaining a Moderate Disabilities License in Special Education (5-12)
Preference will be given to applicants who share points of intersection with our students, such as speaking Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, or a language commonly spoken by our students and families at an advanced level, being first generation college graduates, or having grown up low-income.
Excel Academy Charter Schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, athletic performance, special need, proficiency in the English language or a foreign language or prior academic achievement.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.