Middle School Dean - Seventh Grade

Riverdale Country School, a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent all-gender school in New York City, is dedicated to inspiring students to live meaningful and purpose-driven lives. The school achieves this by fostering a culture of academic excellence, critical thinking, and curiosity, supported by a diverse and inclusive community. Riverdale emphasizes both high challenge and high support in its approach to education, encouraging students to engage deeply in interdisciplinary learning, research, and experiential education, both inside and outside the classroom and beyond our campuses.

This holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

At Riverdale, we strive to reflect the diversity of the New York metropolitan area in our students, faculty, and staff. We believe that a diverse and inclusive community enriches the educational experience and is integral to our mission. With a student body of approximately 1,300 students from 117 different zip codes, Riverdale is a vibrant community where 48% of our students identify as students of color.

We seek to employ educators and leaders who bring a student-centered approach, passion for their work, a commitment to DEIB, and a desire to contribute to the growth and development of our entire school community.

Riverdale’s Middle School class deans are responsible for the academic and personal growth of nearly 90 students beginning in 6th grade. In the Middle School, the deans are stationary, meaning that each year, in this case, they work with a new class of 6th graders.

The dean reports to both the Head of Middle School and the Assistant Head of Middle School. They are expected to teach two classes, and are expected to work in summer months but for a five week vacation period. All candidates for Riverdale teaching positions should demonstrate an interest in engaging students in an environment that is both supportive and rigorous.

A Bachelor's degree is required;
Masters and Doctoral degree holders will receive additional consideration. Riverdale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Interested and qualified candidates should apply through Lever on our school’s website. The salary range is $130K to $175K.

• Extensive experience with Middle School age students and the Middle School experience, particularly with 6th graders;
• Proven experience and understanding of the social, emotional development of a Middle School student;
• Classroom teaching excellence;
• A desire to connect personally with adolescents;
• The ability both to advocate for students and hold them accountable to high standards;
• The capacity to work effectively in a fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable environment;
• Exquisite written and oral communication skills with attention to detail.
• High organization skills to effectively keep grade records and ability to respond to email in a timely manner.

• Ensure the efficient execution of all 7th-grade programming, events, and daily routines
• Coordinating the team of 7th grade teachers
• Creating the program of study for each individual
• Assisting the students as they select and engage in co-curricular activities;
• Helping students discover and cultivate both academic and co-curricular interests;
• Setting the culture of the class through grade-level meetings, by working with teachers and homebase teachers of the class, and through individual interactions;
• Partnering with families formally and informally to encourage student growth;
• Collaborating with the Middle School team in the day-to-day operations of the Middle School;
• Collaboratively determining and executing disciplinary responses when students violate school rules. Attending school functions, which occasionally are outside of regular school hours, including parent events, student functions, and admission open houses.
• Run orientation programming for new 7th graders.

$130,000 - $175,000 a year

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